Skip to main content

Annual Awards

An Annual General Meeting is held typically just prior to the Dallas Safari Club Convention, but members stay in contact and engage in discussions on a more frequent basis via newsletters, social media, emails and a chat group. Three awards are given annually.
1

The Selous Award

Which recognises hunters who have a deep-rooted passion for African hunting and an abiding love for African wildlife.
2

The Ox of Okavango Award

That recognises PHs in Africa who are contributing immensely to the conservation of game and habitats via their efforts in specific, hands-on projects.
3

Spiral-horned Award

In recognition of PH members’ social media accounts that best portray the hunting experience and the importance of safari hunting in conservation.

The Selous Award

The Selous Award is truly unique. An award both created by and awarded by PHs. This outstanding idea was originally conceived by former APHA President Jason Roussos and one of his hunting clients whilst conversing around a campfire in 2014.
This ultimate African hunting award has nothing to do with trophy sizes or numbers, but instead celebrates a hunter (or hunting couple) with a deep-rooted passion for African hunting, nature conservation, and all things Africana.  A highly respected accolade acknowledging a hunter’s inherent desire to ethically and responsibly hunt African game, as well as his or her abiding love for, and commitment to Africa’s wildlife and wildlands.  No one can recognize the true intentions of why a hunter is hunting our beloved continent better than we African PHs ourselves, and it is a pleasure to annually select an experienced, dedicated, well-deserving recipient of this pinnacle of the pursuit.

Read more
2016 - Peter Flack
2017 - Chris Kinsey
2018 - Mary Cabela
2019 - Manuel Pariente
2020 - Lane Britain
2021 - Gwyn Pirnie
2022 - John and Chrissie Jackson
2023 - Ricardo and Britt Longoria
2024 - Rick Steiner
Original Selous award

Ox of Okavango Award

The Ox of Okavango Award, generously sponsored by APHA Honorary Member Mr. Fred P. Mannix, was inspired by and named after a huge “ox” buffalo that he hunted in the Okavango swamps of Botswana, as a client of Founding APHA Member Robin Hurt. The award's intent is to recognize the importance of big game conservation and that of its required habitat, by helping to fund ongoing essential work efforts. A much appreciated extension of Mr. Mannix’s strong support of conservation through sustainable use.
THE RECIPIENT
Must be a full member of the APHA or, under exceptional circumstances, an Honorary Member of the APHA who is actively involved in the African Hunting Safari Industry but is not a Professional Hunter. Honorary members applying for this award need to be supported by a full member’s written recommendation.
THE TROPHY
The master trophy is a herd of elephants made of solid silver, designed by Mr. Mannix in conjunction with artist Patrick Mavros. On its base is a plaque on which will be inscribed the names of each annual winner. The winner will retain a silver miniature of am individual elephant. In addition, the winner will receive a $5,000 prize to be used to further their good work. This prize will be presented at the APHA’s Annual Function.
The award is to be given annually to the individual full member of the APHA or, under exceptional circumstances and for extraordinary work, the APHA honorary member, who has contributed and achieved the most for big game conservation and its habitat. Its wider significance is to demonstrate that the leading Professional Hunters in Africa contribute immensely to the conservation of game and habitat.
2004 - Robin Hurt Safaris
2005 - Conservation Force
2006 - Gerard Pasanisi
2007 - Keith Roberts
2008 - Kai-Uwe Denker
2009 - Eric Pasanisi
2010 - Conservation Force
2011 - Charles Davy
2012 - Raoul Ramoni
2013 - The Murulle Foundation
2014 - Habitat For Rhino
2015 - Roger and Anne Whitall
2016 - Habitat For Rhino
2017 - Danene Van Der Westhuyzen
2018 - Habitat For Rhino
2019 - Dande Anti-poaching Unit
2020 - No presentation made due to COVID
2021 - Zambeze Delta Safaris
2022 - GAP - Guides Against Poaching
2023 - Daniel Moore - Woodlands Community Trust
2024 - Gary Duckworth - Mokore Safaris APU

Spiral Horned Antelope Award

This award is sponsored by Honorary Member Mr. Christopher Kinsey. The spiral-horned antelopes are renowned and admired for being elegant, poised and regal. Readily recognised and held in high esteem. Alluring characteristics that make them sought after and symbolic of safari hunting programs from the most general to the most specific, by beginning hunters on up to those with vast experience.
THE RECIPIENT
Must be a full APHA member.
THE TROPHY
A beautiful bronze set on a walnut base created by world renowned artist, avid hunter and APHA Honorary Member T.D. Kelsey.
The APHA Spiral-horned Award will annually honour a member whose social media presence consistently delivers stories of conservation through hunting, and the importance of sustainable use of our precious, widely beloved wildlife and natural resources in Africa. Distinctive, attractive posts that appeal to a wide range of audiences. And just as it takes proper time and conditions for a spiral-horn to reach maturity, illustrate the importance of long-term commitment and dedication to responsibly and respectfully representing the professional hunting industry and the various ways it contributes to nature’s future.
The competition is open to all APHA full members who are currently licensed professional hunters in good standing, who can nominate themselves or be nominated by others.
2023 - Rob Lurie
2024 - Mike Angelides