2020 was no regular for year for anyone in RSA. This coming weekend, SA Hunters would have held its annual congress, but Covid 19 prevented it. It is certainly a year that none of use wishes to repeat.
- Structure of newsletter
We start with the new and important information first, followed by the regular news.
Therefore, members can get up to date with fresh news first and read other information later.
Fresh News
- Old Green Licences
The first discussions were held between the legal teams of SA Hunters and the Police about the possibility to recall the validity of all existing green licences. Some common ground has been found.
It was agreed that SA Hunters would submit proposals to SAPS for a process to allow reasonable and just processes to recall the old licences that would allow for a fair chance to migrate the old licences to new licences for those that wish to keep their firearms with green licences.
It is too soon to say much more about this, except that the Board is carefully optimistic that a meaningful solution would be found. We will keep members informed. Should the Police be unwilling to agree to a fair process, SA Hunters would oppose the SAPS court application to recall the 2009 court order.
- Firearm Amnesty
Half the duration of the new amnesty period from 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021 had passed, leaving us with 60 working days of the amnesty. . Members whose firearm licences lapsed and that no longer want these firearms, can use the amnesty to hand these in or another person that wants the firearm, can hand it in and apply for a licence.
Focus of Amnesty
The Minister of Police wants to use this amnesty to have all firearms with expired licences, to be handed. To achieve this, at least 4 500 firearms per day would have to be handed in during the amnesty. That is unlikely to happen. Only time will tell.
Advice to members
Members with illegal firearms, or with firearms with expired licences for which they did not apply for renewal in time, should hand the firearms in under the amnesty and apply for a new licence. The following is important:
- You must be competent to own a firearm. Make sure that your competence is in order and renewed as required by law.
- You must hand the firearm in under the amnesty. There is no other option.
- Apply for a new licence within 14 days from handing in the firearm. It is better to apply for a new licence when you hand in the firearm.
- Ensure that all documentation for the licence application is correct and complete. It will improve your chance of obtaining a licence.
- The person that hands in the firearm, may apply for a new licence within 14 days.
- Veldfires in the Free State
We all know that large areas of the western Free State, North West and Northern Cape have burnt down due to arson. We empathise with those who have been affected and that lost loved-ones in these tragic events. SA Hunters wishes to help where possible.
Two SA Hunters’ regions have launched support initiatives.
The Free State region started a group in collaboration with Free State agriculture. More information is available here.
The Eastern Cape also launched a fund. Click herefor more information about where to donate.
We call on all our members to contribute to existing funds for farmers and some of our members that are battling to keep heads above water, and feed their livestock. There are people that lost everything and also lost loved-ones in the fires.
- Social Media and Communication
WhatsApp and Facebook offer powerful and effective means of communication but can also cause damage through irresponsible and inconsiderate posts.SA Hunters provided guidelines on the management of WhatsApp and Facebook platforms to branch management committees..
We kindly request members to pay attention to the content of their messages about hunting and firearms that they post on their personal or branch WhatsApp and Facebook pages. Irresponsible conduct on social media can damage the image and reputation of individuals, branches, hunters, and firearm owners in general. It paves the way for activists to put hunting, hunters, and firearm owners in a very bad light.
The guidelines are available here.
- Hunting Affairs
Wild Pig Permits
SA Hunters’ online system for registered land-owners to issue permits for the transport of wild pig meat, proved to be a huge success. 330 hunting farms have registered, and already issued 1677 permits. The system is quite simple, and we have extended the authority to issue permits. Land-owners can still register. More information about the online permit system is available here.
Cancellation of Hunting Shows
The international increase in Covid 19 infections, forced event organisers of international hu7nting shows and conferences to cancel their 2021 events. Click here for the SCI’s media release on the matter. The NRA’s release is available here.
Specials on Hunting Opportunities
The reopening of national borders of African countries since level 5 of Covid 19 lockdown, and the imminent closing of the traditional hunting season, have led to an over supply of relatively cheap cross-border hunting opportunities.
We advise members to be cautious about misleading advertisements about hunting. Be careful and be alert! Be extra careful not to be conned!
If you are interested in any of these opportunities that might become available, insist on documented proof that the hunting outfitter is registered with the relevant country’s local association for professional hunters and outfitters and that he has the necessary hunting rights and permits to hunt in that specific area.
It frequently happens that SA citizens are tricked into illegal hunting excursions in neighbouring countries. Be careful of people that pretend to be agents for hunting outfitters. SA Hunters has a close working relationship with OPHAA (Operators and Professional Hunting Associations of Africa) that promotes responsible hunting in Africa. Hunting outfitters that are members of OPHAA is a reliable reference.
Visit the OPHAA website to verify if the hunting outfitter is a registered member of OPHAA. The website offers a search facility where one can enter a name of the outfitter to confirm membership.
- Conservation
Cheetahs at Rietvlei (Pretoria East Branch)
Two cheetahs were released at Rietvlei Nature Reserve south of Pretoria recently. The introduction of a male and female cheetah will contribute to ecological processes on the reserve. They are expected to breed. This project is the result of successful cooperation among two IUCN conservation organisations, i.e. SA Hunters (Pretoria East), EWT and Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
Seventeen years ago, Pretoria East Branch introduced the cheetah conservation initiative on the reserve. The branch also built the boma where the cheetahs had been kept before being released in the larger reserve area. The project was very successful and numerous cheetah litters were born in the reserve as part of a collaboration with EWT’s cheetah meta population management project. The Pretoria East Branch also sponsored the radio collars for the cheetahs and contributed to the management of the reserve.
International Policies on Conservation
SA Hunters is a member of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and contributed and voted for over a hundred motions regarding conservation and sustainable use of natural areas in South Africa and various other countries. More information about these policy statements is available here. SA Hunters is the only hunting association in South Africa with a proven conservation record that is a member of the IUCN.
- Safe Citizen Campaign
Various firearm interest groups collaborated in a campaign to create public awareness about responsible firearm ownership that contributes to public safety. This campaign deserves the support from everyone that is in favour of safe communities. More information is available here.
- Financial Guidelines for Branches
Tommy Liversage and his team revised the financial guidelines for SA Hunters branches. It is available here. Send your comment to tommy@sahunt.co.za
- Advertising in our Magazines
Both our magazines, SA Jagter/Hunter and ManMagnum, need your help with advertising. The Covid-19 pandemic took its toll on both publications that lost some of their advertisers. Several advertising options at competitive rates are available. Members can consider using the opportunity to advertise their businesses, farms, or products. For more information contact Jacques Boshoff, on 079 528 8793 or jacques.boshoff@media24.com
- Christmas Gifts
Some of us might be looking for the ideal Christmas gifts. Consider the following
Publication about the Kruger National Park
At a special price of R1000, delivery included, SA Hunters can order signed copies of Dr Salomon Joubert’s book about the successes and disasters during the development of the Kruger National Park from 1898 tot 1994.
Dr Joubert is a former head of the KNP. He describes how the concept of nature conservation hardly existed when Col J Stevenson-Hamilton became the first head of the park in 1902.
In the three volumes of this work, he describes the development of conservation and the philosophy of management practices, surveys about geology, soil, plants, animals, monitoring of game populations, and policy development of interventions regarding water supply, veld fires, and culling of excess game and predator management.
Members can complete the order form hereand add their membership number to qualify for the special offer.
4Deadhold Shooting Stick
4DeadHold released its first shooting stick that can be used in all shooting positions, from sitting and standing. The flip locks make it is easy to adjust the height from 77cm to 177cm. Any person, even children are able to use it for optimal shot placement. It is also suitable for very tall persons. The shooting stick is stable and weighs only 1 kg. The legs are made of fluted aluminium.
Members of SA Hunters can purchase the shooting stick for R1 950,00. More information is available here.
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. There are two options:
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.
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
Special Offers
SA Hunters negotiated special discounts for its members with various dealerships.
- 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 Koöperasie
In November 2020, Humansdorp Koöperasie offers Walther shooting sticks at an additional 10% – therefore a total of 15% off on the regular price. Confirm your SA Hunters membership when you place your order.
- 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:
- Good quality, dry bushveld firewood available at reasonable price in Pretoria area. More information here.
- Compuknit – Ranger hats, Fishermans caps, camo and ZA caps and neck scarfs – all the head protection you need for the summer! Also see the new range of fun “emoji” reusable face masks. More information is available 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.
Repeat Messages
- Hunting Affairs
Archers Rock Safaris sponsors hunting opportunity
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.
Archers Rock Safaris agreed to postpone this hunting opportunity to next year. Anyone that bought a ticket already will still stand the chance to win, while others have more chance to buy tickets.
There is still a chance for more people to buy their tickets for this prize. Read more about Archers Rock Safaris hunting opportunity here. We thank Archers Rock for moving this hunting opportunity to next year. With the restrictions on hunting from 28 July, it would not have been possible to use this opportunity now.
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 30 March 2021.
Direct any queries to Boetie Kirchner at boetiek@sahunt.co.za This hunt will be available from June to August 2021
- Membership
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.
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
Members that have extra time on their hands, are encouraged to phone friends and acquaintances and invite them to become members.
- 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.
Please note that delivery could take longer than usual.
- Visit the following websites for more information:
- firearms.humkoop.co.za
- diekooperasie.co.za
- humansdorpkooperasie.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
- (042) 2951082
- E-mail addresses
- Telephone numbers
Your order will be dispatched by courier or other delivery method as soon as the money has been received.
The complete list of service providers that offer special discount to members of SA Hunters, are available 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
- 4Deadlock Skietstok
Kliek hier vir meer inligting oor enige van die bogenoemde voordele.
- Photography Competition
SA Hunters’ photo competition for 2020 has now come to an end. Many thanks to everyone who submitted photos and thus also made a contribution to the association. The library of original member photos that we can use in many different areas is valuable.
You can see October’s finalists here on our website.
The category and overall winners will be announced in next month’s newsletter.
Kind regards
Fred Camphor
SA Hunters: CEO
