Introduction
The Eastern Cape game farming and hunting
industry is a growing economy. Game
ranches are multiplying to cater for local and
foreign hunting tourism. This has revived
farms and rural economies. Hunting also
forms an important social event for many.
© HuntingFinder.Com
Hunting Disturbs Public
If hunting is so good for conservation, why
is public opinion turning against hunters?
Our public & laws expect the highest
ethical behaviour.
Recent media exposure of shocking
behaviour of some hunters, professional
guides and game breeders has disgraced
the reputation of all. Offensive cases of
shooting 'canned' predators, driving down
game, stealing game from nature reserves
and drunken, cruel behaviour.
The UK public banned hunting -
THAT COULD HAPPEN HERE!
© Hunters Directory
Conservation Value of
Hunting?
By protecting land and animals for
hunting, many threatened habitats have
been conserved. These also provide
refuge for non-target animal species.
Many grazing lands have been
rehabilitated and indigenous animal
species re-introduced. Through just
hunting a few, many are conserved.
© SanWild Trust
What is Canned Hunting
M-NET’s Carte Blanche exposed the sordid
hunting of ‘canned’ predators (The Cook
Report). This is when animals are hunted in
cages, artificially lured by bait, sound or
smell, even when tranquillised. Most often
the ‘hunter’ is in no danger from the predator

NO fair chase.
These animals are often hand-reared,
tamed or hand-fed, hence they don’t flee the
hunter. There is NO escape. Aiming not for
a quick, humane kill, but shot where the
hide wont be spoilt!
Can trophy ‘hunters’ truly be proud of these
shameful methods? Is this sport?
 Hunter - "a pursuer of wild animals, for food or sport"
Ethical - "morally correct, honourable conduct"

Respect for Nature

He hunts with humility and compassion
Utilises game wisely and nothing is wasted
Does not pollute the environment, he leaves no trace

© SanWild Trust

Respect for Game

Adheres to the 'fair chase' of wild, self-sufficient game © A van Cauter

Shuns all forms of ‘canned hunts’ - no cages, lures or spotlights

Never shoots from a vehicle or drives down prey - hunts are walked & stalked
Hides are placed well away from water holes or salt licks
He uses the correct gun/bow and ammo for the targeted game
Pregnant and dependant animals are spared
By practising humane, quick kills
He carefully selects individual prey and shot placement
Does not take long shots or at moving targets
Makes every effort to track down wounded prey
Dogs only used for tracking & retrieving, not attacking game

© ECGMA

Respect for Fellow Hunters

He maintains weapon safety at all times
He does not hunt when intoxicated
He refrains from petty competitions
© SanWild Trust His behaviour is a credit to all hunters

Respect for Landowners

Treats landowners, their property, game,
livestock & employees with care and courtesy © Africa Way Safaris

He obtains all permits and obeys all laws

(Methods, seasons, quotas)
Reports illegal hunting practices
 Aim Straight, Young Guns
Ethical hunters are trained, not born. It is vital for
all hunters, young and old, to learn how to conduct
themselves in an reputable manner, that promotes
the heritage of hunting. Hunters are encouraged
to review their own methods.
© KZN Hunters Assoc.

Hunting organisations can provide

training in practical aspects and hunting
etiquette, particularly for junior hunters.
Membership of and adherence to these
Air-Rifle Slaughter clubs’ Codes of Conduct is now a legal
Since No.1 pellet guns no longer require a requirement for ‘Dedicated Hunters’
licence, there has been a profusion of children (Firearms Control Act - www.saps.gov.za).
armed with these bird-killing devices. Not to
mention shot-out eyes. Pellet guns can provide
gun-safety training and fun sport-shooting.
But without appropriate supervision, the
temptation to fire on birds and other animals
can lead to a senseless loss of our small wildlife.
As the song goes:
" Parents, teach your children well!"
© ECGMA

Green Hunting
The excitement of the hunt is greatly attractive.
But for those who don’t want to kill; cameras, paintballs
and recently dartguns, have substituted the bullets.
Darting allows the ‘green hunter’ the opportunity
to stalk and additionally test his marksmanship.

Trophy measurements and photos are taken of the

sleeping prey. The drugged animals are also subject to
© Wildlands Cons. Trust
scientific study. Some are even fitted with tracking
collars. The animal is released; AND can be profitably
‘green hunted’ again in the future.
Acknowledgements:

CAPE NATURE www.huntingfinder.com