At the time of preparing this newsletter, we have reached late evening of day 34 of lockdown. It is indeed a strange experience for us and the rest of the world where similar situations prevail.
- SA Hunters and Corona virus (COVID-19)
President Ramaphosa already informed us that the country will scale down from level 5 (total lockdown) to level 4 (some business opening and allowed to conduct business while a travel ban is still valid.)
The government’s policy decisions by the Department of Health are clearly informed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The main principle is that Covid-19 transfers from human to human very easily. While restricting movement, we can restrict the spread of the virus.
This link provides valuable background information on the government’s policies. Some information might be old, but it provides insight into the approach.
I have just received the amended regulations applicable to level 4. In these hunting is explicitly included under agriculture as part of the essential services. Unfortunately, the protocol describing exactly what is required is not available yet. The principles are clear. We are restricted to remain at home and we are restricted to travel between provinces. The logical conclusion is we should be allowed to hunt in the “home province” subject to specific conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions are not clear yet. You will find the regulations here.
The second document may be handy for members who are also employers. This document provides the principles governing the opening of business and the specific requirements to be met. There is clear differentiation between medium/large business and small business. It more or less looks like small business in all sectors listed should be able to resume on condition the set requirements are met. The regulations are available here.
- Hunting in 2020
There are some people that claim that hunting will be allowed in level 4. Others speculate that hunters will not be allowed to sleep over on farms and that travel restrictions across provinces would continue. There is a process underway towards determining the nature of restrictions.
The draft regulations made available on Saturday initially included hunting but were then amended to exclude hunting. A timeframe was provided for submitting comments and proposals to government to be included in the final regulations. During the past weekend role-players from the wildlife and hunting sector had worked very hard to prepare input, which was submitted to the relevant authorities on Tuesday, 28 April. Boetie Kirchner en Lizanne Nel represented SA Hunters in these discussions, and we are very grateful for their hard work.
We trust there will be a positive change for our sector. Do not speculate or distribute incorrect information. The new regulations were just received and now definitely include hunting, but without the availability of the detailed protocols. As we receive more information we will certainly make this available.
- Firearms amnesty and renewal of firearm licences
The firearms amnesty is old news. With the implementation of lockdown SAPS informed us that the amnesty was suspended for the duration of the lockdown. Likewise, I was informed that the time for applying for the renewal of firearm licences that expire during the lockdown, would be extended.
In a response to a query from lawyer and to Afriforum last week, the Minister of Police sent two different messages.
Firstly, the Minister said that parliament had to be approached to extend the firearms amnesty, which is correct. The law requires that only parliament may approve an amnesty.
The second message has been widely interpreted that the Minister had agreed to accept late applications for renewal of licences after the lockdown. I differ from that view because of the following:
The Minister’s letter stated: “In liaison with the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, who is the Registrar of Firearms, the assurance can be given that applications for the renewal of firearms licenses and competency certificates in respect of which the 90 days limit expired during the lockdown period will still be accepted as long as the license is still valid”
Most people interpreted the “will still be accepted” incorrectly and miss the crux if the rest of the message that states: “as long as the license is still valid”
Therefore, if you licence expires during the lockdown, apply for renewal at your nearest police station. Do not wait for the lockdown to end, because it will be too late. If the licence expired, you will be forced to hand in the firearm under the amnesty. Read the Minister’s letter here if you want to read it for yourself.
If the Police refuse your application, ask for written explanation with a date stamp and resubmit your renewal application after lockdown has ended. Keep copies of all documents for future reference. We will need those if we want to help you.
- Shooting affairs
The Shooting Committee is well aware of the frustrations among shottists that cannot go to the shooting range. The Committee is considering various options. The regulations of the lockdown level 4 will determine which options can be implemented. The Committee plans to submit a proposal to the Board at the end of May.
André van Heerden and the shooting committee finalised the awarding of regional colours. Thanks to André and the committee for completing this work.
- S 361 Powder from Rheinmetall Denel Munitions
I refer to the special newsletter distributed over the weekend, that cautioned members about the use of S 361 powder used for reloading. It was discovered that tins labelled as S361, contained S341 powder. A member’s firearm was badly damaged because he used S341 powder labelled as S 361. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured.
Seen the statement from Rheinmetall Denel Munitions here. It clearly shows the tin marked as S 361 while the sticker at the bottom of the tin says S 341. Rheinmetall Denel requests that anyone that has any of these tins, should take it back to the dealer and ask to swop it for S 361,
Any member that suffered damage because of the incorrect labelled powder, can contact André van der Merwe who will assist you with claims.
- Hunting affairs and conservation
SA Hunters is part of a group of organisations that are making representations to the government towards restarting the economy during lockdown as a result of Covid 19.
The hunting affairs and conservation team compiled a questionnaire to assess the economic impact of Covid-19 on the wildlife and hunting sector and other related businesses. We appeal to members that are game ranchers, professional hunters, and regular farmers with game on their land, game meat processing activities, taxidermists and anyone involved in wildlife and photography tourism to complete the questionnaire which is available here.
We also include a second questionnaire specifically focused on Professional Hunters and Hunting Operators. We would like to collect certain information from this group of members, hence this questionnaire for your attention, with the request that you attend thereto. The information required is not so exact that it would do any damage but it is important to us to enable us to improve the service we render to you. The questionnaire is available here.
- Hunting affairs
For the moment we know we cannot hunt as normal yet, but we may just be able to hunt in a limited way. When the regulations and protocols are made available, we will have more information and will definitely forward these to you. Hunting has not been restricted, but travel has. Only essential travel qualifies for travel permits. The restriction that accommodation may not be made available, will remain. Therefore, it is unlikely that we will be able to hunt as we would normally do.
Hunting opportunities sponsored by Archers Rock Safaris
Archers Rock Safaris offered a hunting opportunity to the value of R50 000 that members can win with a lottery ticket of R50. The hunting package is available for either rifle, bow or a combination of both. It includes:
One kudu bull up to 52 inch, one blue wildebeest bull up to 29 inches, two impala rams up to 22 inches, and one warthog with up to 12 inch tusks; free accommodation in five star lodge for two hunters or one hunter and one guest for four nights and five hunting days; and a free spa treatment. All meals, transport, cool room facilities and guides are included.
The hunting destination is in the Gravelotte region and available between 1 July and 30 October 2020. Read more about this offer from Archers Rock Safaris.
To stand a chance to win this prize:
- Transfer R50 or multiple amounts of R50 (for more chances to win) electronically to the bank account of SA Hunters at ABSA, account number 01443990077.
- Use your mobile phone number and Archers as reference.
Entries close on 15 June 2020. SA Hunter will use your mobile phone number for the lucky draw.
Direct any queries to Boetie Kirchner at boetiek@sahunt.co.za
- Conservation
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, various animal rights groupings put pressure on governments to ban the trade in wildlife products and the use of meat. In response, the Association – and also in collaboration with other members in the wildlife sector – wrote letter to the media, the government and international organisations such as the WHO. Some of these articles and letters are available on the website. We also represented members’ interest in our discussions about the pandemic with the government.
Panel of Experts
Members are reminded that they have until mid-May to submit comments to the panel of experts appointed by the Minister of Environment on the management, breeding, hunting and trade in elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. Full information about this matter is available here and on the SA Hunters website. Written submissions, scientific information, socio-economic information or any other relevant information that will enable evaluation and assessment of current practices, regulatory measures and policy positions can be sent to submission2HLP@environment.gov.za.
Enquiries: Ms Pamela Singh at 012 3998740 or prsingh@environment.gov.za
- Magazines
The distribution of both SA Hunter and Magnum magazines is also subject to the lockdown restrictions. The May editions should be on the shelves by 27 April, while the June editions should be available by 20 May. Both the May and June editions will be delivered to subscribers from 11 May.
Meanwhile, Media 24 offered vouchers for free access to the electronic version to members that are subscribers. If you receive your copy of the magazine at home, and you prefer to receive the electronic version, please phone Michel Schoeman at michel@sahunt.co.za
- Membership
Recruiting members for commission
The Board agreed that a member or a branch that recruits ten or more members per year, can earn commission of between R100 to R150 per member. More information is available here.
SA Hunters distributed membership application forms at various dealers. Any member that wish to receive the same material, can enquire with Dorothy Ras by dorothy@sahunt.co.za
It has been relatively quiet on the membership drive. While you have time, consider phoning a few friends and invite them to join the Association.
- Ivory project
The Doctari ivory knife project is back on track after we fell behind with orders and deliveries. This project entails the production of knives with ivory handles from the Nico van Rooyen ivory stock. Only 150 knives will be made. Place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 100 knives have already been ordered.
Transfer R5 500 in the bank account of SA Hunters at Absa, account number 01443990077; branch code 632005. Use Knife and your mobile number as reference. Please send the proof of payment to admin@sahunt.co.za
- Commercial affairs
In November 2019, SA Hunters signed an agreement with Humansdorp Koöperasie that gives 5% discount on the regular prize of a range hunting and shooting products to members of SA Hunters. See the links below for information about the discounts.
In April the following special offers are available. Please note that deliver of items will only resume after suspension of the lockdown period.
Any Lothar Walther barrel 10%+5% = 15% discount
Any Bartlein and Broughton barrel 5%+5% = 10% discount
All Hornady shells nod points for reloading 5%+5% = 10% discount
All Lapua shells and point for reloading 5%+5% = 10% discount
- Visit the following websites for more information:
- humkoop.co.za
- co.za
- co.za
- Place orders telephonically or with e-mail.
- You must be a paid-up member and provide your member number to enable Humansdorp Koöperasie to check your status.
- Place your orders with Eduan du Toit, Cheryl Coetzee or Riaan Vermaak at any of the following numbers ore –mail addresses:
- Telephone numbers
- (042) 2910431
- (042) 2951501
- Telephone numbers
- iii. (042) 2951082
- E-mail addresses
Your order will be dispatched by courier or other delivery method as soon as the money has been received and after the suspension of the lockdown period.
SA Hunters’ members score points for buying a new Toyota vehicle
Toyota’s financial year ends in March 2020. All documents or information about the vehicle bought between 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020, should be submitted before the end of May to qualify for MyBonus points.
Send an invoice and NATIS registration documents to info@mybonus.co.za before the end of May 2020. If you do not have the documentation, inform MyBonus by e-mail to info@mybonus.co.za or send a WhatsApp to 072 931 9630,that you purchased a new Toyota vehicle and they will ensure that the points are allocated to you.
The complete list of service providers that offer special discount to members of SA Hunters, are available below. Please note that the majority of these suppliers are closed during lockdown.
- Humansdorp Koöperasie
- Toyota SA
- Westvaal Nelspruit
- Wildman Hunting and Outdoor
- Hokaai Slaghuis
- Die Wildshoekie Vleismark
- LAVA Vakuumverpakking
- Selftrack
- MAINSU Kragopwekkers
- Cens Digital Gehoorbeskerming
- Uitlaatstelle van De Graaf Autosentrum in Van der Hoffweg Pretoria
- Helle-messe
- Nitecore Flitse
- Fitch and Leedes
- Otterskloof
- Cassie Nienaber – Ladingontwikkeling en Herlaai
- Archers Rock Safaris
- Dovetail Wooden Boxes
Click here for more information about any of the above-mentioned benefits.
- Dedicated Status
We usually have until end of October to register activities towards retaining dedicated status. Members om farms have the opportunities to shoot but the rest of us in towns and cities cannot do that. We can reload as the only activity for dedicated hunter status. We might have to make a different arrangement this year. We will let you know of any developments in this regard.
- HuntEx 2020
With the implementation of lockdown in South Africa, the dates for HuntEx 2020 was postponed to 28 – 30 August 2020. Diarise the new date and make a plan to attend. The show will be open from 08:00 to 18:00 on all three show days. Members can buy tickets online at www.huntex.net
- Memorial publication
The lockdown also delayed the printing of our book. The final book is with the printers and work will continue once lockdown has been suspended.
The book is in A4 format and available in two versions: one with an ordinary cover at R300 per copy, and a luxury version bound in buffalo leather at R1000 a copy of which only 100 copies will be available.
To order your copy:
- Transfer the correct amount (R300 for the ordinary version or R1 000 for leather bound version) in SA Hunters’ bank account at Absa, account number 01443990077.
- Use your member number and Book as reference. Check that you enter your member number correctly to ensure that we can process your order.
16. Photography competition
SA Hunters’ annual photo competition will go ahead in 2020. The purpose of the competition is to compile a portfolio of the best photographs that our members have taken during the year. We will upload the photographs on our website and use it in presentations and advertisements at events such as the gala evening of our annual congress.
At the end of each month, we will choose photographs to add to our portfolio and publish them on www.cw.co.za Gold, silver and bronze certificates will be awarded to the best photographs. April’s finalists will be published on the web shortly after the end of the month
Our sponsor donated a new camera for the winner of the best photograph. The prize will be handed over to the winner during the congress gala evening at the end of the year. We are also trying to obtain more prizes for different categories.
Our categories for the 2020 competition are:
- Our Heritage. Any landscape, plant or animal life (including birds and insects) that represents our country and neighbouring countries natural heritage.
- The Hunter. Photos depicting people or animals’ hunting experiences and actions. Please remember that this category does not include photos of hunted animals. Send those photos to the magazine’s Bokspog.
- Man in Nature. Any photos where people interact with nature.
Read here how to enter.
Kind regards
Fred Camphor
SA Hunters: CEO
