author: Peter Ruddle – Page 3

1001 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Hunt in Africa: Part 1

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series 1001 Questions about Hunting in Africa

Many hunters are dreaming of a hunting adventure in Africa, but quite a few are reluctant to take the plunge, even though they can afford it. They suspect they don’t know enough about the continent and are concerned that their lack of knowledge will lead to disappointments. These concerns aren’t totally unfounded, and so we prepared a list of questions that you’ll probably want to have answered. Each question comes with an answer where we can give it, or with tips re: why you should ask it, what information to look for, and where to get it.

Some of your questions and concerns may sound dumb, others obvious, but do not feel shy to ask those questions.

Springbuck Hunting in Southern Africa

Hunting Tips and Techniques / Africa

Springbuck is a strikingly marked, sleek, graceful, agile gazelle-like antelope and once the national emblem of South Africa; however, today it is only recognised as the name and logo for the national rugby team. The species name was translated from the Afrikaans word “Springbok”, which means “jumping buck”. The name was derived from its unique behavioural trait known as pronking: a leap in the air with an arched back and stiff legs.

Blesbok and Blesbok Hunting

BookYourHunt / Africa / Hunting Tips and Techniques

Blesbok, or Blesbuck, is one of the most popular antelopes with hunters in South Africa. However, harvesting this dweller of open spaces is not easy.

Hunting Prices in South Africa: Book your hunt early in 2021 to avoid disappointment

BookYourHunt / Africa

Shop wisely, stipulate a “COVID clause” for rescheduling the hunt in case of an unforeseen travel ban, but shop early and book your hunt now.

Giraffe and Giraffe Hunting in South Africa

Africa / Hunting Tips and Techniques

It is not surprising that where Giraffes have an economic value they are preserved to such an extent that overpopulation now occurs in some areas. Giraffes are not a popularly hunted trophy species.

Leopard and Leopard Hunting in Africa. Part II: Hunting tips

Africa / Hunting Tips and Techniques / BookYourHunt

If there’s one thing that is for sure with Leopard hunts, it is there are no guarantees that you are even going to even see a Leopard even though your PH may try every trick in the book to get a suitable animal on bait. Leopard hunting is like chess, a mind game where you are always trying to out manoeuvre your opponent, in this case “Mr Spots”.

Leopard and Leopard Hunting in Africa. Part I: Threats, Habits, Where and When

Africa / Hunting Tips and Techniques

Leopards are listed as vulnerable and are a CITES 1 animal, so hunting quota offtakes are strictly allocated according to population numbers. South Africa has temporarily suspended Leopard hunting but does issue a limited quota from time to time. Hunters must always double check their country’s trophy import regulations as it differs around the world and printed information in this regard may be outdated.

Leopard hunting regulations also vary from country to country. Some allow hunting over bait at night while others only permit daylight hunting in the presence of a wildlife official. Different rules may apply as per the areas that may and may not be hunted with hounds if hunting with dogs is even permitted. Only fully mature males should be hunted and in many countries hunters will be fined for shooting a female and have their trophy confiscated.

The process of measurement of a hunting trophy

Beat a Ban: Is 3D printing an option for trophy import restrictions?

Hunting is Conservation / Africa / BookYourHunt

by Peter Ruddle At the outset let it be stated that BookYourHunt.com supports the legal, responsible, sustainable utilisation of wildlife

Bushpig and Bushpig Hunting: Where, when, and how to hunt

Africa / Hunting Tips and Techniques

A practical guide to bushpig hunting in South Africa—distribution, best areas to hunt, night and daytime methods, bowhunting, hounds, seasonality, habits, and field tips.