Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) welcomes South African Professional Hunter, safari operator and outfitter DJ Meyer as a featured guest on the Hunting Matters podcast. Meyer will share his experience in African hunting and provide practical guidance for hunters planning their first safari, including preparation for dangerous game, ammunition selection and choosing the right hunting operation.
Meyer is a professional hunter, co-owner and outfitter of Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris, a family-operated business established in 2014. Based in South Africa's Free State and licensed to operate in Limpopo and the Northern Cape, Meyer also operates LHS Zimbabwe under his own Zimbabwean operator's license.
Raised on a working farm in a family with generations of hunting experience, Meyer developed his passion for Africa and hunting at an early age. His experience encompasses a wide range of African game, with a particular passion for dangerous game, including elephant and buffalo.
During the Hunting Matters conversation, Meyer will discuss what first-time hunters can expect when traveling to Africa and what professional hunters expect from their clients. He will explain how hunters can prepare for the physical and mental demands of an African safari, from tracking and long days in the field to communicating effectively with their PH and adapting to changing conditions.
The episode will also address one of the most important considerations for hunters pursuing dangerous game: preparation for close encounters and potential charges. Meyer will discuss the importance of understanding animal behavior, following the PH's instructions, maintaining composure and preparing properly before entering the field.
Ammunition selection will be another key topic. Meyer will offer guidance on selecting appropriate ammunition for both plains game and dangerous game, including the importance of bullet construction, penetration, rifle-and-ammunition compatibility and practicing extensively before traveling to Africa.
The discussion will also explore how hunters can choose the right destination for their safari. Meyer will compare considerations involved in selecting hunting areas based on species, habitat, hunting style and wildlife management, as well as the differences between hunting through an established outfitter operation and booking directly with a landowner.
Beyond the hunt itself, Meyer brings a strong interest in wildlife management and conservation. His work includes habitat improvement, water development, anti-poaching efforts and responsible wildlife management. He views hunting as part of a broader conservation model when it is properly managed and conducted with respect for wildlife, habitat and local communities.
Meyer is also a commercially rated fixed-wing pilot, bringing an aviation background in preparation, navigation, risk management and decision-making to his work in remote African hunting environments.
Listeners interested in African hunting, dangerous-game preparation and planning their first safari will find Meyer's firsthand perspective particularly valuable.
About Hunting Matters: Hunting Matters is the official, award-winning podcast of the Houston Safari Club Foundation. Featuring hunters, conservationists, outdoor professionals, and thought leaders, each episode dives deep into the stories that shape the future of wildlife and hunting heritage. Hunting Matters is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as at https://hscfdn.org/hunting-matters-podcast/.
About Houston Safari Club Foundation:HSCF is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org.
