It is the mission of the International Hunters' Association and its worldwide members to advise, educate and facilitate public enjoyment of the natural world. IPHA embraces the sound conservation practices, suatained utilisation of renewable resources, access to public lands and ethical hunting practices. IPHA is pledged by its bylaws to insure the highest level of professionalism and integrity to the benefit of recreational sport hunters and outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

History

The International Professional Hunters’ Association was born out of a get-together in France in 1967, where it was agreed that an international association should be established to give professional hunters a voice worldwide. Involved in this first meeting were Baron Alexis von Goldschmidt Rothschild, Francois Edmond-Blanc, Bertrand des Clers and Harry Tennison.

Subsequently, at an international gathering in Monte Carlo in 1968, the idea was discussed further as it had become more apparent that an international association to represent professional hunters was needed.

It was agreed that the new association be built around and have a similar structure, bylaws and constitution as the East African Professional Hunters Association.

IPHA was subsequently established in 1969. It maintains a secretariat in Texas, for its four hundred plus members from thirty-one countries around the world.

Who is IPHA.

• The full professional members of IPHA are the worlds top professional hunters. Each has met the most stringent standards for professionalism in the world.
• Full professional membership in IPHA is difficult to attain. Each professional must qualify under a demanding set of professional criteria.
• Violation of IPHA's professional hunting standards will result in an immediate review of the professional member's actions by the IPHA Executive Board, which can lead to a financial penalty and/or expulsion from the professional organization.
• IPHA members are pledged to adhering to the highest standards of professionalism and have agreed to full accountablity to the Association for their actions afield.
• Client hunters who hunt with an IPHA professional are assured by IPHA bylaws to receive the highest level of client protection and full representation before the IPHA Executive Board in all hunt controversies.

Check Your PH's Credentials Before Laying Down the Money

There is a very good chance that if the professional hunter or guide you are contemplating booking a hunt with is not a member of the International Professional Hunters' Association, you may be in for quite a ride, for without accountability to a firmly established behavioral and ethical governing body . . . some professionals may not be what they appear to be.

The professional members of IPHA are different . . . they adhere to a worldwide standard of excellence. They are fully accountable for their every action. By so being, you are assured of a quality hunting experience every time you go afield.

Before You Book . . . Look!

If the professional hunter, outfitter or guide you are about to book with is not an IPHA full professional member, red flags should go up . . . bells should begin to ring.

Check his credentials before you book.
Protect yourself. Book your next hunt with the man or woman who wears the black badge.

You owe it to yourself. Think of it as hunting insurance.