Inyathi Park News September 2020

Spring is in the air. Pretoria had its first rain for the season and everything is fresh and the roads are slippery.

1. 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

2. Old Green Licences

Some members believe that SA Hunters should not pay any attention to the debates around the old green licences. However, many of our members still have firearms under the old green licence.

Some people had more than four firearm licences when the renewal started but they did not have dedicated status. In those instances, the Police simply issued 4 new licences but left the remaining firearms with the old green licences.

There is also a group of members that had applied for renewal of licences, but SAPS lost their applications and never issued new licences.

The Board of SA Hunters considered the matter and in our response to the State Attorney we agreed with the principle that there should only be one system in the country that makes provision for the ownership and management of firearms. Therefore, SA Hunters prefers to meet with the Police to discuss a system whereby individuals with firearms with old green licences could have the opportunity to renew their licences in a rational, fair, and well-managed manner.

If the Police is not prepared to talk to us, SA Hunters will continue to oppose the SAPS court application to recall the 2009 judgement.

3. Amnesty

Two months have passed since the new amnesty period from 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021 had started, leaving us with 78 working days (from 1 October). 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.

The intention of the Minister of Police is that all firearms with expired licences should be surrendered. To achieve this, approximately 4 500 firearms per day would have to be handed in during the amnesty. That is unlikely to happen. Only time will tell.

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 information is important

1. You must be competent to own a firearm. Make sure that your competence is in order and renewed as required by law.
2. You must hand the firearm in under the amnesty. There is no other option.
3. 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.
4. Ensure that all documentation for the licence application is correct and complete. It will improve your chance of obtaining a licence.
5. The person that hands in the firearm, may apply for a new licence within 14 days.

4. Shooting affairs

We receive many queries about the limit of 50 persons on the shooting range (compared to the limit of a 500 people for other outdoor activities). This is because the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has not yet announced the changes in the protocols for sport events applicable to level 1 of the lockdown. Until further notice, the restriction remains of a maximum of 50 people on a shooting range and no visitors or spectators are allowed.

SA Hunters have just completed its guidelines and policies on awarding regional colours and national colours for sport shooting. The guidelines are available here.

5. Branch activities

The relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations to Level 1 on 21 September 2020, allows us to resume branch activities as long as we apply the COVID-19 safety regulations. We compiled the relevant protocols and sent them to the branches. Each branch management committee may decide which activities they wish to resume, considering local circumstances. Members can contact their branch chairpersons or members of the management committee for more information.

We received positive feedback from branches countrywide that had resumed activities. Members are cooperating and adhering to the Covid 19 safety measures. The good discipline at branches is indeed laudable. Thank you!

6. Hunting affairs

Extended hunting season

The lockdown prevented hunters from hunting for most of the regular hunting season. We wish to remind members about our discussion with Minister Creecy in this regard.

SA Hunters contacted all the provincial conservation authorities via the Wildlife Forum. The provinces will issue special hunting permits to land-owners that do not have exemption. These permits to hunt outside the regular hunting season, will be issued per application and are subject to certain conditions.

Professional hunting

With the lifting of some cross-border travel restrictions, we hope that professional hunters will still have the chance to take clients on hunts during this year.

The Covid 19 guidelines of the 2021 SCI annual hunters convention is available here to members that might wish to use the opportunity to market hunting opportunities.

Corridor disease among buffaloes

It has been reported widely in the media that corridor disease broke out among buffaloes on a farm in the Free State.

The Free State falls outside the corridor disease control area. It means that only disease-free buffaloes are allowed to be kept in the Free State. Should corridor disease occur in that area, the local state veterinarian will implement strict control measures on these farms to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) and its regulations determine that buffaloes and cattle should not share the same grazing area. Buffaloes with corridor disease may only be kept in a corridor disease control area on condition that the farms are equipped with electric fences.

Buffaloes may only be relocated to another farm if they have tested negative for corridor disease, foot-and-mouth disease, bruccelosis, and tuberculosis.

Buffaloes with corridor disease show no symptoms, but it can be deadly for cattle. Buffaloes are the hosts of the brown ear tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus), a carrier of the protozoa, Theileria parva Lawrence, that causes corridor disease. The ticks serve as vector for the disease that is transferred from buffalo to cattle through direct contact. Corridor disease cannot be transferred directly from one buffalo to another, or from a buffalo to a head of cattle, or between head of cattle without the presence of the brown ear ticks. Effective tick control through a dipping programme of cattle in Corridor disease control areas are recommended.

Conservation

High Level Panel

Richard Sowry, the Vice-President Conservation of SA Hunters, made a presentation to the Ministerial High Level Panel that reviews policies, legislation and practices related to the management, handling, breeding, hunting and trade of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros during an on-line public hearing on 29 September.

The Association provided a formal written submission to the panel in June. Key aspects that were highlighted in the submission and subsequent presentation included our position that we do not support captive breeding of wildlife for pure commercial use including trade in lion bone, rhino horn, leopard skin or any other derivative, and where there is no demonstrated benefit to the conservation of wild populations and habitats.

In line with the principles of sustainable use, SA Hunters support responsible and sustainable harvesting from wild populations that serves as an incentive for the conservation of the species in their natural environment.

SA Hunters highlighted that the true value of the four iconic species is inherent in their wildness and we do not support the listing of game species under the Animal Improvement Act. It was further highlighted that, e.g. hunting a wild lion can generate seven fold the income of captive bred hunting, with the latter also posing significant reputational risks to the hunting and wildlife sector.

We stressed that conservation of wildlife as land use practice, must be able to compete with alternative use of the same land and sustainable use of wildlife, including well-regulated and responsible hunting, trade in rhino horn and ivory should be supported.

Only when custodians of wildlife value wildlife, will we see an increase in land allocated to wildlife. See copies of the detailed submission here and slides are available here.

Amendments to Legislation

Thanks to all the members and branches that sent proposals for inclusion in SA Hunters’ submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for the Environment (including conservation and hunting) on the proposed amendments to the national biodiversity act, and the national forestry act. Our submissions are available here.  

SAHGCA and the Media

Newspaper articles aimed at putting a negative spin on sustainable use, including hunting, appeared in the media recently. Several of these articles were subjective and emotionally driven.

SA Hunters and other organisations in the wildlife sector have written to the relevant editors to express our dissatisfaction with the irresponsible reporting. Members can rest assured that SA Hunters is doing its best to protect your interests.

7. 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

8. Kolskoot

Every year, the SA Hunter magazine publishes an additional publication, Kolskoot. This year’s edition will focus on big bore rifles.

Big-bore rifles have a certain romantic appeal amongst rifle enthusiasts. It evokes images of Selous, Taylor, Pretorius and others hunting in Africa during days gone by. Although we don’t have the same opportunities today that the big-game hunters of old had, we can dream and yes, it is still possible to own and use a big-bore, even if it is only on a paper buffalo. KOLSKOOT is your guide to everything big-bore. In this special, stand-alone edition you’ll meet today’s well-known personalities from the big-bore world. This guide will also be handy for the beginner who has just bought his first big-bore rifle and wants to know more, as well as provide compelling reading for the old hands. It not only gives information on rare and interesting rifles and calibres, but also provides lists of the makers of big-bore bullets and ammunition – who they are, what they manufacture, and where to contact them. KOLSKOOT has everything you’ve always wanted to know about big-bore rifles.

Alimited number of copies will be available at dealers at R60 a copy, or order the electronic edition from Magzter at 50% discounthere.

Special Offers

SA Hunters have commercial relationships with several dealers that offer special discounts to our members. From time to time, suppliers have special offers that apply to members only for a limited period.

9. Sale at SA Hunters Shop

SA Hunters decided to reduce the clothing stock in our shop and to change our range. Many items are on sale. Enquiries: Rene at (012) 8089300 or rene@sahunt.co.za 

10. 4Deadhold Shooting Stick

4DeadHold released its first shooting stick that can be used in all shooting positions, from sitting and standing. The fliplocks 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.

11. Humansdorp Co-op

During October, Humansdorp Co-op offers the 4Deadhold shooting stick at the same price. Tell them you are a member of SA Hunters when you place your order.

12. 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:

1. Good quality, dry bushveld firewood available at reasonable price in Pretoria area. More information here.
2. 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.
3. 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

13. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. Memorial publication

The lockdown also delayed the printing of our book, but we finally received and dispatched the first batch of orders. It is an excellent book. Although Father’s Day has come and gone, it will still make a welcome gift.

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.

17. Buck Knives

There are only 240 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 

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.

1. Visit the following websites for more information:
   • firearms.humkoop.co.za
   • diekooperasie.co.za
   • humansdorpkooperasie.co.za
2. Place orders telephonically or with e-mail.
3. You must be a paid-up member and provide your member number to enable Humansdorp Koöperasie to check your status.
4. 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
     • arms@humkoop.co.za
     • ammo@humkoop.co.za 

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

Click here for more information about any of the above-mentioned benefits.

18. Photography Competition

SA Hunters’ photo competition for 2020 closes at the end of October. 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.

You can see the September finalists here.

Our sponsor donated a new camera for the winner of the best photograph. Because we do not have a congress this year, we will not be able to hand over the prize at the annual dinner. We will arrange another special occasion.

Our categories for the 2020 competition are:

1. Our Heritage. Any landscape, plant, or animal life (including birds and insects) that represents our country and neighbouring countries natural heritage.
2. 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.
3. Man in Nature. Any photos where people interact with nature.

Read here how to enter.

Kind regards

Fred Camphor

SA Hunters: CEO