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
