Free / Gratis
November 2013
Volume 2, Issue 11
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Bush Telegraph Hunting News Fishing News Adventure Biking Untamed Off’ beaten track 4x4 News
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Sunrise over the Bushveld B
ushveld is a rather loose term and refers to the areas of mixed woodland between 1 000m and 1 500m above sea level. It is the main vegetation type in Mpumalanga and extends into Gauteng, the Northwest Province, Limpopo, parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. It is the biome, or vegetation type, most commonly associated with wildlife and where you will find most of the game viewing destinations.
It is this area that South Africans have in mind when they dream of heading off 'into the bush'. The major activities here are all game related although there are a number of cultural destinations and, of course, many of the more adventurous activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, river rafting and climbing can be done too.
Siyabona Africa
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Outdoor News Outdoor News
November 2013
EDITORIAL Editor and publisher Tom Middleton ranger@lantic.net Tel. 082 808 3272 Fax 086 550 1515 DESIGN Anandi Boshoff
Zimbabwe Elephants poisoned P
oachers have used poison to kill 41 elephants in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, an official has told the BBC. Zimbabwe Parks spokeswoman Caroline Washaya Moyo said it was suspected that cyanide was used to poison salt pans but tests are still being carried out. She said it was Zimbabwe's worst case of elephant poaching.
ADVERTISING Tom Middleton Anandi Boshoff (use above contact There has been a rise in the killing of elephants details) and rhinos in parts of Africa in recent years, MARKETING Tom Middleton DISTRIBUTION Highlands Panorama Tom Middleton CONTRIBUTORS Andre Coetzee Trent Sinclair PRINTERS Paarl Coldset Pty Ltd 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep
mostly to feed demand for horns and tusks in Asia. The horns and tusks are used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia, even though scientists say they have no beneficial properties. Five of the suspected poachers have been arrested, Ms Washaya Moyo told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme. She said touching the poisoned carcasses posed a danger to any animal or human. She said the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority had reminded people who live near the park, in western Zimbabwe, not to eat the meat of any dead animals they find. Some poachers were found with a large haul of tusks and cyanide
earlier this year. Two years ago, nine elephants, five lions and two buffalo were poisoned. African Indaba “The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: 'What good is it?” ― Aldo Leopold
Letters Policy: OUT & ABOUT Outdoor News welcomes letters from our readers. Remember letters must be short and to the point, not more than 150 words. Details must include writers name, postal address, telephone or mobile number and must be signed even if it is placed anonymously. The editor reserves the right at all times to edit or shorten letters, to only publish letters when space is available, or to use his discretion in placing letters at all. Remember that views expressed by our contributors and readers is not necessary that of OUT & ABOUT Outdoor News. We are not reponsible for the content of letters published. Postal address: OUT & ABOUT Outdoor News, P.O.Box 876, Lydenburg 1120.
From the Scriptures 1 John 4:7-8 7. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4: 18-19 18. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19. We love Him because He first loved us.
You can also read Out & About on the web inside the Highlands Panorama News on www.highlandspanorama. co.za
8 Julie 2010 / 8 July 2010
T
he Cape Eland is Africa's largest antelope. He can weigh-in at over 2000 pounds. The largest of the spiral horned antelope, this ox like bovid develops the thick neck, hump, and dewlap characteristic of the Brahma bull. Color is grayish-brown with older males developing a bluish-grey around the neck. Some specimens exhibit faint, vertical stripes down the flanks. Both bulls & cows carry horns, the bull’s horn’s being noticeably shorter but heavier. Hunting eland can be a challenge, as he tends to be a bit nervous, taking flight at the first sign of danger. Eland are normally found in herds of 8 to 12 animals, however; very large herds are not uncommon. They prefer the open woodlands and the scrubby flat veld where they graze during the day. For his size, he is a remarkable jumper; easily clearing obstacles in excess of 6 or 7 feet. Hunting eland with the right rifle is of paramount importance. While many are taken with lesser rifles, the .375 would not be considered over-kill! The well-placed shot is always of concern, but a few inches left or right with a lesser caliber may make for a long day of tracking or even the loss of a wounded animal.
So just what is an Bow Anchor Sight IT is an eye alignment system that will help you find a consistent anchor form. By continuously anchoring in the same point you will be able to improve accuracy. Archery Innovations made this possible by placing ¼” red circle on a lens at the back of the system closest to your eye. At the other end of the system is a crosshair with a black alignment dot in the center. The alignment system works by placing the black dot within the red circle when at full draw. The alignment system works by being positioned just under your sight. It makes for a cramped sight window but once accustomed it is quick to capture in your view. The body (housing) of the Bow Anchor Sight is constructed of tough ABS, while the mounting bracket is made of black, anodized aluminum for strength and weight consideration. The Bow Anchor Sight is secured to the mounting bracket with two 8-32 mounting screws, the mounting bracket, which is about 1/8” thick, is secured to the riser using you sight screws. The Bow Anchor Sight was very easy to install and this was even on a Hoyt Tec series Riser. I thought I would have trouble with it but it just fit between the two riser stands. The sight has a micro tuning gauge which helped get it dialed in the last few millimeters. When finished with the initial mounting I closed my eyes and drew the bow, opened my eyes and could see that I had to adjust the Anchor Bow Sight down just a bit. I quickly had it dialed in using the micro tuning gauge and a quick look at my watch showed installation took approximately 10 minutes. Adjusting the light on the range the first benefit I noticed from the Bow Anchor Sight was how the acrylic crosshair tube still were visible in the ever dimming light. Looking through my peep sighted bow showed pins that were much harder to pick up. Moving outside the Anchor Bow Sight revealed an increase shooting time at dusk by about 10 minutes. I would also say the same is true for early morning. Now serious bowhunters know that this time is very critical. Two years ago I wish I would have had an Anchor Bow Sight as I had to let down on a 160” brute at 37 yards due to fading light through my peep. The second advantage of the Bow Anchor Sight is how you can use it to gauge your form. If you cant or torque the bow slightly you will notice the outside lines of the cross hair become disfigured as well as the dot moving out of the circle. Now you would never think such little movements could cause large errors in your shooting. I noticed this helped as I continued shooting and arm fatigue began to set in. The more I continued to shoot the more the Anchor Bow Sight would correct me. The final advantage is after becoming acclimated to the Anchor Bow Sight how much faster you can get a shot off. With a peep you also have that extra second of aligning your sights within your peep. At first you concentrate on the Bow Anchor Sight. But as time wore on during my evaluation testing the more comfortable I became with it and the more natural sighting was. Hopefully by the start of the season it will be second nature. Bowhunting.net
Hunting eland is best done with a quick pointing double rifle if you have one available. The 9.3 X 74R is an excellent choice as is the afore-mentioned .375 H&H with 286 grain or 300 grain bullets. Consider using solids for back-up shots, as this big guy will not go down easy. Hunting eland, the easy way is by chance encounter while hunting other game. Hunting eland trophy bulls can be extremely challenging, as they are difficult to approach to within shooting range. You will probably have to walk and stalk for some distance. Most will be taken at relatively close range in heavy cover. African Sky Hunting
November 2013
FISHING NEWS ONS het as personeel van die destydse Afdeling Natuurbewaring van die Transvaal elke staatsdam en rivier in die Transvaal geken en gemonitor. Daar was letterlik honderde projekte en ons het geweet wat met die vis in die natuur aangaan. Die projekte het populasiestudies, hengeltendense en druk, hervestigings, die uitdunning van oorpopulasies ens ingesluit. Een so ’n projek het gegaan oor die hervestiging van tiervis in die (toe) nuutgeboude Pongolapoort dam. Ek en die alombekende Frik Rousseau, met ’n span van agt werkers was op ’n kol besig om die dam te net, om vas te stel of die tiervis goed aangaan en of daar genoeg kos vir hulle was. Een van die tegnieke was om saans kiefnette met die boot op verskillende plekke uit te plaas en dan soggens die nette na te gaan, alles wat gevang is te meet, te weeg en op te skryf. Die nette is dan verskuif en die werk het voortgegaan met gewone treknette tot laat, wanneer ons weer na die kiefnette gekyk het, soms vir weke aanmekaar. Tydens die aksie op Pongolapoort (Josini) dam is ek en Frik en so vier man op die boot. Ek suig aan my pyp en is die skipper, Frik rook ’n Paul Revere, teken rekords aan en die vier manne rook wat hulle rook en sleep die nette in die boot in, haal vis af, meet en gooi die wat lewe terug. Die wat nie lewe nie is aandete. Op ’n kol is daar ’n helse geskarrel en Frik is weg. Die manne skree “Eish” en die boot val amper om. Die rede: ’n Reuse krokodil in die net in die boot. En hy is kwaad! Ek byt omtrent my pypsteel af en soek na Frik. My personeel was altyd my eerste prioriteit. Dit blyk toe dat hy uitgespring het, in ’n dam vol krokodille en seekoeie, want die boot was te klein vir ons en die een beneukte krokodil. Eers na ons die krokodil met groot gesukkel en versigtig met my “swiss army knife” (ek was te arm vir ’n Leatherman) losgesny en terug in die water gegooi het, het Frik besluit die boot is dalk veiliger en terug opgeklim! Die man het amper versuip. Die grootste ramp was die pakkie Paul Revere in sy hempsak wat nat was. Wys jou net. Die manne wat met groot wild gewerk het, het gedink ons vissery manne het dit maklik. Toe nie! Andre Coetzee met erkenning aan Frik Rousseau.
Authorised Dealer
DIRECTIONS : Gani’s Angling World is situated in the town of Witbank. From Pretoria take the Swartbos Road offramp. Turn right into Swartbos Road. Keep left on Swartbos Road which runs into Watermeyer Street. Turn right into Stevenson Street and follow it until you get to a four way stop. On your way to the four way stop youwill see Pick ‘n Pay on your left hand side. Turn left at the stop, into Opperman Street, and look out for the Gani’s Angling World on your left hand side. Gani’s is situated behind the Pick ‘n Pay shopping centre.
Physical Address : Ismail Gani Centre • 4842 Opperman Str Witbank Tel : (013) 692 7199 or (013) 692 7390 Fax : (013) 692 6810 or (013 692 6293 Husain : 082 823 6046 E-mail : ganisangling@gmail.com
Outdoor News
May 2013
WHAT an incredible National Off Road racing season for Yamaha! The final round (of seven), the Ventersdorp 400, of the 2013 National Off Road Championship took place recently in the town of Ventersdorp in the NW Province. It proved to be a nail biting finale to a fantastic racing season. A year long battle between Kenny Gilbert (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha WR 450 F) and stablemate Ruan Roberts (Shimwells Yamaha WR 450 F) left Gilbert going into the race with a slender two point lead over Roberts, and with a three point difference between first and second place, meant that whichever of the two won this final round of the championship, would walk away with the laurels. Kargo Yamaha's Timmy Young had to only finish 19th in the OR2 class on his Yamaha YZ 250 (he needed only 2 points) to win this championship, but he powered his Yamaha to his fourth OR2 class victory of the season and his first National Championship of his career. His Kargo Yamaha team mate, Michael Pentacost had already secured enough championship points in the OR3 class to ensure his championship (he had won all six of the previous rounds), and decided to try his hand on a Yamaha WR 450 F in the OR1 class for this final round of the Championship. Gilbert, Roberts and Pentacost finished the season in first, second and third place overall respectively in the championship, giving Yamaha a perfect score towards winning the 2013 National Off Road Manufacturers Championship. Other championship victories went to Martin Poole, who won the National Masters Off Road Championship on his privately entered Yamaha YZ 450 F, whilst McGee Yamaha Lydenburg's Mauritz Meiring won the National Silver Challenge on his Yamaha YZ 250 F. Yamaha also won the Senior and Masters Quad Championships with Paul Chomse taking the Senior laurels on his aging, but amazingly reliable, Yamaha Banshee, whilst Jurie Meyer
05
Snr successfully defended the National Masters Quad Championship on his Yamaha YFZ 450 R with a race to spare. With 12 titles to gloat over, Yamaha have enjoyed one of their most successful years in National Off road racing, and we sing praise to all our champions, their support crews, and the awesome race prowess and reliability of our race machines! Once again, our belief in our products has been proven on the race track! Craig Gregory - McGee Yamaha Lydenburg
36 Waterfall Avenue Riverside Industrial Nelspruit Tel: (013) 752 2023 /752 3283 Fax: 086 212 7288 nelspruitatv@telkomsa.net www.nelspruitatv.com We are associated with the following brands...
NELSPRUIT ATV opened its doors in November 2009 under management of Christo van der Merwe with 1 franchise. Christo has been in the racing industry since 1993 and has been crowned National Off Road champion and National Senior Off Road champion twice. We have grown to one of the largest dealerships in Mpumalanga for off road, on road motorcycles as well as Watercrafts. We currently service all brands/makes. We have a well equipped workshop for superbikes, off-road bikes & watercraft. Our technicians share 20-year hands on experience between them. Technicians go for regular training with different agencies to update their skills and to gain experience on new product releases. We also boast a 3 man sales team with a separate parts division in store. The following services are on offer: Sales services, insurance repairs, accessories for On Road, Off Road and watercraft. We have been appointed as the new Polaris & Linhai Dealership in Nelspruit and the following brands are currently in stock: Kawasaki, Suzuki, Can Am (Bombardier), Sea Doo, Husqvarna Motorcycles, Puzey, Polaris and Linhai. We strongly believe in honesty, integrity and fairness. We always strive in providing the best possible service to all customers. Jo-Anne van der Merwe.
Tel: 013 752 7173, Email: truwin@4x4megaworld.net
IMAGINE learning to fly a tiny microlight aircraft over rolling hills and golden beaches in sunny South Africa. Doing so costs less than you may think. A three week package including all microlight flying lessons and accommodation from R26 000. Car hire is available at an additional affordable cost.
Regulations regarding the validation of pilot licenses vary from country to country. including South Africa. For this reason we recommend you check with your local civil aviation authority. In general, pilot licenses are validated in other countries subject to your passing an exam in the flying law of the country in which you wish to fly.
So, for example, a person from Europe who obtains his or her PPL or HPPL license in South Africa, will need to pass the local flying law examination in their own country. The same applies to a person who qualifies in one European country and wishes to fly in another European country. Or one who qualifies in Europe and wishes to fly in South Africa. WorldOf interest to those who are planning to do their fixed- wing Private Pilots Licence is that up to wide, South African flying schools and South Africa's CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) are 25 of your microlight training hours can be credited to your PPL training. In other words, if highly regarded. you get your microlight licence, your PPL training can be considerably shortened In practice To the best of our knowledge all flying hours clocked up in South Africa are recognised (you still need to do a minimum number of dual and solo training hours for your PPL) rather throughout the world. calculate your time saving by 15 - 20 hours. Some students must or choose to write, or re-write, some of their exams in their home countries. Others do all their flying hours, training and exams in South Africa, and only write Nevertheless, you can add the full 25 hours to 'flying hours under your belt’ their local flying law exam when they return home. It is up to you to decide. The licence you obtain will be acceptable for validation in all ICAO member countries. World-class training with very experienced instructors. Training on all Solo Wings and Aerotrike Microlight types is offered, as well as advanced courses in Meteorology, Flying Techniques and Cross Country Flying.
It is also up to you to check your local regulations before making your decision. Flight Schools South Africa
Are wilderness areas still wild SEEMS like these places are becoming as scarce as our Rhinos! Sadly most of the pristine, isolated wilderness places are disappearing. I have many theories why. Locals don't have the big money to do the cross border or exotic trips anymore? Wilderness areas are been bought up, over protected and made untouchable to us plebs? Places that were available were exploited by the tourists and land owners, and sadly become desolate. Social media and internet have also made them less of a secret. So like bees to honey, we have more human pressure in these last accessible places. Firstly we need to define what this means in the tourism sector. Personally, for me, it's generally a low impact wilderness area with unique attractions such as: unique Fauna and Flora, water bodies that are accessible for fishing, boating, birding or swimming. Landscapes that are pristine and uninterrupted, with options for activities and exploring camping facilities, rustic, clean and maintained. Your journey into the area, whether camping or staying in formal accommodation should be part of the experience. Less than 12 people on a camp site utilizing the geographic attraction and of course, affordability. So here's the challenge: How do we share these places with friends, family and like minded people with the same passion and respect for these places? And, if we share these secret places in the media, aren't we spoiling them? Well, let's face it, the readers of this unique Out and About paper are our type of people. These readers are interested in what's out there and feel a sense of custodianship. So perhaps we should start a section where “Oom Koos�shares a special place he and his family like to fish, 4x4, hike or MTB with no litter, no masses of campsites, with lots of fish and secret trails, etc. My first recommendation: Ohrigstad Nature Reserve - 4x4, fishing on large dam, hiking, wildlife, quiet and pristine, campsite small and well maintained. Christmas Pools campsite Upper reaches of the Blyde River behind Pilgrims Rest. Pristine river, forests, grassland areas, 4x4, hiking. For info on these areas contact Out & About on ranger@lantic.net Sharing is caring! Trent Sinclair
Year End Function BOOK NOW! Magda 082 564 0541 info@gearon.co.za Gearon at Hannah Game Lodge R555 Old Burgersfort Road Ohrigstad
T
his is a trip for people wanting to get off the beaten track. The route covers 500 km and only 5 vehicles are allowed on a trail at one time to ensure that the environment is not unduly affected and to afford groups some exclusivity. A ranger from the park, who leads the convoy in his own vehicle, accompanies each group. Regular stops are made by the ranger to interpret aspects within the environment or to share special experiences. Usually, three camps are visited whilst driving up North to refuel, replenish food supplies and to allow tourists the opportunity to shower. Each vehicle must be fully equipped with tent, water containers, gas bottles, cooking equipment etc. This is a self-catering activity, usually three camps are visited en route north for fuel, water and showers. The camps usually visited are Lower Sabie, Olifants and Shingwedzi. A highly experienced trail leader will accompany trail-goers for the duration of the trail, offering safety and an unparalleled bush interpretation that covers geology, biology, botany as well as historical and cultural information. The trail starts at Crocodile Bridge every Sunday and ends at Pafuri on Thursday at about 12:00. One starts off by driving to the eastern boundary where you have a magnificent view of the Crocodile and Komati rivers, meeting at the border of South Africa and Mozambique. From there it is up a steep hill and across to Lower Sabie along the eastern boundary. Some of the trail runs along the eastern boundary, but this does not deter from the beautiful scenery of wide, open spaces, bushveld on both sides and many magnificent trees. East of Lower Sabie is the first of four un-fenced camping sites, each with its own unique and natural feel. Two Enviroloos (mobile toilets with no chemical component) are provided at each of these, one for ladies and one for gents. Each site has its own unique bush character as they have been left as undisturbed as possible. The departure time from the camping sites varies depending on the season but will be no later than 07:00 in the morning. Each day is filled with a variety of experiences - from seeing different animal spoor, animals, plant species and birds to dense bush. It ends with the magnificent green scenery at Pafuri picnic spot. The trail is quite exceptional, starting on the border between two countries and ending where three countries meet (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique). This "meeting place" takes part in the famous Crook's Corner area in the north. The trail's duration is five days (four nights). This is not an obstacle course or a testing ground for four-wheel drive vehicles. The participants on this trail will be true bush lovers and ones who enjoy the wilderness. Clients are required to drive their own vehicles, cater for themselves and to carry their own equipment. Guests also need to bring their own firewood and water. At each of the campsites there is a drum for ash but each vehicle needs to carry their own rubbish until it can be disposed of at one of the camps. A maximum of 4 persons per vehicle is allowed. SANPARKS