3 March was World Wildlife Day, one of many special days that are being commemorated. This is one of those days that we should support. The theme was sustainable use of wildlife. Read more about it here.
- SA Hunters and the Corona virus (COVID 19)
By the time you receive this newsletter, it will be general knowledge that three people in South Africa have been positively diagnosed to have been infected with the Corona virus. SA Hunters has no intention to add to the mass hysteria that has been created worldwide, but wish to share the following fact with our members:
- Covid 19 is a notifiable disease that compels doctors and medical staff to report it to the Department of Health (See letter here)
- James Robb, a molecular virologist that researched the group of Corona viruses back in the seventies, provided some handy and practical tips to restrict possible contamination of Covid 19. Read these tips. Do not get upset if your neighbour refuses to shake your hand.
We also share some technical information provided by the Department of Health that can be useful for e.g. training purposes.
- Firearm amnesty
The firearm amnesty is old news. However, it would seem that not many people are making use of it to hand in firearms, probably because they do not trust the Police. We will monitor the process and communicate any urgent developments in this regard
Enquiries: Petrus Swart at (012) 8089300 or petrus@sahunt.co.za
- Hunting affairs
Foot and Mouth disease
The ban on livestock auctions following the outbreak of FMD, has been lifted. Livestock farmers may again offer their animals on auction. Good control measures have been implemented which should help to prevent the spread of FMD.
SA Hunters magazine will publish an article on this outbreak of FMD soon.
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
Trophy measurement
Trophy measuring training courses for 2020 have started off at Hardekool branch in Musina. Members interested in attending such a course, can enquire at their branch chairpersons. If there is sufficient interest, these training courses will be presented at regional level.
Hunting reports
Members are reminded to add relevant activities to their hunting reports on their online profiles on the website. These reports provide valuable information that enables SA Hunters to negotiate deals for our members. These summaries of your registered activities can also serve as motivation for the application of firearm licence for hunting rifles.
Buffalo hunt
SA Hunters managed to obtain a few buffalo (cows) hunting opportunities. Because of the popularity last year, the Board agreed that interested parties could add their names on a waiting list at R500 per person. Transfer R500 to the bank account of SA Hunters at ABSA, account number 01443990077. Use Buffelkoei as reference.
More information is available from Boetie Kirchner by boetiek@sahunt.co.za
Wildlife auction at Allemanskraal Dam
The Free State Province will host its annual game auction at the Allemamanskraal Dam on 14 March 2020. The offer for animals as part of hunting packages is available here. The prices of some of these packages are very reasonable.
- Shooting affairs
It is quiet on this front because the annual competitions have started. The regional shooting competitions follow in quick succession.
Invitation to Australia
The Sport Shooters Association of Australia sent an open invitation to SA Hunters’ members to participate in the biennial Big Game Rifle Shoot in Darwin on 12 and 13 September 2020. The Shooting Committee will coordinate the entries. Anyone interested in this event, can contact Nic Roets at nic@sahunt.co.za. Shottists are encouraged to participate and support this event, which can contribute to strengthening our ties with the SSAA.
- Conservation
The Twenty-Second Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC22) and the Sixth African Forestry and Wildlife Week (AFWW6) will be held in Skukuza Camp, KNP from 9 to 13 March 2020. The African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC) is one of six Regional Forestry Commissions established by FAO to provide a policy and technical forum for countries to discuss and address forest and wildlife issues on a regional basis. It meets every two years. The purpose of AFWC is to advise on the formulation of forest and wildlife management policy; to review and coordinate its implementation at the regional level; exchange information and advise on suitable practices and action in regard to technical problems, and to make appropriate recommendations in relation to the foregoing.
The theme for the AFWC22 and AFWW6 is Forests and Wildlife: Africa’s diversity for shared prosperity and security. SA Hunters will host a side-event in collaboration with the Southern African Wildlife College and SANParks on Biodiversity for Societies in Africa. This will among other aspects showcase the work of the organisation and its partners in growing a responsible wildlife economy that can improve people’s well-being whilst contributing to conservation. This aligns with the theme that will highlight the richness and diversity of Africa’s resources and how it contributes to sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people; creating job opportunities for youth and women; contributing to water-energy-food security and nutrition; and building a foundation for resilience, nations’ economies and prosperity.
- Training
SA Hunters, in collaboration with the Wildlife College, offers training in the hunting of dangerous game. Only members with dedicated hunter status qualify. Each course can accommodate six persons to allow personal attention to each trainee. The course costs R4 000 per person and includes training in two species. The first two people that enrol, will determine which species are covered, e.g. Elephant and Buffalo. Training is available for Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus and Crocodile.
The Wildlife College provides the following equipment: a camp kitchen, camping chairs, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and a grill. Safe storage facilities for groceries are available to keep out the baboons. Other facilities include a water tank, toilet, shower and solar power lanterns. NB: trainees must bring along their own firewood, ice, fridge, food and beverages.
In some instances, accommodation is available, while trainees of other courses will have to provide their own accommodation. Course type 1: Six trainees live in three tents, each equipped with two camping beds and mattresses. Course type 2: Six trainees provide their own tents, mattresses, camping beds or mobile accommodation.
For more information, contact Liesel at (012) 808 9325 or liesel@sahunt.co.za
A letter with more information is available here.
NB: Interested persons much have dedicated hunter status.
Course dates for 2020
2 – 5 April (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
23 – 26 April (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
30 April – 3 May (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
28 – 31 May (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
4 – 7 June (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
25 – 28 June (x 4 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
2 – 5 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
6 – 9 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
9 – 12 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
13 – 16 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
16 – 19 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
20 – 23 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
23 – 26 July (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
27 – 30 July (x 6 places open) (Monday 12h00 to Thursday 12h00) (Type 1)
30 Jul – 2 Aug (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 1)
6 – 9 Aug (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
27 – 30 Aug (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
3 – 6 Sep (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
24 – 27 Sep (x 6 places open) (Thursday 12h00 to Sunday 12h00) (Type 2)
Supply the following information with your booking and payment of the course fee:
- Name and surname
- Member number
- Number of dedicated hunter status
- Phone number
- Preferred date for booking
See the short video that gives an idea of what to expect during this training.
- Hand delivery of SA Hunter
The SA Hunter magazine can be delivered at 10 000 members’ home addresses in the larger towns and cities more effectively than the Post Office.
From April, On the Dot will deliver members’ April copies of the magazine (it will be out in the last week of March) by hand. The magazines are wrapped in green plastic to distinguish it from other post delivered by the Post Office at residential addresses.
Please check that your residential address is correct on the member administration system and send an e-mail to admin@sahunt.co.za
We are aware that there are problems with hand delivery in some instances. Please report problems to admin@sahunt.co.za and explain the problem. We will ask Media24 to attend to it. Take note that the On the Dot delivery will be in a green wrapper. When you phone us with your queries, we will ask you what colour the packaging was.
- SA Hunter (magazine) shooting opportunities in 2020
Our magazine, SA Hunter will be presenting another special shooting event in 2020. The shotgun event was concluded.
- A gong shoot event will be held at Jan Staal du Toit’s shooting range between Ermelo and Amersfoort on 9 May 2020, sponsored by Safari Outdoor. Excellent prices can be won.
More information about these two events is available here.
Membership
The membership of SA Hunters stood at 41 975 paid up members on 3 February 2020. Members that do not pay, are blocked. We trust that we will retain these members and unblock them soon.
Recruit 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.
The Board also decided to appoint agents to recruit new members for the Association. If you are aware of anyone that is not a member of SA Hunters and that travels regularly, and that might be interested in recruiting members, ask them to send their contact details, residential address, the areas in which they travel, and the opportunities that they might have to recruit members for commission, to fredc@sahunt.co.za
SA Hunters will be providing membership application forms at various dealers.
- 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. See the list below of products available at the discounted rate.
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.
As from March, Dovetail Wooden Boxes is part of our provider list that offers 10% discount on any of their products to members of SA Hunters. Have a look at their ammunition boxes advertised in its link below.
- 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.
- HuntEx
HuntEx2020 will be held from 24 to 27 April 2020. Diarise this event and make sure you do not miss this opportunity.
Please note the following:
Friday 24 April: 09:00 – 17:00 is VIP day which is closed for the public and reserved for exhibitors’ guests. A limited number of tickets at R200 each are available for this day on the HuntEx website at www.huntex.net, or phone Dorothy Ras at (012) 8089300. These tickets cost R200 per person.
Saturday 25 April: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday 26 April: 09:00 – 17:00
Monday 27 April: 09:00 – 15:00
The tickets for 25 to 27 April are available at R110 per person online. It saves you time and money because you do not have to wait in the queue at the gates to purchase your ticket, which will cost you R120 per person.
- Memorial publication
The publication of our memorial book has been delayed due to design and production difficulties, but it should be available by the end of March. We apologise for the inconvenience. The final proof looks fantastic!
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.
- IWFF hunting opportunity
The IWWF is once again offering four hunting opportunities that can be won through a lucky draw. It costs R50 per ticket. More information is available here.
- Photo 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 them 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.
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.
- Hunting field. 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
