The East African Professional Hunters Association (EAPHA)

A gathering of members of the East African Professional Hunters Association, held in Nairobi, Kenya circa 1968. Most of these fine men are no longer with us. The EAPHA was formed in the early 1900’s. With the closure of Safari Hunting in Kenya in May 1977, the association became defunct. Its members were law abiding, sporting gentlemen with a love for wild places and wild animals.

From the left standing: Bill Ryan, Terry Mathews, John Sutton, Tony Maxton Maller, Bob Reiteneur, Bunny Ray, Bryan Coleman, David Ommanney, Rene Babault, Chis Roberts, unknown, Tony France, unknown, Assn. Secretary Judy Blaeske, Brian Herne, John Alexander, Robin Hurt, Mike Webley, John Lawrence, Mike Keilley, Guy Grant, Kevin Torrens, Freddie Seed, Jens Hessel, Danny McCallum, Peter Behre, Prince Alfie Von Auersperg, Steve Smith, Wilson, Laddy Winca, Mike Hissey and Ken Clarke. Kneeling or sitting: Unknown, Chris Lyon, Theo Potgieter, Tony Dyer (President), Hamid Wali Mohammed, Unknown, Nicky Blunt, Edgar De Bono, David Williams, Glen Cottar, Bill Winter and Ray Palfrey. Photo credit: Judy Blaeske

For over four decades, beginning in 1934, the East African Professional Hunters Association was the premiere, most highly respected organization for setting high standards in safari hunting via codes of conduct, stringent game laws, upholding safari traditions, and protecting wildlands for wildlife. Its membership included some of the most legendary and pioneering PHs in Africa’s hunting history. But in 1977, when Kenya outlawed hunting, EAPHA dissolved.

In 1993, however, expanding safari hunting opportunities throughout the rest of Africa, coupled with an increase in the number of PHs entering the industry, led to concerns about maintaining professionalism and integrity, protecting safari hunting’s interests, and promoting conservation. Hence the renaissance of EAPHA’s principles and motto, that inspired new generations of PHs, in full acknowledgement and respect for the past, to create a new, necessary organization – the African Professional Hunters Association.

First meeting of APHA held in Reno, Nevada. 1994.

From left standing: Danny McCallum, Alick Roberts, Nigel Theisen, Pete Kibble, Mike Barlett, President Valerie Giscard D’Estaing, Tony Sanchez Arino, Philipe Lue, Gerard Pasanisi, Adam Hill, Executive  Officer, Soren Lindstrom, Marc Pechenart, Hon Member.
From left kneeling: Eric Pasanisi, Andre De Kock, Robin Hurt, Derek Hurt and John Jackson (Hon.Member).