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

"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