8 January 2023
Dear colleague
Structure of newsletter
We start with the new, essential information first, followed by the regular news.
Therefore, members can get up to date with fresh news first and read other information later.
We hit the road running in 2023 and want to share some important matters with you.
New messages
1. Firearm licences – barrel replacements
For quite some time, members have been experiencing problems and delays with replacing rifle barrels, which resulted in several court applications on this matter. On 17 January 2023, the Gauteng North High Court (Pretoria) delivered a decisive judgement which declared 2 clauses in SAPS guidelines on barrel replacement as invalid, and set them aside.
Firstly, clause 4.2.2 of the guidelines states that a gunsmith must provide a report to confirm that it is essential to replace the barrel. Setting aside this clause means that a report from a gunsmith is no longer required as motivation to replace a barrel. If the licence holder wishes to replace the barrel (e.g., to change the calibre) it is sufficient motivation.
Secondly, clause 4.2.6 of the guideline required the licence holder to submit an affidavit to confirm that the old barrel will be disposed of and how it will be done. In essence, this means that the licence holder must confirm how he will dispose of the old barrel. This clause has also been set aside, which means that the firearm owner may keep the old barrel and even sell it if is still serviceable.
Lastly, the court ruled that clause 4.2.5 should not be interpreted as if the new barrel must be licenced by the licence holder of the firearm. This means that the gunsmith may licence the barrel in his name and install it in the firearm owner’s rifle who should then get a new license.
This judgement is a great relief to shottists and hunters that want to replace their rifle barrels. We thank the dealers’ association that brought this successful application.
2. Pirate copies of magazines
During the past year, we became aware of an increase in pirated copies of SA Jagter/Hunter and Man Magnum being distributed as PDF versions on social media and WhatsApp. This happened again with the January/February 2023 editions.
Members should note that the above is a transgression of the Copyright Act (Act 98 of 1978) which means that perpetrators can be sent to jail, if found guilty. The law also states that the publisher may bring a civil claim for compensation against such a perpetrator for any damages/losses incurred.
The income generated by the two magazines, supplements the membership fee for members of SA Hunters. Without the income from our magazines, members can expect to pay more for their annual membership. When you distribute a pirated copy of any of our magazines, you are stealing from members. Please report any suchtransgressions to the editors of the two magazines to enable them to take appropriate action against the perpetrators.
3. New TOPS regulations
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment released an extensive series of new TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) regulations for implementation. These regulations immediately elicited a fierce response.
Unfortunately, rumours are already doing the round regarding the content of these regulations. Although there are a few new restrictions, these rumours suggest that species such as the Plains zebra and Blue wildebeest are now threatened or protected species. This is not true. There are indeed restrictions on the translocation of these species (Plains zebra and Blue wildebeest) to areas where similar species, (Black wildebeest and Mountain zebra) occur in an attempt to avoid interbreeding and hybridisation with these similar species. In many instances, species (such as Sable Antelope) has been exempted from certain restrictions.
We advise members not to pay attention to these rumours. Read the regulations and obtain the facts.
SA Hunters’ managers for Conservation and Hunting Affairs are scrutinising the essence of the regulations, and will produce a simplified and abridged version of the important aspects of these regulations for distribution to members.
The Department indicated that it would host information sessions in every province to explain the new regulations before implementation. SA Hunters will keep members informed of the dates of these information sessions as soon as they have been made available.
4. SA Hunter and Magnum
Since 2007, SA Hunt Publishing (Pty) Ltd the SA Jagter/Hunter , followed by Man Magnum in 2012. SA Hunt Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Media24 hold equal shares in this company that published the two magazines.
Following a recent mutual agreement between the two shareholders. SA Hunt Holdings (Pty) Ltd will take over all Media24’s shares with effect from 1 April 2023.
The owners of SA Hunt Publishing (Pty) Ltd. thank the supporters, advertisers, and readers of the two magazines, as well as other interested parties for their continuing support. We can confirm that the two magazines will continue to be published and that services will be rendered as before.
This notice means that the SA Hunters and our members become the sole owners of SA Jagter and Magnum with the March/April editions to be released. Please continue to support us.
5. Photography Club
The SA Hunters Amateur Photography Competition for 2023 (October 2022 to September 2023) is already in full swing. Until Sunday, 12 February, members can still enter their photographs for the December and January challenge. The updated rules and categories for 2023 is available here.
We receive many entries for the Fauna and Flora DSLR-ML and smart phone categories, but want to encourage members to consider entering in the other categories as well. These include: Branch Activities and Conservation, the Shooting Range, the Hunt, and Mentorship. The descriptions of the categories are explained in the rules. Members may submit 5 photographs in the Fauna and Flora category, plus altogether 5 photographs in the other 4 categories..
The closing date for the February and March competition is Wednesday, 5 April.
The current theme for the SA Hunter Photography Club challenge for January and February is #THE WEATHER. Join the Photography Club here and read more about this challenge here. Members that do not have a Facebook profile, can send their entries to sahuntfoto@gmail.com, with the #theweahter in the subject line.
6. Alternative telephone numbers for SA Hunters’ national office
Although load shedding seems less frequent, we experience thunder showers and heavy rain in Pretoria during summer, which often affect or telephone system. If you cannot get through to us on (012) 808 9300 try any of the following numbers:
- Reception: 082 848 8547
- Firearm support: 066 256 2916
- Training: 082 658 6680
- Finances: 082 727 5158
- Hunters shop: 066 231 8185
7. Hunting affairs
African Swine Fever
African Swine Fever was reported again recently, affecting farms in Gauteng, North West and the Free State, where farms were quarantined as a precautionary measure. We remind members that transport permits for wild pig/warthog meat and carcasses are required for North West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo and KwaZulu/Natal.
Members of SA Hunters who are landowners that have wild pigs on their farms can register their properties at no cost on SA Hunters’ electronic system that will allow them to issue transport permits from the comfort of their desks or offices.
Read more about the registration process for the issuing of wild pig transport permits here.
Hunting packages
Owners of hunting destinations may advertise their hunting packages on the SA Hunters’ list of accredited hunting destinations. Contact Boetie Kirchner at boetiek@sahunt.co.za for more information. This service was established to protect the interests of the owners of hunting farms and hunters.
Hunting of dangerous game
Training in the hunting of dangerous game is once again offered in collaboration with the Southern African Wildlife College. This course offers hunters the unique opportunity to experience theoretical and practical exposure to hunting dangerous game.
The course is offered at the premises of the Southern African Wildlife College at Orpen Gate adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It is the perfect training ground for any wildlife safari, whether with a rifle or camera. The course fee is R5500 per person with a limit of 6 persons per group. Enquiries: Boetie Kirchner at boetiek@sahunt.co.za
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
During January 2023 two new outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease were reported. Restrictions on the movement of animal products to contain the disease still apply. We will keep members informed of this situation as we approach the hunting season.
8. Shooting Affairs 2023
We sent the revised rules for MDS to branches and management committees. Enjoy the shooting!
The supporting software for sport shooting disciplines (MDS included) is being prepared and should be completed by end of March 2023. The detailed rules for the other sport shooting disciplines are being revised and we hope to distribute these by the end of March 2023. Meanwhile, branches and regions may continue to use the 2022 rules for sport shooting disciplines.
9. Conservation news
International workshop on vultures and lead
In January, Lizanne Nel and Boetie Kirchner attended an international workshop hosted by Birdlife SA to create awareness about the impact of lead on vultures and to identify role players that can become involved. The workshop also compiled an integrated plan to address the challenges. Contact Lizanne Nel at lizanne@sahunt.co.za for more information.
Views on hunting and conservation
SA Hunters’ Vice President Conservation, Richard Sowry, was invited to share the Association’s views on the keeping, breeding and hunting of lions with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Conservation.
He explained, among others, that responsible and sustainable use of game gives value to wildlife. Hunting, as responsible and sustainable use of wildlife, contributes to conservation, development of the wildlife economy, and the livelihoods of people.
Sustainable Wildlife Economy
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invited game farmers and land-owners to attend an online information session on the standards for a sustainable wildlife economy on 23 or 24 February 2023.Read the information received from the Department here.
Repeated messages
10. Membership
Recruit members and earn commission
SA Hunters has 43 305.
Every 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 agreed that branches that succeed in resigning up lapsed members, will also benefit from the commission. More information has been sent to Branch chairpersons.
SA Hunters distribute member application forms to various dealers. These forms are also available from Dorothy Els by dorothy@sahunt.co.za
11. Doctari knives
The Doctari ivory knife project will end soon There are only 7 knives left.
A limited quantity of knives was made with handles from ivory from the Nico van Rooyen collection. Place your order now for that special Christmas gift, to avoid disappointment.
Pay R5 500 to 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
12. Memorial publication
Only copies of the memorial books with the hard cover are still available at R300 per copy.
To order your copy:
- Transfer the correct amount (R300) to 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
13. Buck knives
There are only 6 knives 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
14. Commercial affairs
The complete list of service providers that offer special discount to members of SA Hunters, are available below.
- Humansdorp Koöperasie
- Toyota SA
- Wildman Hunting and Outdoor
- Hokaai Slaghuis
- 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
- Dovetail Wooden Boxes
- 4Deadhold Skietstok
- Die Vleishoekie Vleismark
- Thermal Imaging Warehouse
- Pangolin Vuurwapenkluise
- Reloading Technologies
- Shanin Weir Trofeefoto’s
- Omchem Produkte
- Tyremart Hatfield
- Blue Gecko Toere
Click here for more information about any of the above benefits.
Kind regards
Fred Camphor
SA Hunters: CEO