Inyathi Park News April 2021

The hunting season has arrived. In some homes, the freezers are already packed and biltong is nearly out.

Expired licences and the Fidelity Security Services court judgement

The judgement of the Supreme Court of Appeal in the Fidelity Security Services resulted in the distribution of incorrect information. Some publications announced that this judgements allows anyone whose firearm licence had expired to apply for a new licence for that firearm, and that such a person does not have to wait for the next amnesty to do so

This is not correct. SA Hunters advises members not to follow this route because you are in illegal possession of a firearm, and the Police will not accept your application.

In 2016, all police stations were informed not to accept any late licence renewal applications. This policy has not been amended. The SAPS’ electronic system has been amended not to accept any renewal applications for lapsed licences.

The Fidelity Security Services’ judgement does not apply to ordinary citizens, and SAPS could still appeal to the Constitutional Court. Please do not pay attention to these news reports claiming that that renewal of expired firearm licences was possible.

A copy of the decision is available here.

We still receive enquiries from people with expired firearm licences that do not know what to do. The most important tip is to renew your licence in time to avoid such a situation. We remind members to use the facilities on our website to enter the expiry date of their firearm licences on their personal profile on the member administration system. The system will automatically send firearm owners reminders to renew their firearm licences renewals ahead of time.

Ministerial high level panel on the management of elephant, lion, rhinoceros and leopard

The panel of experts appointed by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) to advise her on the management, trade, breeding and hunting of elephant, rhinoceros, lion, and leopard, has concluded its task, and submitted its report to Cabinet for approval. On Sunday 2 May, the minister Barbara Creecy released the report and its recommendations.

Besides proposing specific interventions to resolve key issues in the sector, the report also provides for a re-conceptualised wildlife sector for people and wildlife in South Africa that focuses on thriving wild and wild managed wildlife populations. SA Hunters was among the stakeholders that provided input.

The 582-page report with its long list of recommendations, was approved by cabinet for release and implementation by DFFE. It is worth noting, that the panel members with their diverse backgrounds, had reached consensus on most recommendations, except for areas that dealt with captive breeding of lion and rhino, and the trade in rhino horn. The Minister adopted the majority views in the latter two instances, which included, closing down of the captive lion breeding industry.

The minister announced that “the panel identified that the captive lion industry poses risks to the sustainability of wild lion conservation resulting from the negative impact on ecotourism which funds lion conservation and conservation more broadly; the negative impact on the authentic wild hunting industry; and the risk that trade in lion parts poses to stimulating poaching and the illegal trade”. She acknowledged that South Africa must halt and reverse the domestication of lions through captive breeding and keeping. She also stressed that the recommendations are not against authentic hunting of wild lion.

At the SA Hunters Congress in 2015, SA Hunters passed a policy position against the shooting of intensive and captive bred wildlife, including predators. The Association conducted research, gave scientific input, and presented at various forums on the negative impacts this practice has on the reputation of responsible hunting and the sustainability of the wildlife sector. These concerns were supported by conservation organisations such as the Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation, that gave a joint presentation with SA Hunters in parliament as part of the colloquium on the captive lion breeding industry. Other responsible hunting organisations throughout Africa, prominent international hunting organisations and the IUCN, that provides sound international policy guidelines on conservation and sustainable use, echoed the risks associated with the captive lion breeding industry and the reputational risks to authentic hunting and tourism experiences.

However , there are other organisations in the wildlife sector (hunting and breeding) in South Africa that support the captive breeding and shooting of wildlife, including lions.

With respect to rhino horn trade, the panel recommended the phasing out of captive rhino populations and the development of solutions that allow for optimal conservation outcomes for captive and semi-intensive populations. The minister adopted that trade in horn from captive rhino will not be officially supported/and or approved until the recommendations of the committee of inquiry and Rhino Action Plan, as approved by cabinet, have been addressed.

It was noted that in the future, all rhino horn (including from captive specimens) may be permitted for trade if approved by CITES. The Minister acknowledged that urgent consultation with private owners of captive rhino breeding operations is necessary to plan for their coherent integration into a national long-term strategy for rhino conservation, social transformation and tackling illegal rhino horn trade, consistent with the Rhino Action Plan.

Attention will be given to innovative short-term incentivisation for private rhino owners. It was approved that the trend towards captive rhino populations and intensification of management must be reversed and that it must include reintroduction to the wild in South Africa, and other range states that offer safe destinations, subject to assessments of adequate security at identified destinations.

SA Hunters will work through the full report and its many recommendations in due course and provide members with a more comprehensive update on all recommendations. Meanwhile, members can read the full report here.

Establishing of the Sustainable Use Coalition

A group of hunters and hunting related organisations recently established the Sustainable Use Coalition (SUCO), which comprises CHASA, PHASA, NHSA, Wingshooters, WRSA, and the True Green Alliance.

It is important to understand that each of these organisations at some stage, expressed their support for the intensive and selective breeding of game, including predators, for hunting purposes. SA Hunters, on the other had, already passed a resolution at its congress in 2015, that the Association does not support the intensive and selective breeding of game and predators.

In 2006, SA Hunters was part of the initiative to establish HAWASA (Hunting and Wildlife Associations of SA) as a forum for game and hunting interest groups to engage with government. Most of the above organisations are also members of HAWASA.

In a media statement in April the Sustainable Use Coalition (SUCO) mentioned that this body represents “all major role players in the hunting industry” , which is not true SUCO does not represent SA Hunters, even though we are one of the major role players in the wildlife sector. We will continue to support conservation and the sustainable utilisation of wildlife, including, responsible hunting, and thereby ensure that we secure the future of authentic hunting. In line with SA Hunters’ view, the high level panel’s report highlights that not all use is responsible use and that all role players in the wildlife sector must continue to ensure that our actions are ecologically sustainable, economically efficient, and socially responsible.

Amnesty

It was reported in the media, that a new firearms amnesty would be announced soon. SA Hunters has been inundated with queries in this regard. There is no confirmation of any such announcement, but we will inform members immediately should an amnesty be announced.

Hunting licences and permits

With the opening of the hunting season, it is important that hunters know which permits and licences they will need. Northwest province made considerable changes to its regulations. SA Hunters summarised all the provincial permit and licence requirements, which is available here.

SA Hunters national office can issue the following hunting licences in six provinces: Gauteng (birds), Mpumalanga (birds), Free State (birds and game), Eastern Cape (birds and game), Western Cape (birds and game), KZN (protected and ordinary game). Phone Vanessa Bell on (012) 808 9300 for assistance. An example of the permission letter issued by landowners is available here.

Landowners that are members of SA Hunters and that have warthog and bush pig available for hunting, can register their hunting destinations online for free on SA Hunters’ website. This will enable them to issue transport licences for wild pig meat from their offices. More information is available here.

Hunters that plan to hunt across our border, are advised to apply for the firearm export permits well in advance, because there are long delays with the processing of these permits at SAPS offices.

Phone Vanessa Bell by (012) 8089300 for assistance with meat import licences. Also visit OPHAA’s website https://ophaa.org to check if the hunting outfitter that you have chosen is from a reputable outfit. The Covid-19 regulations that apply in other African countries, are available hier.

Hunting scams

It is sad but true! There are despicable individuals on social media that market hunting destinations that do not exist. Once a deposit has been paid, they disappear with your money. Or worse, you arrive at your destination just to find out that the landowner knows nothing about your booking. Please take care when booking at an unknown destination. SA Hunters received many complaints about so-called hunting outfitters that are fly by night operations.

Members should also take care that their firearms are safely stored during hunts, in and around hunting camps, and when stopping at petrol stations.

SA Hunters and social media

SA Hunters reaches a wider target audience to market the Association on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Follow us on https://web.facebook.com/SAJagtersHunters (@SAJagtersHunters) en Twitter @SAJagters

Join the discussion and share with your friends and members. The SA Hunters Conservation page on Facebook is well known and share information and news on conservation activities.

Shooting Affairs- Training for dedicated sport shooter status

SA Hunters offers is training for Dedicated Sport Shooter status online. The training manual and training procedures are available at https://secure.sahunters.co.za/MemberCourses.aspx].

Branches still offer the training at their facilities for those members that prefer this method. Enquire at your branch. A complete list of all branches’ contact details is available at http://cw.co.za/index.php/branches-takke/branches

Dedicated status

SA Hunters has 16 896 members with dedicated hunter status of which only 5255 have registered sufficient activities to retain their status for 2021. There are 13 174 members with dedicated sport shooter status of which only 2 782 meet the requirement to retain their status in 2021 We remind members to register their activities to avoid cancellation of their dedicated status at the end of 2021.

Repeat messages

Photograph competition

The Association has introduced a new adjudication process for the SA Hunters Photography Competition. Judges will assess the photographs according to the themes for the relevant year and provide constructive feedback on a score sheet to the photographer to encourage members to improve their skills.

Certificates are awarded as follows: 60-74% Bronze, 75 – 89% Silver, 90-100% Gold.

See instructions to enter and the rules here.

Last month’s entries can be viewed here on our website.

Categories for the 2021 competition

Conservation in action: Photographs that illustrate conservation and community service by members and branches.

Plants and animals: Photographs of plants and animals, including landscapes, birds, reptiles, and insects. Please remember that this category does not include [photographs of hunted animals.

Our cultural heritage: Photographs that demonstrate our celebration of our culture, country ,and all our people.

Photography Workshops

SA Hunters is planning photographic workshops at branches and regions to promote the development of members’ photography skills. The training will comprise three levels, i.e., novice, advanced and master photographer, or a combination of these. Certificates of attendance will be issued.

To assist us with our planning and implementation, members and branches that are interested in these workshops, are requested to send their names, region, and branch, contact number and photography skill level to sahuntphoto@gmail.com

Special offers

SA Hunters negotiated special discounts for its members with various dealerships. Some of these deals are only available for a certain time.

Media 24 Products

Media 24 offers a special deal to members to receive the complete product range of electronic news at the cost of only R75 per month. Read more here.

Most outdoor, travel and camping publications did not survive the Covid-19 restrictions or had to rein in their operations drastically. Two entrepreneurs took the brave step to enter this market segment with a new magazine, Adventure Afrika. The regular subscription is R430 for twelve editions. They are offering it to SA Hunters at only R350 for 12 editions. Read ore here.

Adventure Africa is a new, exciting, and diverse 4×4, camping, overlanding and lifestyle magazine. Currently in its fifth edition, it is filled with adventures and trips criss-crossing the country and continent. Subscribe now stand a chance to win a getaway for two to Mapesu Private Game Reserve, near Mapungubwe. Subscription for 12 months is R430 but discounted to R350 for members! Send an email to mary@4x4afrika.com to find out more (use SAH/Subs in subject line).

Doctari Knives

The Doctari knife project with its ivory handle and logo has resumed. The ivory is from the Nico van Rooyen trophy stock. Place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. There are only 50 knives available.

Pay R5 500 in SA Hunters bank account no 01443990077; branch code 632005, and use the reference Mes and your mobile number. Send proof of payment to admin@sahunt.co.za

Memorial publication

The memorial publication is now available to order in two options:

The book is in A4 format and available with an ordinary cover at R300 per copy, or 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.

Buck knives

There are only 220 items left in this limited series of 500 Buck knives at R1 000 each. These knives have ivory inlays on the handle with the SA Hunters logo engraved. Transfer R1 000 by EFT into SA Hunters back account at ABSA, account number 01443990077. Use your member number and Knipmes as reference. Send proof of payment, your member number and contact details to Realda Goosen at realda@sahunt.co.za

Sale at SA Hunters’ Shop

SA Hunters decided to reduce the clothing stock in its store and to change its product range. Various items are available at discounted prices. Enquiries: Rene at (012) 8089300 of rene@sahunt.co.za

Humansdorp Co-op

During May 2021 Humansdorp Kooperasie offers bulk ammunition to branches at special prices. Place your order through the branch to benefit from the special price.

The special offers available are:

Lapua .22 ammunition in SK, SK Standard Plus and SK Magazine

9 mm Par ammunition in Sellier en Bellot, ZVS en Winchester

7,62X51 (308 Win) FMJ – surplus ammo is available at reasonable prices.

Lapua .22 ammunition in SK, SK Standard Plus and SK Magazine

9 mm Par ammunition in Sellier en Bellot, ZVS en Winchester

7,62X51 (308 Win) FMJ – surplus ammo is available at reasonable prices.

Support to members

Many of our members have been adversely affected by Covid-19 circumstances. Below are some opportunities from members to members. Please support them:

Retha van der Walt and two other co-authors published a new book on Fungi and Lichens of the Limpopo Province. This book is based on Retha’s research on wild fungi en lichen that are found in the Limpopo province. It is difficult to believe that more new species are discovered regularly. Some of these species are well known in other parts of the world but discovered in the Limpopo Province and Limpopo Valley for the first time recently. Albeit a scientific publication, it provides interesting reading. The regular price is R380 plus postage. Retha offers 10% discount to members of SA Hunters, which means the book is available at R342 plus postage. Read here for more detail.

Good quality, dry bushveld firewood available at reasonable price in Pretoria area. More information here
Game meat recipe book: Members qualify for R50 discount per copy. Ouma Leonè de Lange gives R50 discount and donates R50 to SA Hunters for every recipe book sold on https://www.ouma-se-wildsboek.co.za Use the “SAHUNT” promotion code when placing your order. This recipe book is perfect for the hunter, includes 220 recipes to make around the camp-fire, with conversion tables for weights and oven temperatures, and the velocity of several calibres.
Oom Fanie Combrink, former co-owner of Magnum Arms in Nelspruit, has retired. He wrote a booklet, Handboek vir die Jagter, in which he shares his life experiences on hunting, designing firearms, reloading of ammunition, guns and spares, scopes, and the shape and construction of ammunition. It is an easy-to-read booklet with clear explanations of complex physics.

The booklet is available to members of SA Hunters at R170. Oom Fanie suggests that members order together or place bulk orders through their branches to reduce the cost of postage. Place your order at faniecombrink@gmail.com

Hunting affairs

Winner of Archer’s Rock Safari

Attie Nel of Springbok Branch won the Archer’s Rock Safari hunting opportunity worth R50 000. Enjoy the hunt, Attie.

Thank you to Archer’s Rock Safaris for this wonderful prize.

Membership

Recruit members for commission

SA Hunters has 43 931 members.

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 wants to receive the same material, can enquire with Dorothy Ras by dorothy@sahunt.co.za

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.

Please note that delivery could take longer than usual.

Visit the following websites for more information:
1. humkoop.co.za
2. co.za
3. 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 or e-mail addresses:
1. Telephone numbers
  1. (042) 2910431
  2. (042) 2951501