Importance of Hunting in South Africa |
Over the years many hunting techniques have been developed to improve one’s hunting success of which some are more ethical than others. The hunting ethics of a hunter is reflected in his / her perusing of an animal in a manner which would reflect a fair chase, and with as little suffering as possible, to the animal.
The success of the hunting techniques depends greatly on the species hunted, species' behaviour, species' temperament and the habitat type where the animal is hunted.
Tracking skills and techniques is then very important to locate the animal, identifying the animals spoor and following the blood trail of the animal requires skill, knowledge and a sharp eye. |
| Hunting FAQ's |
Hunting Opportunities : |
 
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- Walk and stalk(Stalking)
- Glassing
- Beating
- Sitting and waiting(Ambush)
- Baiting
- Tracking
- Hunting with dogs
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| Walk and stalk (Stalking) |
Glassing
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Beating |
The most satisfying method by far. Stalking is an incredible hunting experience that outways the other methods by far regarding satisfaction. Being on the same level as the antelope or hunted animal as you're tracking, following and stalking the animal on foot is challenging, though very rewarding.
Stalking is best suited to hunting in Bushveld, Savanna and Forest regions and can be very challenging in hills and plains
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Glassing is ideal in areas where the hunter can hide on a ridge or a koppie and then spot the target animal on the plains below. The animal is then stalked from where it was sighted, taking into consideration the movement of the animal, wind direction etc. |
Beating is used in thick wooded areas, where it is difficult to stalk. The hunter stations himself / herself in front of the beater where he / she can get a clear shot of the animals as they appear in front of the beaters. This method is mostly used during culling in difficult areas. |
| Sitting and waiting (Ambush) |
This method is used in very thick vegetation in forest on animals such as blue duiker. The hunter situates himself / herself near a well used path or an area where the animal is most likely to appear. Using this method requires very good camouflage and more importantly patience of a saint. |
| Tracking |
Baiting |
Hunting with dogs |
Tracking requires the hunter tracking the spoor of the animal and catching up with the animal. Tracking requires a lot of experience and knowledge of the veld and the hunted animal's behaviour. This method is mostly used when hunting elephant and buffalo.
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This method is most commonly used on problem animals such as leopard and lion, which have invaded agricultural or human inhabited areas. Bait (animal carcass) is set out in an area where the problem predator moves and then a hide is set up near the bait .
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Hunting dogs are mostly used for game bird hunting in South Africa, which improves the success of the game bird hunter. Hunting game with dogs in South Africa is not very popular. Taking all this into consideration,it must be said that there is no better substitute for tracking a wounded antelope than with a well trained tracking dog. |
