2014 cull

Bushbuck

We've been asked by our reserve managers in South Africa to once again assist with their cull in 2014. The even better news is that with the current exchange rates being so favourable, we can offer some spectacular deals.

Ried buck

We have management hunts and trophy hunts available throughout the year, but we would like to think out some of the species before the breeding season hence the offers we have from Feb - May.

Female Kudu

The local issue is one of over grazing and over browsing which has lead to the need to cull. This is a mountainous area where the normal capture methods are impossible, hence the most human management policy is to reduce the numbers by hunting.

Bushpig

As ever with our hunts we add in  a few extras during a safari. Depending on how you're feeling we can head out at night with a lamp for bush pigs or enjoy an afternoons walked up bird shooting for Guinea fowl and Franklin.

Kudu Male

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African Plains Game hunt - The need for Conservation

We are very fortunate to hold a hunting concession in South Africa. Fortunate in that we have 14,000 acres of pristine bush to hunt on and fortunate because there is a defined need for that hunting to support the conservation work being carried out on the reserve.

As many of you will know, the normal state of affairs for any well run game reserve in South Africa that exceeds its carrying capacity in terms of Antelope, is to catch the excess and sell off to other reserves who are in need of a fresh genetic line or just to re-stock.

That seems fine, but it does have a couple of draw backs. The animals are stressed by capture, i.e. being chased by helicopter, caught and transported by truck to an auction for sale, and then on again to the new reserve. In our case it is simply impossible to round up animals using the usual methods i.e. helicopter drives. The terrain is far too mountainous and would result in animals running head long down steep ravines or worse resulting in broken legs and who knows what injuries.

So the answer is to selectively hunt and reduce the numbers of browsers and or grazers to the correct levels. We have a huge problem with the browsers, in that one can see the affect of over browsing across the reserve. We have called in the local nature conservation dept who following our game count and a review of the habitat, have recommended that we remove a minimum of 100 kudu and then listed the other species that should be reduced.

In some ways it is a great testament to the way the reserve has been run, that there is an over abundance of species and also that the problem has been recognised, experts consulted and a solution found.

So, we are able to offer both trophy and management hunts for plains game, as well as some great accommodation and wonderful hunting environment. I mention the accommodation, because we are finding that many hunters wish to bring their significant other (after all a trip to Africa should be enjoyed by every one in the family) and quite right they are. We have a wonderful 4 star lodge which we use for hunting parties, that provides a great hunting base plus a wonderful relaxed luxurious haven for non hunters, who may just wish to enjoy a game viewing safari.

As they say in Africa Happy Days.

Written by Sporting Agent
www.ontrackssportingagents.co.uk

A need for hunting

We're very excited about the hunting opportunities we have in South Africa. We've been asked to help to cull a significant number of plains game animals on a reserve that is owned by friends.
The bottom line is that even with a vast area of around 18,000 acres there are simply too many animals and the reserve have exceeded their carrying capacity.
The reserve owners believe (as we most definitely do) in pragmatic wildlife conservation.
They don't have many options available. Do nothing and over grazing and browsing will lead to unacceptable deterioration in both the habitat and wild animal populations. The usual option in Africa is to catch the animals and sell them to another reserve, but that means chasing the animals with a helicopter into a boma. As the picture below shows, in this mountainous country that will lead to animals falling and breaking bones, not only the target species but all animals.

So the only practical answer is to bring in hunters to thin out the species that need to be reduced. From our point of view, that means that we can offer great hunting in a magnificent pristine bush environment to our guests.

There are some huge trophies that need to be taken off as well as management hunts to reduce female numbers. The beauty of this reserve is that you can decide what you want to take, as you go. Trophy or management hunting, or a mixture of both. The choice is yours.

Written by Sporting Agent
On Track Sporting Agents

Dorset Mixed Day

Dorset Mixed Day

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African plain Game Hunting - We're different to the rest

When it comes to African Plains game hunting, it is easy for the costs to run away with you. That is why we have made our pricing different to others.
Our basic price covers you staying with us and hunting on our reserve. Thereafter what you decide to harvest during your stay is up to you. There is no pressure to take a big trophy, whatever you prefer is fine by us, we just want you to enjoy your time hunting in the African bush.

 

I'm often asked by hunting clients can they eat what they shoot. Of-course the answer is yes, thats absolutley part of any hunt. Our talented cooks will prepare the best cuts from your animal and serve them at dinner during your stay.

 We have a wide variety of animals available, all of which need to be taken off the reserve as part of our management policy to reduce over grazing and pressure on the browse line. Of-course this area is renowned for some huge Kudu bulls. For those who are looking for a nice Kudu bull, then look no further.

Written by Sporting Agent

www.ontracksportingagents.co.uk

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"One of those days that one remembers for a life time".

"One of those days that one remembers for a life time".

That was how four guns from the Midlands described there day with us in Dorset. They joined a small syndicate on an informal 50 bird driven day. And, well, if their complements at the end of the day were anything to go by, I rekon they had value for money.

It turned out to be quite an memorable day for me as well. Not only did our host offer me the opportunity to take a vacant place in the line.

To which I should say I did not do the magnificently presented birds any credit.

And then, when I checked my phone at the close of play there was an urgent message for a client who suddenly had a gap in his schedule and wanted to know if I could set up an African Plains Game hunt. That wouldn't normally be an issue but he wants to go next week!

Frantic phone calls to Africa secured a five day management hunt for Kudu, Waterbuck and Impala. 

Although the hunting season is closed in South Africa, our reserve has an exemption certificate for management hunts and desperately need to thin out some of their herds to avoid over grazing, so all is well.

All I have to do now, is work out if I can get to Africa and back for next Saturdays Duck and Pheasant day! 

Written by Sporting Agent
www.ontracksportingagents.co.uk

Three more months...happy days

Beaters finished a drive. picture by Kat

Pheasant shoot days are back with us.

Three months of sporting days ahead. Fantastic.

Of-course we’ve had quite a few days already, but it’s the next three months that I look forward to most.

I am very lucky that my wife Kat (short for Karen) enjoys the country life as much as I do.

Whether she is covering me if I am away by feeding pheasants in August, dealing with enquiries, or joining me on a shoot day, socializing with old and new friends. Or (as happened last week), helping a rather worried keeper out by taking his landrover to the edge of a drive to stop pheasants bleeding out of one corner and then returning in time for elevenses and a very well earned sloe gin.

For us shooting is all about enjoying a day in the countryside with friends. And at the end of the day, we like to drop into the pub in our village on the way home. Dogs steaming away by the fire. A nice glass of red. And that great feeling of relaxing after a day outdoors.

Three more months……happy days!

Written by Sporting Agent

www.ontracksportingagent.com