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