Since 1999
2017
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Krieghoff
Henrik Lott, Erongo Mountains Namibia June 2016
Legendary Performance. Krieghoff Classic: without any compromise for hunters.
Rough, wild and pure. This is how hunters experience the impressive beauty of the Erongo Mountains, home of the Greater Kudu. Hunting there is exhausting, but the experience is unforgettable. Endurance, patience and an instinctive connection with your prey will result in well-earned success. A rifle with character is the final touch that makes the experience perfect!
T H E
O R I G I N A L www.krieghoff.de/kudu
We would like to thank all our clients, professional hunters, outfitters and friends for their continued support over the past year. We look forward to the 2017 season in bringing quality and service to the hunting industry in Namibia. Happy Hunting!
Wir bedanken uns herzlich bei unseren Kunden, Berufjägern, Jagdanbietern und Freunden für die wunderbare Unterstützung im Letzten Jahr. Wir freuen uns darauf, in dem nächsten Jahr weiterhin der Jagd in Namibia mit Qualität und gutem Service beistehen zu dürfen. Waidmanns Heil!
Westair
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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Celebrating the success of Namibia's sustainable hunting practices.
I
grew up on a farm in the north of the country. To this day, when I visit Etosha, the red sunset and the white pasty dust make me homesick. As a child I thought the whole world had white dust and red sunsets. I grew up with trophies against the walls and skins of zebra, kudu and gemsbok on the polished cement floors of all our neighbours. The trophies were mostly, what I later learnt, European mount. There were few taxidermists back then. To this day I prefer those stark white skulls with the elegant horns. Every skin and every mount told a story. Growing up, hunting was part of our lives. I am sincerely grateful that my children, who grew up in Windhoek, had the privilege to go to their grandparents’ farm for weekends. That they could walk in the veld on their own. First with a picnic basket, and only far enough not to see the homestead. Then later with a ketty to shoot a dove and make a fire outside to cook it. As they grew older the cousins went hunting with their fathers and eventually on their own. Although I am not a hunter, I am proud of the way the children in our family grew up. They have respect for nature. They are ethical hunters, those who hunt, because they have learnt from their grandfather, fathers and uncles. It is natural for me, surrounded by people for whom hunting is part of life and who are moral human beings, with high ethical standards, to accept hunting as part of so many rural peoples’ lives in Namibia.
Huntinamibia
We all still love to go to the farm, walk in the veld, bring back a gemsbok or kudu and sit around the fire recounting every detail of the day. Namibians sit around fires. We go camping and sleep around fires. On a Friday evening after work, we light a fire and braai nature reserve beef steaks, or gemsbok fillet or kudu steaks. When the EU accepted our free range beef some years ago, the country rejoiced. When the USA accepted our beef exports recently we were over the moon. To understand the double standards is difficult. CITES rejected Namibia’s proposal to trade in ivory (read more about it in an article on page 28). A country with an exemplary record in almost every aspect of wildlife management, of economic and political stability, of success in antipoaching efforts with public and private sector working together. With a judicial system that is an example on the continent. With more than 40% of our surface area under some form of conservation management and 19% being parks or nature reserves. We have not destroyed our biodiversity and have looked after our people who live with wildlife and we managed to alleviate poverty whilst protecting wilderness areas. When you enjoy reading
is published annually by Venture Media in collaboration with the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) and with the support of the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
Managing Editor Rièth van Schalkwyk rieth@venture.com.na
Publisher Venture Media PO Box 21593, Windhoek, Namibia www.huntnamibia.com.na www.travelnewsnamibia.com
Production Elzanne Erasmus elzanne@travelnewsnamibia.com
Administration Bonn Nortje bonn@venture.com.na
Huntinamibia you almost certainly support Namibia’s policies and are aware of our track record. We hope that this edition of Huntinamibia will entertain you with a variety of hunting stories, as always, but that it will also give you some insight into the challenges of keeping this way of life intact for our children.
Rièth van Schalkwyk Editor
Cover Image Elzanne Erasmus Printing John Meinert Printers (Pty) Ltd
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ELZANNE ERASMUS
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CONTENTS 2017 FEATURES 10 NAMIBIA'S GOLDEN HOUR 14 TO LOOK A WILD LION IN THE FACE 20 GOOD SPORT & FAIR CHASE - MOUNTAIN ZEBRA IN THE NAMIB 24 KING OF THE MOUNTAINS 27 GAME PROFILE - HARTMANN'S MOUNTAIN ZEBRA 28 CAPRIVI DREAMING 34 WITH ACHING LEGS ON HOT STONES 40 THAT SUNSET BULL 44 NATURE'S BALLET 50 THE TAPESTRY OF A LEOPARD HUNT 54 THE ROLE OF HUNTING THROUGH THE EYES OF A NON-HUNTING CONSERVATIONIST 60 FOLLOWING THE BIG CONVERSATIONS, WHAT FUTURE FOR CONSERVATION? 66 CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR 70 HUNTERS UNITE AGAINST POACHING 72 SHIPPING OF TROPHIES - THE LAST LINK IN THE CHAIN
REGULAR FEATURES 3 EDITORIAL 6 MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER 7 MESSAGE FROM THE NAPHA PRESIDENT 12 COMMUNAL CONSERVANCIES 13 GAME SPECIES Indigenous species and their natural distribution in Namibia 78 FAST FACTS ON NAMIBIA
NAPHA INFORMATION 64 NAPHA MEDALS Conservation and standards 75 NAPHA REGISTER Hunting professionals registered with the Namibian Professional Hunting Association
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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
"OUR GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO ENSURE THAT NAMIBIA WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE WHERE ETHICAL HUNTING AND FAIR CHASE IS POSSIBLE." “ We invite trophy hunters from all over the world to experience
a true African hunting adventure, knowing that it will make a difference to the livelihoods of the people who live with and look after wildlife and that your contribution will enable us to protect those wilderness areas for future generations as called for in our constitution."
C
onservation (trophy) hunting and the sustainable use of our wildlife is a constitutional obligation in Namibia. Our utilisation of wildlife is guided and informed by sustainability and the application of science. In March 2016 the Namibian Cabinet endorsed our position on conservation hunting and called for a collective campaign against attempts to restrict legal trophy hunting and the export of wildlife products from Namibia. We want to assure all our trophy hunting clients all over the world that our Government is committed to ensure that Namibia will continue to be a place where ethical hunting and fair chase is possible. We are a nation committed to its people, cultures, wildlife and environment. I have said repeatedly that banning trophy hunting, which is a significant revenue generator for Namibia and specifically for conservancies, will damage our conservation efforts and destroy the significant successes we have achieved to date. We are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and we have to recognise our development needs and poverty eradication priorities as a developing country. It is a proven fact that sustainable utilisation of wildlife and natural resources is fundamentally and inextricably connected to successful wildlife conservation in our country. We cannot achieve sustainable development targets without that. To coexist with wild animals in the same habitats is not an easy experience. Our communities bear the brunt of excruciating conflict with wild animals daily. Our 82 communal conservancies are proud of the fact that they have abundant wildlife. Government has not only translocated wild animals to these areas, but also granted these local communities rights of ownership over those natural resources. Trophy hunting currently adds N$450 million to Namibia’s GDP via the private sector. All of this is the result of legislation passed 20 years ago to empower local communities to actively manage and use their wildlife. It was done with the aim to encourage wildlife recovery
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and to restore the environment. This programme has contributed to the growth of the elephant population from 7,500 in 1995, to 23,000 currently. You may find it interesting that a large percentage of these elephants occurs outside of formal protected areas. Legal hunting is an integral part of this conservation strategy, which resulted in healthy national populations of giraffe, leopard, rhino, lion, crocodile, buffalo and cheetah. It is also a lifeline for our communities today and we will continue to ensure that they derive maximum benefit through wildlife viewing and hunting safaris, live auctions of wildlife, taxidermy, and the controlled sale and processing of wildlife meat. Our communities are our most important allies in the fight against poaching, in particular the rhino. In our experience they will be champions of conservation once they benefit fairly and equitably from conservation and their exceptional knowledge of the natural environment. Although we were not successful in convincing CITES to amend the annotation to the listing of the African elephant in Appendix II in such a way that we would be entitled to trade in ivory in accordance with the respective provisions of the conventions in Appendix II, we will continue to fight for the right to use ivory as a valuable resource instead of destroying it.
Hon. N. Pohamba Shifeta Namibian Minister of Environment and Tourism
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF NAPHA
"Respectful and sustainable hunting can indeed play an important role in the protection of natural habitats."
F
or many institutions concerned with nature conservation the year 2016 was rather tumultuous at times, and NAPHA is no exception. Preparations for the IUCN World Conservation Congress and the CITES Conference of Parties, and the endeavours of some groups to discredit hunting, cast a long shadow. The bottom line is that a large section of the general population and most of the responsible institutions could not help but admit that respectful and sustainable hunting can indeed play an important role in the protection of natural habitats. Namibia’s well functioning and well-structured conservation strategy played a leading role in achieving this. It makes us proud but at the same time a little uneasy, too. Constant praise can lead to carelessness and a tendency to ignore small deficiencies. Therefore we would like to repeat last year’s message in a slightly altered form: Responsible action is needed – not only, but especially by us hunters, so that we continue to live up to Namibia’s excellent reputation. Last year we expressed the hope and the wish in this space that the general public would enter into a constructive dialog with the hunting fraternity on the very matter which is so dear to all of us: the protection of the marvellous nature and the wild animals of our country. Such dialog took place in many cases and NAPHA is thankful for the openness and the honesty that was shown to us from many sides. It can be reiterated that hunting, if practised respectfully and sustainably, is an important tool of practical nature conservation. No doubt portrayals which deliberately put hunting in a bad light will continue, just as misconduct and offences on the part of hunters will have to be dealt with in future as well. That is a matter of human nature. Just take a look at the sometimes very questionable conduct among the so-called elite of society – politicians, famous sportsmen or church officials – just as much as among ordinary people. But the subject matter as such, hunting, is not only an indispensable part of nature but also an essential part of successful conservation strategies. There is a deep satisfaction in leading an original life, in living off the land. This might become apparent in the satisfaction a planter feels when looking over his plantation and
eventually harvesting his crop. There is a deep satisfaction for a fisherman, not only in pulling a fish from the river but even more in enjoying the peace of a quiet stream. There is intense satisfaction for a hunter to be out in the wilderness and be part of the ancient rhythm of nature. Is this feeling unjustified? With all due respect, who is entitled to decide that man should not be part of natural settings, not be allowed to take wild fruit or mushrooms from the land? Should not be allowed to catch a fish or bag a wild animal? Isn’t it rather a question of tolerance to let individuals decide whether they would like to participate in nature or lead a nature-detached life – of course always under the precondition that a basic human understanding of fair treatment of any living creature is maintained and that sustainability is ensured. In this context it has to be noted that modern western ways of life are unsustainable in their destruction of nature, waste gas emission and pollution in general. There is an urgent need for schemes to stop the on-going destruction of natural habitats. Hunting is one.
to legal regulations and requirements by Namibia’s professional hunting sector. We would like to thank the clients who visit our beautiful country and through their outdoor adventure make such an important contribution to the conservation of our wildlife and its habitats. Please always hunt with a NAPHA member, because when in doubt the presence of a NAPHA member enables everyone concerned to practice hunting in a manner which does justice to our claim that hunting is applied wildlife conservation.
And let us remain tolerant and practical. Non-hunting nature lovers hang the horns of a stag over their garage door. The horns of kudu or sable, or even the skin of a lion, adorn many a tourist lodge. They add a flair of the wilderness to human dwellings. Is this wrong? Must these unquestionably beautiful natural artefacts rot in the wild because some people lead ideological campaigns against an ancient natural human way of doing things? Where do we start and where do we stop? May we display minerals or pieces of dead wood in our homes? The trophy hunter is the dedicated high-end tourist willing to travel to remote regions and hunt under adverse conditions, even prepared to return empty-handed. This kind of lowimpact, high-output client is indispensable for true wilderness conservation. At some stage enough must be enough and – instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater – we should cross the ideological trenches and work towards the same goal: the protection of Africa’s magnificent nature.
Kai-Uwe Denker
NAPHA, as always, will continue to strive to maintain the high ethical standard of professional hunting and the strict adherence
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hunters pride
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P.O.Box 486 Omaruru, Namibia Tel: +264 64 57 0729 • Fax: +264 64 57 0739 namibtaxidermy@africaonline.com.na www.namibtaxidermy.com
HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
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NAMIBIA'S
PAUL VAN SCHALKWYK
Golden Hour
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n a story entitled ‘Namibia – Land of contrasts and endless horizons’, which was published in the 2012 edition of HuntiNamibia, we wrote about the exceptional rainy seasons of 2006, 2008 and 2011 and said that in 2012 visitors to Namibia could expect to benefit from large game populations as a result of the plentiful rain. We must not forget, however,
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that Namibia is an arid country where drought is part of nature in the same way that snow is part of the northern winter. In 2016 rainfalls were ‘bad’. But it is in years of meagre rainfalls that nature reveals extraordinary splendour to anyone with a love for its less obvious qualities. Among the most memorable experiences in Namibia is the magical atmosphere of
the golden hour of dusk at a waterhole in the desert when birds the size of pigeons are silhouetted against the evening sky as they rush in from all sides as swift as an arrow and flock down on the bare desert floor close to the water for their evening drink. All around the waterhole the air is filled with a thousand chortling calls of double-banded sandgrouse, amid
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the wistful howl of a distant jackal. This spectacle is never more impressive than during years of drought. The gemsbok, the symbol of Namibian game, never appears more magnificent, the kudu more majestic and the dik-dik more enticing than during dry periods when their beauty stands out against hostile, hot and thorny surroundings. This year, visitors
to Namibia will experience our country in its typical, very own way and despite the rigours of nature they will experience the famous hospitality of its easy-going people. Sustainable hunting and years of effective game keeping ensure good game populations even if the next rainy season should again happen to be poor against all expectations.
" In 2016 rainfalls were ‘bad’. But it is in years of meagre rainfalls that nature reveals extraordinary splendour to anyone with a love for its less obvious qualities. " HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
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COMMUNAL CONSERVANCIES - Namibia's conservation success story
The sustainable use of wildlife, especially trophy hunting, has played a critical role in the development of communal conservancies. Prior to 1998, there were only four hunting concessions operating on Namibia’s communal lands, with none of these concessions providing meaningful engagement with or benefits to resident communities. Today there are 46 trophy-hunting concessions operating on communal lands, with the conservancies being empowered as both the benefactor and custodian of these hunting concessions.
CONSERVANCIES 1 Nyae Nyae 2 Salambala 3 ≠Khoadi-//Hôas 4 Torra 5 Wuparo 6 Doro !Nawas 7 Uibasen Twyfelfontein 8 Kwandu 9 Mayuni 10 Puros 11 Marienfluss 12 Tsiseb 13 Ehirovipuka 14 Oskop 15 Sorris Sorris 16 Mashi 17 Omatendeka 18 Otjimboyo 19 Uukwaluudhi 20 Orupembe 21 Okangundumba 22 //Huab 23 !Khob !Naub 24 //Gamaseb 25 Anabeb 26 Sesfontein 27 Sanitatas 28 Ozondundu 29 N#a-Jaqna 30 ≠Gaingu 31 Joseph Mbambangandu 32 Uukolonkadhi Ruacana 33 Ozonahi 34 Shamungwa 35 Sheya Shuushona 36 !Gawachab 37 Muduva Nyangana 38 Otjituuo 39 African Wild Dog 40 King Nehale 41 George Mukoya
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42 Okamatapati 43 Kasika 44 Impalila 45 Balyerwa 46 Ondjou 47 Kunene River 48 Ohungu 49 Sobbe 50 //Audi 51 Ovitoto 52 !Han /Awab 53 Okondjombo 54 Otjambangu 55 Eiseb 56 Sikunga 57 Okongo 58 Huibes 59 Dzoti 60 Otjitanda 61 Otjombinde 62 Orupupa 63 Omuramba ua Mbinda 64 Bamunu 65 !Khore Igoreb 66 Kabulabula 67 Okongoro 68 Otjombande 69 Ongongo 70 Ombujo -kanguindi 71 Otuzemba 72 Otjiu-West 73 Iipumbu ya Tshilongo 74 Okatjandja Kozomenje 75 Ombazu 76 Okanguati 77 Epupa 78 Otjikonda -virongo 79 Etanga 80 Nakobolelwa 81 Ombombo 82 Lusese
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INDIGENOUS SPECIES
and their natural distribution in Namibia
Please note that game farms have not been taken into consideration. On some of these game-prooffenced farms a greater diversification and even non-indigenous species may be found. Take note that some of these species are fully protected, such as African wild dog. Hippopotamus
01 African elephant (CITES II) – Northern Namibia 02 Black rhinoceros (CITES I) – Northern and northwestern Namibia 03 Hippopotamus (CITES ll) – Zambezi Region 04 Cape buffalo – Zambezi Region 05 Giraffe – Northern Namibia 06 Hartmann’s mountain zebra (CITES II) – Escarpment and western highland 07 Burchell’s zebra – Northern Namibia 08 Greater kudu – Everywhere, except in the Namib Desert Spotted Hyaena
09 Gemsbok – Widely distributed throughout the country 10 Sable antelope – Zambezi Region 11 Roan antelope – Kavango and Zambezi Region 12 Red hartebeest – Mainly eastern Namibia 13 Blue wildebeest – Patchy distribution in northern Namibia 14 Cape eland – Northern Namibia 15 Tsessebe – Kavango and Zambezi Region 16 Puku – Zambezi Region
Cape Buffalo
17 Common reedbuck – Zambezi Region 18 Sitatunga – Zambezi Region 19 Waterbuck – Zambezi Region 20 Springbok – Mainly southern and western Namibia, but patchy distribution elsewhere 21 Southern impala – Zambezi Region 22 Black-faced impala (CITES) – North-western areas 23 Red lechwe (CITES II) – Zambezi Region 24 Chobe bushbuck – Zambezi Region 25 Steenbok – Throughout the country Damara Dik-dik
26 Common duiker – Throughout the country, except in desert regions 27 Klipspringer – Patchy distribution in mountainous areas 28 Damara dik-dik – Northern and north-western areas 29 Oribi – Zambezi Region 30 Sharpe’s grysbok – Zambezi Region 31 Warthog – Widely distributed in northern and eastern parts
Giraffe
32 Bushpig – Zambezi Region 33 Lion – Northern Namibia 34 Leopard (CITES I) – Throughout the country, except in the Namib proper 35 Cheetah (CITES I) – Central and northern Namibia 36 Caracal (CITES II) – Throughout the country, except in the Namib proper 37 Spotted hyaena – Mainly north-eastern parts 38 Brown hyaena – Western desert regions and north-east 39 African wild dog – North-east Red Hartebeest
40 Black-backed jackal – Throughout the country 41 Side-striped jackal – Far north-eastern areas 42 Cape fox – Widespread on sandy soils 43 Crocodile (CITES I) – Northern perennial rivers 44 Chacma baboon (CITES II) – Virtually throughout the country 45 White rhinoceros (CITES I) – Only in parks and reserves 46 Small spotted cat (CITES I) – Central and southern Namibia
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ELZANNE ERASMUSANTON KRUGER
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TO LOOK A WILD LION
in the face Kai-Uwe Denker
D
uring the recent Cites Conference of Parties in Johannesburg it so happened that I was seated in the row behind the delegation of the Humane Society, all of who, like many other representatives, had placed a soft toy lion on their desk. A little plush lion with a soft, light-brown skin and a cuddly dark mane and tip of the tail sitting on its haunches, with head raised and a truly majestic and peaceful look to its face, placed next to the microphones on the desk to alert the audience to the plight of the king of the animal world. I thought to myself then: “If only you knew what a wild lion is all about!” After my return I chanced upon a stunning photo of a pair of stalking lions; wild lions their heads lowered as angry lions do, their eyes fixated on some target invisible to the onlooker, the male on the left with a battlescarred face and a somewhat shabby mane as a thorn-veld lion ought to have. Looking at that photo in awe, I was, because of the lowered head and the stare in the fierce yellow eyes of that magnificent shabby-maned male on the photo, reminded of a situation many years ago, when on very short range I found myself face to face with an enraged wild lion; a moment which vividly comes to my mind now and which I would like to share. It happened in the mid-1990s to the west of Khaudum. Early one morning we had come onto the footprints of a huge solitary lion in the soft Kavango sand. The footprint of a lion alone, if you are on foot as well, is enough to stir the imagination and to make you think twice about what you are up to, especially if you walk through obscure terrain. We took up the spoor of that lion. With me were Max Theurer, a rugged old hunter no longer
amongst us, and an old Bushman hunter, who also has left for the happy hunting grounds by now. And the wilderness to the west of Khaudum is no longer either – it has been transformed to cattle farms in the meantime. After tracking for a while, we realised that the lion was heading for the remains of the carcass of an elephant we had shot a few days ago. Approaching the spot, we also saw that the vultures whose circling on the thermals in the blue sky above the remains most probably had attracted the lion to the scene, were sitting in the trees, which told us that the lion would still be on the carcass. To have space when cutting up the elephant a few days ago, we had cleared away some of the thick silver terminalia shrub in which the elephant lay, creating a little clearance of perhaps thirty metres diameter in the thicket. Leaving the tracker behind, Max and I now closed in on this clearance in intense alertness and tension from downwind, sneaking towards the edge of the clearance on tiptoes, pausing every so often to listen for gnawing sounds, adrenaline rushing madly through our veins. Reaching the edge we realised that the lion was not visible on our side of the heap of intestines, backbone and ribs we had left behind. We imagined the lion to perhaps lie up behind this heap, so sneaking along in a semicircle at the edge of the brushwood, rifles at the half ready, we eventually realised that the lion was not there either. So, with tension ebbing off, we lowered our rifles, exchanging a few soft words, when, with a furious growl, the lion all of a sudden rose from the shade of the matted brush, perhaps five or six paces to our right. Since I was on the right side with Max to my left as to allow him an
unobstructed line of fire at the carcass to our left, the lion was immediately next to me, I being in the line of fire for Max. For a split second I stared the furious lion in the face, the image burned into my memory forever; head lowered, eyes fiery, a deep rumbling growl coming from its heavy chest. More out of instinctive reflex to put up a stern face in the light of that rumbling growl than from necessity, because Max was an experienced hunter and did not need this encouragement, I shouted loudly: “Shoot!” With Max rushing to my side to get an unobstructed line of fire in the instant my voice rang out, the lion flew round and bolted, throwing the tail into the air. Max’s hurried shot after the running lion went just behind the disappearing beast. Our hearts beating madly, the blood rushing through our veins so loudly that we could hear it, we stepped up to the carcass of the elephant, where I discovered a strand of long yellow hair jammed in the end of a jagged bone the lion had gnawed at. I removed that blond strand and wound it around my index finger to take it with me. It felt hard, coarse and brittle. I later placed it in a matchbox together with a piece of wood I had taken from the temporal gland of a big elephant bull. Little charms symbolizing the African wilderness, which, in hindsight, I would like to have placed next to the microphone on my desk at the Cites Conference to alert the audience to the plight of the unspoiled African wilderness - habitat for magnificently wild creatures, which disappears at a horrific rate and which is not found on any Appendixes.
After my return I chanced upon a stunning photo of a pair of stalking lions; wild lions - their heads lowered as angry lions do, their eyes fixated on some target invisible to the onlooker, the male on the left with a battle-scarred face and a somewhat shabby mane as a thorn-veld lion ought to have. Looking at that photo in awe, I was, because of the lowered head and the stare in the fierce yellow eyes of that magnificent shabby-maned male on the photo, reminded of a situation many years ago, when on very short range I found myself face to face with an enraged wild lion; a moment which vividly comes to my mind now and which I would like to share. Unfortunately the photographer was not prepared to release the photo in question, so I leave it to those who know the African wilderness and lions to imagine the scene.
HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
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Hunting in Africa, your most memorable experience. KHOMAS HOCHLAND - NAMIBIA 4 000 000 acre
Huntable Species - Kudu, Oryx, Mountain Zebra, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Warthog, Steinbok, Duiker, Klipspringer, Chacma Baboon, Jackal, Leopard, Cheetah, Brown Hyena
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Non-Huntable Species - Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Cheetah Huntable Plains Game - Eland, Kudu, Sable, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Impala, Springbok, Klipspringer, Steinbok
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CONTACT YOUR PROFESSIONAL HUNTER IN AFRICA
Philip Hennings, Professional Hunter & Managing Director philip@khomas-highland-hunting.com
Namibia Hunting Impressions There’s a fine art to real hunting. If you’re serious, so are we.
Kurt & Kate Düvel
www.namibiahuntingimpressions.com
GOOD SPORT
FAIR CHASE & – mountain zebra in the Namib
Among all the misguided outrage against hunting, hysteric shitstorms and mob law in the media, which are so typical of our times, quite a few warning voices can now be heard advocating the concept of fair chase as the only way that can take the art of hunting tourism into the future. Fair chase requires expertise and physical exertion, the use of natural hides and it is characterised by participation and sustainability which includes the best possible utilisation of animals taken. It means turning away from the reliance on technology and commerce and instead embracing an unfettered experience of nature. The British call it good sport & fair chase. Thus I chose “Good Sport & Fair Chase – Weidwerk im Geiste ritterlicher Jagdkultur” (the chase in the spirit of a gallant hunting culture) as the title for my book in which I portray hunting excursions of that very kind in Africa, in the high mountain ranges of central Asia and in the United Kingdom. Hunting for mountain zebra is also seen as a particularly captivating experience, even more so in the impressive scenery of Namibia’s escarpment. Dr Christian Carl Willinger
I
t was late summer. Dark, bluish thunderclouds piled up high in the sky and brought brief but heavy showers. It was the abundant rainy season of 2011. That year I visited Ingo Gladis at his farm Wilsonfontein in the Witwaters Mountains for the first time and immediately fell in love with this lovely spot. It is one of the most beautiful and pristine farms that I know in Namibia. However, several other properties close to the escarpment are also of interest to hunters and nature lovers who are looking for an original experience. I had previously hunted at Rooi Kuiseb, the farm bordering Wilsonfontein to the north and unfortunately no longer used for tourism purposes, but not far from it is Sphinxblick. This vast conglomeration of farms, owned by Günther Kleemann, lies between the Swakop River and the Chuos Mountains. Among its additional attractions are the horse-riding opportunities it offers. The common denominator of these and other farms close to the escarpment is their location in the spectacular scenery of the Pre-Namib where the mountains meet the plains. Since their agricultural potential is very limited these farms are primarily used for ecotourism – which includes responsible hunting, of course. As Christoph Schüle illustrated in his dissertation already fifteen years ago, hunting tourism is ecotourism par excellence. Wilsonfontein has been in the possession of the Gladis family since 1938. The farm is named after a spring which was discovered by British trader J.H. Wilson south of the
Swakop River in the 1850s. Today there is a wind pump in close proximity to the spring. Wilson regularly travelled from Cape Town to Bechuanaland by ox wagon to trade Brown Bess muskets for ivory. His usual route took him via Kuruman to the Lake Ngami area. Wilson, Livingstone and Oswell had been the first Europeans to find the lake in 1849. For his trading purposes Wilson then turned west. In Walvis Bay he sold the ox wagon and shipped the ivory to Cape Town, where he stocked up on goods for his next tour. On one of these trips he came upon the fountain on today’s farm Wilsonfontein and subsequently amassed bartered cattle there before driving the animals to the market in Cape Town. The farm’s size is a little less than 29,000 hectares, including a large part of the Witwaters Mountains and their various plains. For decades, Berthold Gladis (1912-2000) and his oldest son Udo (1949-1999) kept cattle and sheep. But due to frequent droughts, especially on the fringes of the Namib, this form of land use was not particularly profitable and often fraught with setbacks which jeopardised the farmers’ very livelihood. When the younger son, Ingo, inherited the farm he decided to turn it into a hunting business, which made good sense from an ecological as well as economic point of view. Since then all internal fences have been removed and the game is free to migrate into Namib Naukluft Park, which shares a 20 km border with Wilsonfontein. The animals make good use of their freedom, especially during the rainy season when springbok roam
almost as far as Swakopmund. During the dry months they return to the springs and waterholes in the mountains. Wilsonfontein meets all the criteria of the Erongo Verzeichnis für afrikanisches Jagdwild (Erongo Directory for African Game Animals) and has been awarded the organisation’s certificate. On my first visit I spent roughly a week on Ingo’s hunting farm and dedicated most of my time to plants and birds because, as mentioned, most of the game had wandered off into the Namib or was hidden by the lush vegetation and this time I hadn’t come to hunt anyway. As a result of the extensive rainfalls numerous rivers were in flood and in the mountains beautiful waterfalls cascaded over the rocks. I had never seen Namibia like that: not only because now, in the rainy season, everything turned green and was growing so rampantly and atypically, but also because Wilsonfontein with its extraordinarily rich structuring and impressive size is a paradise especially for hunters who prefer to stalk. The plain is scattered with small granite tops, hills and piles of rock which offer cover or the opportunity to scan the surroundings with binoculars. Rivers have carved their way through narrow gorges with weird and wonderful rock formations which for any geologist must surely be a joy to behold. And tall mountains offer challenging opportunities for climbing and hiking with grand vistas as a reward. One morning I climbed up to a plateau and on two occasions could have taken a klipspringer with the open sights. It
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would have been a well-earned trophy after the sportiness and acrobatics that the hike required. But just walking along a riverbank with two guidebooks to identify the shrubs, trees and birds was also appealing. Anyone with an interest in botany and zoology will definitely not be disappointed. A hunter, however, who is yearning for pristine wilderness, far from farms teeming with livestock and closed off with game-proof fencing, far from luxury accommodation, a hunter who is looking for the simplicity and the natural ways of Namibia’s yesteryear, who expects nothing else but autochthonous game in its natural environment, the hunter who appreciates this landscape made for stalking will find a rare paradise. Wilsonfontein and quite a few of the other farms on the fringe of the escarpment offer a reasonably priced alternative to the tented accommodation in one of the communal conservation areas.
“ Especially mountain
zebra pose a particular challenge to the hunter time and again because they are cautious and usually their habitat is not easily accessible."
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When I returned to Wilsonfontein two-anda-half years later I came with the intention to hunt. I wanted to take an exceptional gemsbok and another old mountain zebra stallion. I had taken my first striped equine, a plains zebra (Equus quagga chapmani), in the early 90s in Zimbabwe, and a dozen years later my first mountain zebra (E. zebra hartmannae) on Rooi Kuiseb. Some hunters don’t take pleasure in hunting this game, saying that it would be like shooting a horse. I never had any such qualms even though I am an enthusiastic horseman. Especially mountain zebra pose a particular challenge to the hunter time and again because they are cautious and usually their habitat is not easily accessible. The magnificent coat – exquisitely striped and rich in contrast, but without the shadow stripes of plains zebra – will make a picture-perfect rug or wall hanging to enhance any African décor. The venison, especially the fillet, is delicious if you don’t mind the almost unnoticeable touch of sweetness. Compared to my first visit, when rainfalls had been abundant, the scenery at Wilsonfontein was barely recognisable. After two summers with hardly any rain at all the land now
displayed the characteristics typical of its location on the fringe of the desert. Nothing was left of the previous greenery. Where waisthigh jungles of juicy flowering grasses had been rampant, there now was the expanse of gravel plains with the sparse, pale-yellow grass which you actually expect to see in the PreNamib. But evergreen shrubs like boscia and deep-rooted trees like camel thorn broke the uniformity of bleak colours while the richly structured terrain in any case prevented the appearance of monotony. Trying to describe the geography of Wilsonfontein it is probably best to start with the mountains. Striking Stuhlberg marks the north-eastern border of the farm, followed by further inselbergs towards west: Stephansberg, elongated Elefantenberg, Hottentottenkirche and XY in the furthest north-western corner. Onanisberg, still further to the west, is part of NamibNaukluft Park while Stahlhelm Mountain is another very recognisable landmark within the farm’s borders. The scenic backdrop to the south is provided by the extensive Witwaters range which stretches from east to west with individual mountains called Zuckerhut,
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GOOD SPORT & FAIR CHASE Zackenberg, Giselaberg, Bischofshut and Backenzahn. Looking north from the Witwaters Mountains you will be able to see Horibisberg and Potberg in the distance with the Chuos and Otjipatera Mountains behind them, and on particularly clear days even the Erongo. The land between the Witwaters Mountains in the south and Stuhlberg Mountain in the northeast is characterised by plains, whereas towards northwest, especially towards Elefantenberg and Stephansberg, it is richly structured by countless granite tops. Extensive plateaus lie south of the Witwaters Mountains, and a smaller elevated plain can be found within the range. One morning, after breakfast before sunrise, we drove to a waterhole west of Stahlhelm Mountain which never dries up completely. From there we set off on a stalk of several hours. First we climbed up Stahlhelm’s southern spur, a massive granite dome which offered grand views over the vast surroundings. On a sandy plateau on the eastern side water had recently formed a small pool – water that had seeped away during the abundant rainfalls more than two years ago. It was the first time in sixty years that water was seen there. On the northern edge of the plateau the flamboyant blaze of a large brittle thorn shrub (Phaeoptilum spinosum) full of cyclamen fruits stood out from the sparsely vegetated expanse of sand. We crossed the plateau and in the course of this diverse stalk through the semi-desert spotted several zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, kudu and steenbok but nothing worth taking. Eventually we clambered over various rock falls back down into the large plain from where we had started. On the way home we passed a particularly fine specimen of candle thorn (Acacia hebeclada) of which I took a twig for my acacia collection. During the al fresco lunch at the farm numerous species of birds were in attendance, among them African red-eyed bulbuls, Namaqua doves, mountain chats, redheaded finches, blackcheeked waxbills and Kalahari robins. At this time of the year, when summer temperatures soar, a lengthy siesta is a must and therefore we set off for our evening stalks only at four o’clock. I enjoyed those afternoon resting times, relaxing on the bed without clothes at almost 30°C inside and 35° outside in the shade. It was a whole-body heat therapy which did wonders for my pain-ridden and maltreated frame.
So, later in the afternoon, when the sky was still brilliantly blue, we drove past Stahlhelm Mountain to where the south-westerly plains begin, marked by a wind pump and water basin, and came across springbok, giraffe and gemsbok. From there we stalked through the labyrinth of gravel hills at the foot of the Witwaters Mountains and followed game trails until we spotted a group of mountain zebra half a mile away: several mares and yearlings with a stallion standing a little apart. The wind was in our favour. The many rock formations and talus deposits offered cover as we laboured forward to a distance of 200 metres. Covered by granite boulders we crept to a viewing point. And there they were: the mares and young animals in the valley below, while the stallion stood about a hundred paces apart at the foot of the opposite slope. Keeping apart, usually at the back-end of the herd, is typical for the lead stallion. He is easy to identify by his massive body, strong neck and especially his distinct dewlap. Usually there is only one mature stallion in a mixed herd. In comparison to plains zebra herds are small and consist of less than ten animals. Young males are expelled before the age of two and may form small bachelor groups. Back to the lead stallion that we wanted to take. Since it was difficult to aim at him through the gap in the rocks I crawled on all fours along the scree – which bordered the crest of our hill like an Irish stonewall – to find a more suitable opening. As quietly as possible I struggled over rough gravel and rocks with sharp edges, rifle in one hand and teeth clenched, while the November heat made me drip with sweat. When I finally reached a suitable position I took aim at the stallion with my old Persian Mauser. I am rather fond of this military rifle, the G98, calibre 8 x57 IS, with open sights and a 74 cm barrel. It is very pleasant to shoot and will invariably hit the mark. I entrenched myself between the rocks and the distance was ideal as well. The sights slowly moved over the stallion’s forehand and stopped at the lower half of the blade, while the pull of the nine pound trigger allowed me to check the position of the notch in the rear sights once again. The shot brought the big stallion down but then he got back on his feet, reared up and almost toppled over backwards as he collapsed for good. It had
been a clean heart shot from 160 metres. The rest of the herd had long since disappeared between the hills. While the vehicle that we had sent for slowly made its way through the rough terrain I sat next to the stallion, gently stroked his soft nostrils and ears and in the face of death thought about the transience of all living things. It is an iron law of nature: mors ianua vitae – death is the gateway to life.
“
A hunter, however, who is yearning for pristine wilderness, far from farms teeming with livestock and closed off with game-proof fencing, far from luxury accommodation, a hunter who is looking for the simplicity and the natural ways of Namibia’s yesteryear, who expects nothing else but autochthonous game in its natural environment, the hunter who appreciates this landscape made for stalking will find a rare paradise. "
But nevertheless such moments always resonate with a little wistfulness, and quite a lot of humility. It is these multi-layered emotions which attest to the complexity of the conditio humana. Our adversaries, however, can’t and won’t comprehend that. Thus their aim, the aim of all modern sophists, is absolute equality of animal and man which they try to achieve by deconstructing and denying any specifically human qualities. How sad to leave the fruits of enlightenment to ripen until they rot. Without the right measure the world becomes grotesque and absurd. But here, in the solitude of the desert with its elementary laws, one can still feel it – the true order of things.
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FELIX MARNEWECKE - CAMELTHORN SAFARIS BIG GAME HUNTING - NAMIBIA
CAMELTHORNSAFARIS@IWAY.NA PHONE: + 264 81 260 24 05
dirk de bod
ruark
Hunt one of the last and truly remote Namibia wilderness areas in Namibia. Kaokoveld Unfenced Wilderness – Plains Game and Leopard Zambezi Unfenced Region – Dangerous Game Anton Esterhuizen: +264 81 432 4800 | antonie@huntingnamibiaruark.com Neville Gossayn: nevilleg@huntingnamibiaruark.com
Ruark
GAME SAFARIS www.huntingnamibiaruark.com
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KING ....................
of the mountains
Puros or Omburo means ‘a spring or place where water comes out’ in the Herero language. The name stands in sharp contrast to this arid semi-desert environment with its endless plains, rugged mountains, sparse vegetation, the well-known Hoarusib River and Himba pastoralists. This area is part of the greater Kunene region, formerly known as the Kaokoveld, in north-western Namibia. Anton Esterhuizen
H
of north-western Namibia is demanding, a great challenge and truly exciting. This we experienced first hand while on a hunting trip in the Puros Conservancy.
Hunting Hartmann’s mountain zebra on foot in one of the communal conservancies
Our adventure started at Wêreldsend, the IRDNC base camp 60 km east of Torra Bay, a well-known fishing spot on the Skeleton Coast. We left Wêreldsend on a chilly morning in early June for the six-hour drive to Puros. This drive is an adventure in itself. One travels through the most
artmann’s mountain zebra, one of Namibia’s endemic species, remains one of the most soughtafter trophies and exciting hunts that Namibia can offer. This is especially true in the far northwest of the country where they occur naturally and can still roam free, traversing mountain ranges and desert plains without the hindrance of fences.
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breathtaking landscape, which in the middle of the day looks harsh and unforgiving, but early morning or late afternoon that same landscape turns into the softest shades of pink, blue and purple. After checking and shooting in the rifle we set off for a walk on the dry mountains northwest of Puros village, accompanied by the Puros conservancy field officer. We carefully searched the mountains and gullies for any sign of life. As it was our first day we were not in a hurry
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and after the long drive enjoyed being outside, with a strong, cold westerly wind in our faces. We enjoyed being out in the veld, stretching our legs after the long drive and becoming accustomed to the vastness of this seemingly endless landscape. The grass cover was sparse to non-existent and we only found a few gemsbok tracks leading down to the lush green Hoarusib River. In this harsh landscape the riverbed is a true oasis where animals find some greenery and water. But there also lurks the danger of two semi-permanent lionesses, always on the lookout for any sign of weakness! Early the next morning we found ourselves in the Okongue area, southeast of Puros, on a vantage point high above the plains where the first rays of the rising sun painted the isolated bare rocks and grey lifeless soil with warm shades of gold. Patches of grass
from previous exceptional rains were still in evidence, although few and far between. The conservancy has earmarked this area as an exclusive wildlife and hunting zone. It was so cold that we struggled to steady our binoculars. We scanned the mountains and valleys, because the zebra move back into the mountains after their nightly parade down to the plains. Eventually we located a family group of seven zebra at the foot of some distant mountains. They seemed impossibly far away. “Here you can see to eternity,” my friend remarked dryly. There was no wind and we approached them carefully from the west. Gemsbok could be seen scattered over the plain as mere dots. Two ostriches kept us under surveillance from a distance and slowly started to move away from us. Crossing the ridge, the zebra were still 400 metres away – with
no cover between them and us. We were also slightly above them. They were grazing and hadn’t noticed us yet. With gemsbok to our left and right there was little we could do, safe for getting comfortable and hoping that the zebra would move towards us. We identified two stallions, one older than the other. Then, unfortunately, the wind picked up and started playing its usual games in the mountains. The zebra immediately smelled us. First they started moving towards us, but recognized their mistake and to our utter dismay fled up the mountain and disappeared over the ridge. The friend jumped up and suggested to get going and cut them off. I knew it was useless because Hartmann zebra are the undisputed kings of the mountains. There is no blocking them, as I found out earlier in my career as an inexperienced hunter. Many a time I had to return to base totally frustrated, having tried
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to outsmart them. They seem to grow wings on their feet. I decided to keep quiet and let him experience the grace of these wonderful animals. We rushed up the mountain huffing and puffing. Arriving on the other side of the ridge he was amazed at the light-footedness of the zebra. They were already hundreds of metres away from us. I just chuckled softly and suggested we look for other game and come back the next day. By now the wind had picked up and there was no way we could catch up with them. We left at five o’clock the following morning armed with thick jackets, rifles and binoculars. The strong easterly wind was bone-chilling as we made our way up a mountain west of the Okongue plains. When the sun rose over the horizon, dust clouds in the river below drew our attention to three zebra taking a dust bath. A stallion and two mares. Another family group was on its way from the valley into the mountains and disappeared from sight. The other three zebra seemed at ease and we sat quietly, just watching them for a while. A
gemsbok appeared on our right and looked in our direction. Satisfied that no danger was looming he slowly moved away from us while feeding. Springbok stood quietly in the valley, trying to catch the first warmth of the early sunlight. We started our stalk down a gully, out of the zebras’ sight, and then upriver towards them. As we inched forward, using every little bit of cover and shadow for camouflage, we almost walked into a kudu bull. We waited for him to move off and then continued our stalk. By now the sun was shining with all its ferocity and it was hard to believe that it had been so cold earlier on. The wind also didn’t help to make the stalk easier and changed more often than my wife changes her clothes. In the meantime the zebra had decided to move out of the river and were now feeding half-way up the mountain. Now we were sitting with a great dilemma: there was very little cover between us and the zebra, making a stalk virtually impossible, and they were higher up than we were. “Did we waste too much time on the stalk up to this point,” I was asking myself, contemplating
various ways to get within shooting range of the zebra. Using milk-bush (Euphorbia damarana) for cover we crawled towards the zebra inch by inch – look, crawl, wait, look, crawl, wait – trying to be as quiet as possible on the loose stones and steep gradient. Wearing shorts, it felt as if the stones got a couple of degrees hotter with every inch. They also cut into bare flesh. When I turned to see how my friend was doing, I froze. A gemsbok was looking straight at us from no more than 30 metres. It had appeared from nowhere. “Stay very still,” I hissed. “What?” “Stay very still,” I hissed again, this time rolling my eyes towards the gemsbok, still watching us. Why do animals have this cunning ability of always catching you in the most awkward position when you cannot afford to move? After staring us down, satisfied that our limbs and back had endured enough pain, he trotted off. We waited for a while before we dared to look if the zebra were still there. We only saw two: the third one, our stallion, had left. I scanned the mountain, which by now sported all shades of grey and white in the blinding sun, making it extremely difficult to see zebra – believe it or not. TMy friend and I were lying next to a milk-bush, trying to use its limited shade for cover. There was no wind and Old Spikes had no sympathy for us. I was still scanning the area for the stallion when he suddenly appeared from behind a bush and joined the other two again. Whispering, I pointed to the position of the stallion. Wasting no time, we got into position to shoot. Although still 150 metres away, I felt comfortable that he could take the zebra. He inched into position at a snail’s pace, very aware that one miscalculated move could cost him this opportunity. I watched anxiously from the back, my attention alternating between him and the zebra. The stallion immediately raised his head and I could see his nostrils opening wide. Without taking the binoculars from my eyes I looked at the hunter and was relieved to see that he was in position and about to shoot. As the shot rang out I saw the bullet flying true and the stallion running downhill. After eighty metres he went down. That night there were great festivities as zebra meat was delivered to the village and the fires got going at Puros. And as for my friend, apart from some cuts and bruises, a Namibian dream had come true - hunting the King of the Mountains, on foot, in its natural environment.
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ELZANNE ERASMUS
GAME PROFILE
HARTMANN'S MOUNTAIN ZEBRA Equus zebra hartmannae Shoulder height: Weight: Life expectancy: Diet: Gestation period:
150 cm 280 - 340 kg 35 years Grass 12 months, one foal
T
he Hartmann's mountain zebra is one of the uniquely characteristic and endemic game species of the dry, barren and rugged escarpment of the western habitat in Namibia, extending for some distance into south-western Angola. Beautifully patterned, this very decorative trophy is distinguished from the more common Burchell's or plains zebra by a characteristic dewlap. On both hind legs
the narrow black stripes of the body swerve into a broad horizontal striping. While with the Burchell's zebra the black stripes meet underneath the belly, the Hartmann's zebra has a plain white belly. The Burchell's zebra has stripes to the knees only, while the Hartmann's zebra has distinctly striped legs down to the hooves. The animals stay on rocky slopes in small family units of five to eight animals during
the day. Late in the afternoon they usually start to move downhill to drink and feed in the valleys during the night. Mountain zebra country is characterised by deeply trodden game paths and well-used dust bowls. Hunting Hartmann's mountain zebra is sporting and adventurous. In most cases the most laborious part of the hunt is bringing down the meat from the mountain.
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Caprivi DREAMING
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My curiosity was stirred up by stories of hunting in “South West�, told on my first safari to South Africa long ago. Since then I have been to Namibia many times. This desert country holds a special place in my heart and is ever present in my dreams since my very first trip twelve years ago. Having made many dear friends in the south of the country and spending much time there, I now felt other parts of Namibia calling me. I had read books and magazines and studied maps of all the other unique and interesting places in other regions of Namibia. The Caprivi, now called Zambezi Region, held a special fascination for me. I think most hunters will agree that we all have dreams of hunting in really wild, faraway places. These dreams are an integral part of who we are as hunters. My dream of hunting in the Caprivi, in the far northeast of the country, was finally coming true. And what an adventure it turned out to be. Philip Glass
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T
he best thing about Namibia is the great people you meet. It has been amazing to get to know so many people from so many different walks of life, something I count as a blessing in my life. From the sheep farmers in the south to the many wonderful people in the hunting fraternity - I have always felt like family there. Namibia is one of the very few places in the world where I truly feel at home. Gysbert and Danene van der Westhuyzen, with whom I have hunted before, showed me what was available for my safari. The conservancies in Caprivi have very tight quotas. Namibia is to be commended for how well the protection and preservation of wildlife and wild places is organized. Having said that, it takes some deliberation to acquire the quota which means a safari like this is best planned out at least a year or more in advance. I intended to hunt elephant and buffalo on this safari. My plans were made and it was, at that point, all about waiting – and dreaming of the Caprivi, of course. As we got off the plane in Katima Mulilo the
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humidity and the bugs met us in full force to remind me that I was really in Africa again, but certainly somewhere quite unfamiliar. My first impressions of this part of Namibia included the traditional mud and thatch huts in villages and, of course, all the large trees. It was a drive of about two hours and then a short boat ride to the camp. Taking a boat for the last stretch down the river was a treat and made the beginning of my safari a real adventure. I have to admit, however, that the thought of crocodiles and hippos in such close proximity to the boat was a bit daunting as we travelled in the setting sun. Day one had arrived and as we set out for a long day of walking I was really in awe of the scenery. From the reeds by the rivers and in the low places to the large trees that dominated the landscape, this place was beautiful and certainly very unlike the other parts of Namibia I was so familiar with. Later that day I stepped awkwardly into an elephant track which was two foot deep but it did not feel too bad until later that evening. We got caught out after dark
and were walking back to camp through an area where a trail camera had shown a lioness earlier that day. Needless to say, we were at a forced march pace and everyone was staying close together. I had the only flashlight and was trying to light up the path while checking the tall grass nearby for those yellow eyes that we all feared. I was afraid that all I was doing was to disturb my trackers’ vision since they never use a torch. Hurrying along I noticed my calf muscle tightening up, but thought nothing of it. In the days to come it would become painfully apparent that the elephant track had done some serious damage. My right ankle and calf were injured and very painful. We were walking 10-12 miles each day hunting buffalo and the pain was getting worse. Day two was tough. I pessimistically knew it would not get better for quite some time and that I would just have to deal with it. So goes a safari with its unexpected twists and turns and pains! There were only a few roads in the areas where we were trying to hunt. At times we were able to use the boat to get us closer
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CAPRIVI DREAMING but for the most part it was all on foot. After many miles and several days we finally spotted some buffalo bulls. A nice group of “dagga boys”, for sure, but it was getting late. In the Caprivi with all the rivers, the buffalo are usually covered in mud, or dagga, as the locals call it. On this safari I certainly experienced first-hand where the term “dagga boys” comes from. For some time all of us silently studied the buffalo through the thick bushes with our binoculars. There were definitely some nice bulls in this group. They were especially nice to my naive eye for buffalo. As the sun was setting we began to realize that there was just not time enough to get into a position to even try a stalk on this bachelor herd. A bit disappointed, we made the long trek back to camp. Going into this hunt I knew that buffalo move in and out of the parks all the time, crossing the many rivers. Nevertheless it was a bit tough to not see any buffalo for several days. Still, I had ten days in this wonderful place and I was going to enjoy every minute of it even if I was hobbling along with a strained calf and not finding that bull.
“ He led the way in
a circle in order to get downwind. As we cautiously walked to a better position and our eyes became accustomed to the scene, the herd kept growing. They were certainly in their hundreds. "
The following day finally proved that those buffalo bulls move around amazingly far and wide. As with most days we left the camp very early on foot. Gysbert, his tracker Cassius, game scout Joseph and my camera “man” Janine headed out for another day in the bush. The trail held some real excitement as we were unintentionally following a leopard female and cub. The tracks were very fresh and I wondered if we needed to proceed with caution. No one else was worried and we kept up our usual fast pace. Gysbert was the first to spot what seemed to be quite a few buffalo. He led the way in a circle in order to get downwind. As we cautiously walked to a better position and our eyes became accustomed to the scene, the herd kept growing. They were certainly in their hundreds. The Caprivi was very dry at that time and the water in the pans and floodplains had evaporated. For a better view of the herd we sneaked to a spot which is usually an island. Without wasting much time my PH put up the sticks and pointed out the best bull. The herd was grazing and steadily moved to our right. I quickly adjusted my scope,
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CAPRIVI DREAMING much to my PH’s silent displeasure, and readied my .416 Ruger. As the big bull was slowly moving, I put one right behind his right shoulder. The bull lunged forward, typical of a good shot, and ran toward cover. We both fired as the bull was nearing the brush line and then wisely decided to wait a while. The follow-up shots had also made contact on the departing bull. As the herd ran and gathered up we realized just how many buffalo there were. The sound can only be described like that of a loud freight train as they thundered away over the plains through some small streams.
“ From fear and injury at the beginning of the hunt to complete awe as we marvelled at nature and God’s creation. I can honestly say that this is what safari is all about. "
When the dust had settled we agreed that there must have been four hundred buffalo in that herd. Their stampede had given me goose bumps. I was just getting over it when we heard the tell-tale death bellow. I can only say, hearing that bellow for the first time really was an unforgettable moment. It is a moment that marks a milestone in one’s hunting career. Although we had very good trackers, they would not be needed because the bull was easily found less than 100 yards away. The recovery of a big buffalo bull in a remote location is never that easy. We had to get a vehicle fairly close, which took hours. We walked all the way back to camp, took one of the boats across and down the river to the vehicle, then drove through another conservancy and back to the buffalo. We left one of the trackers with the bull and he wisely chose a place to sit
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far away from the scene, since we had seen fresh lion tracks nearby. Back near the camp the slaughtering began in order to take the meat to the villagers.
So many of them thanked us and I took pictures with them and the children. What a wonderful ending to an unforgettable buffalo hunt.
One of the funniest sights I have seen in my lifetime of hunting unfolded when the skinners began to work on the big bull that had been in the sun for several hours. One of them cut a bit too deeply, into the bloated rumen, releasing a gas explosion that blew his cap off! We all had a good laugh over his misfortune. As evening came we headed for one of the conservancy buildings for the meat to be evenly distributed to the local villagers.
As I reflected on this buffalo hunt, I realized it was truly more than I had dreamed of. From fear and injury at the beginning of the hunt to complete awe as we marvelled at nature and God’s creation. I can honestly say that this is what safari is all about. As anyone who has been fortunate to have been to Africa can tell you, as soon as the hunt is over the planning for the next adventure begins. As for me, as long as I live, I will never stop dreaming of Namibia.
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WITH ACHING LEGS on HOT STONES It wasn’t the first time that Roland had come to hunt in Namibia but two years ago it was the first time that he stayed with us at Falkenhorst. It was June and therefore not nearly as hot and dry as it is now, in October. On his first visit he didn’t really get a taste of what it means to pursue a gemsbok bull on all fours in rugged, stone littered terrain under a blazing sun. Only a true and passionate hunter can survive the conditions and challenges prevailing in southern Namibia. There are a few shrubs but they do not offer much cover – so you have to stay down to remain unnoticed. The ground, however, is strewn with stones which make it really difficult for you to walk and almost impossible to stalk noiselessly. On top of that they love to punish you with blisters on your hands if you dare to close in on an animal in the midday heat. The sun burns down relentlessly and you feel your throat getting drier by the minute. Whether or not he wants to realize it, I am sure that right now he feels what it means to hunt in Africa. Sebastian Fechter
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e spotted the very old gemsbok bull on the opposite slope a little less than an hour ago. Now it is already late in the morning and the valiant bull is comfortably standing under a large worm-cure albizia tree which gives him highly valued shade. Keeping our heads down, Roland and I have sneaked forward to a distance of some 600 metres, but now it seems impossible to remain unnoticed and close the gap to shooting distance. The old bull has chosen a perfect shade spot from which he can survey the entire area. Every now and then he turns his head and scents, first in our direction, then to the other side to make sure that no foe is in the vicinity. Through the binoculars he looks absolutely majestic in the shimmering heat, his body massive, the big horns worn. With his battle scars and his beautiful war paint an old fighter like this is truly the king of the desert. But marvelling will not lead us to success – we have to move on because time doesn’t stand still and by now the sun is roasting us. Cautiously we continue ever so slowly, from one shrub to the next, to take advantage of the little bit of cover there is. Every step has to be taken with the utmost precision in order to avoid the crunching sound of the stones. Occasionally there is some clatter behind me because Roland, of course, is not used to walking on a stony surface like this. Suddenly the bull scents in our direction. “Damn“, Roland whispers behind me, “has he noticed us?” I stop, move my hand backwards in slow motion and indicate to Roland that he mustn’t move. There we are, not daring to move and the sun beating down on our necks. It seems like a moment frozen in time, despite the scorching heat. The gemsbok bull is still scenting in our direction and now I feel pain coming on in my legs. I am sure it’s the same for Roland, but we don’t have a choice, we have to stick it out. After what seems like an eternity our suffering finally comes to an end: the bull stops scenting. If we don’t change our strategy now it will all have been for nothing. I indicate to Roland that we have to get down again. Down onto the hot stones, to be precise. “Sit on your bum and put your weapon on your lap”, I whisper, “use your hands for support and pull yourself forward with your legs.” And so we edge forward metre by metre. In between we briefly rub our hands on our clothes to prevent blisters, and on we go. Every now and then I turn my head to make sure that Roland is still ok, because the effects of the heat and the physical exertion are written all over his face. But whether we like it or not, we have to continue. Suddenly I notice that the bull is getting restless. A distance of 400 metres is still far too much for a good shot. Has he noticed us? Has he picked up the scent? No, the wind is in our favour; probably he is simply moving on to find a better tree or water. As I watch him through my binoculars he is slowly moving further up the slope. If he disappeared behind the hill soon it would be the perfect opportunity for us to quickly catch up and perhaps get a shot on the other side. But for now we just have to wait. Close behind me Roland is sitting on the searing hot stones, carefully removing thorns from his hand. Suddenly the third line of the Südwesterlied comes to mind, the song which in a way served as an unofficial ‘national anthem’ before independence. The lyrics are about everlasting love for this arid land, despite its hardships – such as crags burnt by the sun. The sun is really making a good job of it, also today.
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“A real old fighter, a king of the desert.In moments like this the hunter experiences a sense of gratitude and satisfaction which is hard to describe.” But while the crags and stones seem to have no problem with getting scorched, a human being exposed to these conditions will become very much aware of being in Africa. The gemsbok takes his time, nibbles on a blade of grass here and there, scents briefly, strains his ears in all directions and majestically continues up the hill without hurry. It is clear that he is at home in this rough terrain. Despite his massive body he negotiates it with incredible ease. He seems like an old man on a sidewalk who imagines himself to be a lot younger. We are still sitting on these burning hot stones, but not for much longer, and then we will have to act fast. Now he is up there, against the horizon, and in the
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shimmering heat he blends into the landscape so perfectly that he almost fades from sight. His mighty horns are the last of him that I see as he disappears over the horizon.
happens to be there. Searching for a sign of his presence I am looking ahead with utmost concentration. He can be anywhere on the slope below us.
Now we have to hurry if we want to take him on the other side. We try to catch up as quickly as possible, which is easier said than done in this heat and with all the stones on the ground. One has to be very careful not to stumble – a fall could be rather painful. After the first 200 metres I have to check my pace so that Roland isn’t lagging too far behind. He really seems to be struggling with the stones. But we have to keep moving. We are already climbing up the slope where the bull was resting not so long ago. As I point out the tree where he stood in the shade Roland has a brief chance to catch his breath, then we continue up the hill. Approaching the top we are slowing down again to avoid the clattering of stones. Hopefully he hasn’t heard us yet and cleared off…
I motion to Roland that we have to be very cautious now and that he needs to take a deep breath because he is still gasping for air and with his heart beating like mad it will be difficult for him to place a good shot.
But since we don’t know what the situation is we have to continue cautiously and hope that we don’t mess things up if he still
As I take another step forward I discover something dark at an angle below us. Slowly I reach out for the binoculars and recognise him clearly: it is the bull we have been looking for, the bull with the short but heavy horns. There he is! Please don’t make a mistake now. He hasn’t noticed us yet and is busy rubbing his horns on a dry silver cluster-leaf shrub. “Too many shrubs”, I whisper in Roland’s direction, “we need to go further to the right.” Slowly I get down to the ground and indicate that it is back to bum on the stones, weapon on the lap and go! The bull is still busy with his horn care. We have to exploit that because he is a little
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distracted and not so alert at the moment. A few metres further on I discover a gap. Our bull is less than 100 metres below us on the slope, but unfortunately his body is pointing downward which is not good for a shot. ‘Perhaps he’ll turn his broadside to us just now’, I think and am about to put up the shooting sticks slowly and carefully. At that very moment the bull notices some movement and across his shoulder attentively scents into our direction. With the sticks still in my hand I freeze and barely dare to breathe. I pray that Roland won’t move either; otherwise it would be all in vain. Luckily the bull seems satisfied that he is not in danger and after a brief moment continues to rub his horns on the shrub. I carefully put up the sticks and indicate to Roland that he must take his position, because the bull might turn around and scent in our direction again. Roland has taken his position and tries to keep his heartbeat under control. Now we just have to be patient again and wait. In the meantime the sun has reached its zenith and in a situation like this you wonder whether the hot stones are worse
than the parched throat or whether the hunting fever surpasses everything. After waiting for a while I decide to whistle, in the hope that the bull will turn his side to us and Roland can get his shot. My brief whistling causes the bull to raise his head but he scents to the other side. I whistle again and there he turns his side to us and with a fright scents in our direction. “Now! Shoot!” I have barely uttered the words when the shot cracks. Through the binoculars I see the massive body of the old bull collapse. “Repeat and keep aim”, I instruct Roland. But after a few minutes there seems to be no movement left. He is lying there, stone-dead. We go down to him and Roland, too, realizes that his bull is indeed as old as the hills. A real old fighter, a king of the desert. The effort has been well worth it and in moments like this the hunter experiences a sense of gratitude and satisfaction which is hard to describe. Joy is written all over Roland’s face. “Now I know what hunting in Africa means”, he says, “with aching legs across these hot stones!”
Many oryx, one gemsbok
The gemsbok is Namibia’s national animal, appearing in the state’s coat of arms – as well as in the logo of Namibia Parks and Wildlife, the park management division within the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Taxonomically, the gemsbok falls within the genus Oryx. A number of distinct species and subspecies of this genus are distributed across parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. These include the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) and the beisa oryx (Oryx beisa). A subspecies of the beisa oryx, the fringe-eared oryx (O. beisa callotis) has distinct tassels fringing its ears, and is more ochre in colour. In tourism circles, partly encouraged by travellers familiar with East Africa’s beisa oryx, the name oryx has been used increasingly for the gemsbok. This is not entirely correct. There are many oryx, but there is only one gemsbok – the southern African Oryx gazella, indigenous to the drier parts of the subcontinent.
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That Sunset 40
BULL
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I have been to Namibia several times and its allure and mystique always draws me back. Every trip I’ve made there is filled with unique experiences. I scheduled this safari for late May, to coincide with the kudu rut, hoping to improve my chances of finding that one very special kudu bull. However, even with improved odds, it is always a challenge in the vast expanse of Namibia’s central highlands. I expected to spend a lot of quality time searching for my trophy and this would also provide ample opportunity to pursue my other passion, bird-watching. I love to hunt, but I also love the time between hunts when I can enjoy other things in the wild, namely the almost limitless variety of birds one can encounter. Hannes had been teasing me with photos of secretary and other interesting birds taken by his trail cameras at water holes, so I knew about some different birds in the area that I wanted to add to my lifer list. Jim Athearn
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e awoke the first morning at the hunting farm in central Namibia to unseasonably windy conditions that were to plague us throughout our safari. After breakfast we headed out to experience what the bush had to offer. Our plan was to concentrate on getting my friend Steve’s trophy early on while I would keep an ever watchful eye out for a special kudu bull. In the next few days Steve was able to take a beautiful kudu bull with a long shot after several hard hours of tracking. Steve also experienced the joys of crawling as he, Hannes and the tracker put on a long “sneak” on a wary herd of gemsbok.
The following day it was my turn. Hannes pointed to a tiny black dot out across a huge grassy plain and told me he thought it was a big black wildebeest. I knew what was to happen next when he handed me the knee pads and gloves. We took off on all fours and I lost track of the time but we finally sat up and took stock of our position. We were still about 500 metres out and needed to close the gap without startling the springbok that had wandered in between us and the wildebeest. Finally we eased up behind a small bush and decided we could go no closer. I was relieved to hear that familiar sound shortly after I squeezed the trigger. My bull was magnificent and a fitting trophy to reward our long stalk and crawl. With only a few days left of our safari we still had a few things to do, aside from finding that special kudu bull. We spent some afternoons at water holes watching animals and birds come and go. Because the weather had remained unseasonably warm, many of the birds that normally would have already migrated north were still gathering in large flocks. They put on quite a show at the water holes. We enjoyed the vivid colours of the swallow-tailed bee-eaters, lilacbreasted rollers, rosy-faced lovebirds and the distinctive tails on the long-tailed paradise and shaft-tailed whydahs. Even a pair of secretary birds put in an appearance beside the road one day as we were driving back to the lodge for lunch. We always take a day off from hunting and birding to visit the capital city of Windhoek, where we enjoy lunch at Joe’s Beer House and afterwards some sightseeing and shopping with Hannes’ wife, Geraldine. While Laura was selecting souvenirs for the grandchildren, I slipped in a necklace that she had been admiring. I wanted to surprise her with something special for tolerating my passion for chasing kudus and other African game. My plan was to give it to her after I had taken my special kudu. Now I just had to find that elusive bull. As often happens when you are out looking for one animal, you spot another one that you just don’t want to pass up. In this case it was an exceptional impala ram that attracted my attention. Without hesitation we gave chase. All we had to do was get close enough without the ram and his harem spotting us. Although smaller calibres are more than
adequate for impala-sized animals, my .338 Win Mag has always proven very effective without undue damage to the trophy. Luck was on our side as the herd moved to thicker bush and we were able to work in for a shot. I squeezed the trigger and we heard the distinctive thwack of the bullet connecting as the entire herd disappeared in a cloud of dust. After an anxious 250-meter hike over to where we last saw them, I was relieved to find a fine ram lying in the brush. The remaining days of our safari dwindled, but the wind persisted and the kudus seemed content to remain hidden in the dense bush awaiting the onset of active rutting, now some weeks behind schedule. After many days going out early and staying out until dark, the last morning finally arrived. We had seen some nice kudu bulls but none that quite measured up to my expectations. We had covered all corners of the huge 25,000-hectare farm but the kudus showed why they are called “grey ghosts” and remained out of sight. I began thinking about a contingency plan for presenting the surprise necklace that remained carefully hidden in my day pack. Laura was enjoying herself so much that she already talked about returning for another visit. Lunch on the last day normally indicates the end of the hunt, leaving the afternoon for a leisurely game drive and a happy hour on the “sunset ridge”. I confirmed these plans with Geraldine and told her that even though I was disappointed that I had been unable to take the ultimate kudu bull, I would still have a great opportunity to give Laura her necklace as we watched the sun set together. This was her first visit and she was unaware of the beautiful spot and the surprise sundowners. After lunch and a brief rest we headed out to the truck with fresh batteries in our cameras, added sunscreen against the fierce African sun and expectations for a relaxing drive. Laura’s necklace was in my pocket. I always enjoy this last game drive, watching the wild animals, reflecting on the great adventure I had – even this time, despite being foiled by Africa’s grey ghost. Hannes had worked so hard to find him that I felt worse for him than I did for myself. Before we departed on the game drive he saw me sitting with my camera and asked where my rifle was. I replied that I had cleaned it and put it away since I thought we
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THAT SUNSET BULL were just going for a drive. “That is normally true, Jim, but you should bring it along just in case. You never know what you might run into and you need to be prepared.” I wasted no time retrieving my rifle and off we went, me with a renewed interest in the thought that when you are carrying a firearm, sometimes things can happen. As the afternoon wore on and the sun began to drop we finally turned up the road that would take us near the hill where I knew Hannes and Geraldine’s daughter Caren was waiting with sundowners. My enthusiasm switched from any hope for a last-minute kudu reprieve to anticipating the “sunset surprise” soon to be revealed. I had overheard Caren’s radio message to Hannes and although they were speaking Afrikaans I knew she was just checking on our location and alerting Hannes that she was ready for us. Then odd things started happening. Caren called again and the excitement in her voice caught my attention. Next, Hannes shifted gears and we tore off back down the road we had just come up. My friend Steve got a tight grip on the railing and, looking over, said, “Something must be going on, we haven’t moved this fast all week.” I knew sunset was nearing but doubted that Hannes had miscalculated the timing so much that we now had to race to the ridge. Then, another quick call from Caren indicated that she had spotted a large kudu bull. Laura, still oblivious of the sunset surprise, asked the
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obvious question, “Where is Caren that she spotted a kudu?” Without hesitation Hannes said, “They were just out driving around like us and saw it up on the hill.” We stopped, got down, sent the tracker in one direction around the hill to scout, while we went the other way. Before we had gone very far, and after spotting several kudu cows, Hannes looked up the hill and said, “There he is!” He was huge and I knew at first glance he was the one I had been looking for. As I raised my rifle I first asked Hannes whether it was safe to shoot in that direction, because I knew Caren was somewhere nearby. Hannes said it was safe and I settled the crosshairs just behind the bull’s shoulder. He was quartering away and uphill and all I could think was that I needed to drop him immediately because we were almost out of daylight and we had a plane to catch in the morning. My .338 Win Mag did not fail me and, much to my relief, the bull folded on the spot. Hannes and I were so excited, we didn’t waste any time getting to the bull and I couldn’t believe how magnificent he was – just what I had dreamed about. Hannes was almost shouting as he pointed out, “Jim, we have a dilemma!” I knew what he meant: kudu photos or sunset on the ridge. I immediately replied that the ridge was waiting and we could always take photos with a flash. Steve and Laura heard the “dilemma” and, although they had seen the kudu drop,
thought that maybe he had gotten back up and slipped away. We told them that we were going to drive to Caren and get some extra help to pull the kudu off the hill before it got dark. When we arrived at the short trail to the top, Hannes and I lagged behind until Laura and Steve made their way up and found Caren standing by a large table set up with a wet bar and hors d’oeuvres. A bonfire was roaring. Things had gotten a little too crazy to maintain the suspense but nonetheless the whole setting was a pleasant surprise. We settled in to celebrate the perfect ending to a wonderful visit. Steve had experienced his first, very successful and exciting safari in Namibia, Laura had had a thoroughly enjoyable time and I got my special kudu under the most unusual circumstances. Finally I was able to give Laura her necklace with my thanks for the special hunt and a promise to bring her back. We celebrated until well after dark and then headed down the hill for a kudu photo session. Who could have anticipated that my kudu quest would come down to a chance sighting in the last minutes before the sun set on the last day? Does my kudu success mean that I don’t need to come back? There are many interesting wild places to explore in Namibia and I think next on my list is the northeast, with 300 bird species and with tiger fish lurking in the Okavango and Zambezi rivers. I can’t wait.
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“ We have been very fortunate to have hunted with EHH on their vast property a number of occasions… our expectations were exceeded… it is truly a unique and special place with committed and client oriented staff.” - Don & Linda Harford
Welcome to the heart of Africa, to the wide open spaces, under the endless Namibian sky. +264 (81) 262 4373
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NATURE'S Ballet I took my first klipspringer when I was nine or ten years old. Early one morning my father and I scaled the granite ridge behind our house. At the top, while looking for a suitable observation point, we came around some boulders where we suddenly found ourselves standing less than 50 metres away from several klipspringer. My father quickly identified the ram and without wasting any time I took aim with the .22 Hornet and brought him down. When we stepped closer we were looking at a mature old male. Hagen Denker HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
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K
lipspringer live in pairs or in small family units, which usually consist of a male and female with one or two offspring from the previous years. Very young offspring is rarely seen because new-borns are kept hidden for up to three months to protect them – mainly against raptors. Since klipspringer are highly territorial and rams defend their territory and family unit against intruders, even of the same species, young males have to leave and fend for themselves soon after they reach sexual maturity. They will roam about for some time until they are able to establish their own territory. Territories – which can be quite small in densely populated habitats – are marked by ‘communal toilets’, the only place where the animals will leave their droppings. One day I hiked onto our ‘plateau’ with my uncle and aunt. We sat near the edge of the rugged plateau in the warm afternoon sun and looked down into a basin-shaped valley. A dry riverbed runs through it and next to it is a small plain with sparse grass. We had noticed two young kudu bulls on the little clearing as we sat down. Soon afterwards two klipspringer arrived. Somebody once told me that klipspringer tread extremely carefully, as if on eggshells, when they are not on hard ground, but that was not the case. They moved onto the sandy clearing totally at ease.
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It was the first time that I saw klipspringer so calm and completely relaxed, with the kudu next to them appearing oversized. Even when the kudu started to fight, the klipspringer seemed unfazed and continued to feed on some plants on the ground. After a while they disappeared between the granite boulders on the other side of the valley. Incidents like these are unusual when hunting for klipspringer. These antelope have keen eyes und they are extremely vigilant. Usually you become aware of them only when you hear their typical whistling alarm call, which warns the entire area as well. And even then you may still not see them at all. Due to their peculiar granite-like colouring, klipspringer are very difficult to spot. What is more, they tend to look out from elevated places where they stand motionless as if rooted to the ground for what feels like an eternity. In order to catch sight of this graceful antelope you often have to scan the surroundings with your binoculars for a long time, to even then probably see them only far away. The most impressive characteristic of these small antelopes, however, is the way in which they move about in such rugged, difficult terrain. With what breath-taking speed and unwavering trust in their own skills they move around in their mountainous granite world!
I remember an experience we had one afternoon in the Erongo Mountains. It was in an intricate broken area of granite rocks, millions of years old, interspersed with dense thorny vegetation. As we stalked across a small hilltop we heard the warning whistles of klipspringer and seconds later saw three of them flying down over a granite slab on the opposite slope. It happened so fast that all we caught sight of were some shadows in motion. Moments later the reason for the spectacular performance appeared: a leopard! He had stopped at the edge of the slab, as he clearly did not want to risk breaking his neck in pursuit of his quarry. For a few seconds he stood gazing after the whistling klipspringer, and then – unsuccessful this time – retreated across the granite slab. The klipspringer continued to whistle for a while, but soon calmed down again. Even today I wonder how they managed to come down the slope safely at such breakneck speed. It was utterly impressive. Whenever I see klipspringer I feel as if I were watching a ballet staged by nature. With seemingly stiff legs they gracefully move through the most challenging terrain on tiptoe, jump across deep crevices or stand at the steepest precipice – and all of it in the trusting and perfectly natural manner that you only find in animals.
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NATURE'S BALLET Klipspringer can be encountered everywhere, on small granite ridges as much as in the highest mountain ranges. The hooves of klipspringer are quite unique. They resemble hard rubber and over time have evolved in such a way that the animals walk on the tips, which gives them incredible grip and support. Since they easily find footholds in the most unlikely places they can be seen at the most daring spots where even the king of the mountain world, the greater kudu, does not venture. Klipspringer enjoy boundless freedom and do not have many natural enemies other than the stealthy leopard, whose main quarry they are, and the master of the skies, the Verreaux’s eagle. Deep gorges may also be their undoing. But even then Mother Nature has provided for them: the hair in the coat of klipspringer sits loosely in the follicles so that a leopard or bird of prey can ‘slip off’ with just a tuft of fur in its claws. Furthermore the hair is hollow inside like a small tube, which helps absorb the impact of a fall and insulates against chilly conditions at high altitudes in mountainous regions. All these characteristics – the sharp eyes, the incredible agility and adaptation to the terrain – make the klipspringer a highly attractive quarry to another natural enemy: man. While a hunting trip to Namibia ‘just’ for a klipspringer is perhaps not all that worthwhile, the klipspringer hunt can well be combined with a hunt for greater kudu or leopard – both of them share the habitat with the klipspringer.
It should always be kept in mind that klipspringer are extremely vigilant. Therefore cover should be used at all times. Every so often one will have to skirt large areas to avoid being noticed. The rather inaccessible terrain makes stalking all the more difficult, but on the other hand provides good cover. All things considered it is a strenuous affair! Once you are a little closer to the game you should try to estimate the ram’s age. A sturdy, well-shaped body is the first indication of a fully grown, mature klipspringer. The best tell-tale characteristic for age, however, are the horns. Klipspringer have relatively smooth, straight horns which more or less match the height of the ears. The horns of mature males are finely ribbed at the base while those of young males are smooth. Old males past their prime show another burst of growth, which can be up to 2-3 cm in big rams. The ribbed part of the horn is pushed up by the secondary growth spurt and forms a visible bulge. With increasing age horns also show wear and tear: the tips are no longer sharp and the ribbing becomes blurred from rubbing on vegetation. If you have found a male like that, the stalk has been worth your while. But if the ram is too young, or has been lost, the hunt continues. In the case of old territorial males one can concentrate on the
same area by patiently scanning it in the morning and afternoon. There is no point in stalking at midday because klipspringer will then stand in the shade somewhere and will be even more difficult to spot. Nowadays the latest technology makes it possible to bag klipspringer from an unrealistic distance, but in my opinion this has little to do with hunting. A hunter should always do justice to his quarry and try to outsmart it despite its finesse. Technology should only be roped in to spot a klipspringer and identify its characteristics as far as possible. Most importantly, however, the klipspringer’s freedom should be felt – look from the highest elevations into the deepest gorges, let your eyes roam into the distance, scramble through seemingly insurmountable terrain and every now and then experience the hairraising fear of falling. All of this is part of stalking a klipspringer. When you have experienced this, and perhaps were in fact lucky enough to take an old klipspringer in some lonely heights, you will know that you managed to bag a maybe not ‘royal’, yet iconic game animal of the African mountainscape.
A lot of patience and perserverance is necessary for a klipspringer hunt. Early in the morning an elevated observation point should be found to scan the surroundings with binoculars. This should be done with extreme thoroughness. Klipspringer usually bask in the first sunlight, especially after cold winter nights. At that time of day they are easier to find, but they vigilantly watch out themselves. As soon as they have been spotted one should try and identify a ram. High resolution binoculars, or better still a spotting scope, would seem helpful, but once the granite heats up one won’t be able to distinguish much because of distortions in the shimmering heat. The first step should be to identify a male. If the distance makes further identification impossible it’s time to start stalking.
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Join me for a safari of a lifetime. My family-run operation is dedicated to provide only a small number of hunters the opportunity to hunt Africa’s dangerous game in open land concession areas in the riverine north-east of Namibia. I am one of the most accomplished Namibian PH’s, licensed to hunt Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, hippopotamus and crocodile in what used to be Caprivi, now called the Zambezi Region. I have lived in Namibia all my life and invite you to hunt plains game on my own farm and surrounding land in central Namibia and on hunting concession in the red Kalahari.
jamy@jamyhunt.com
| www.jamyhunts.com
Kai-Uwe and Hagen Denker
- a tradition of good fair chase hunting kaiuwe@erongosafaris.com | hagen@erongosafaris.com
www.kaiuwe-hagen.com
The tapestry of a
LEOPARD HUNT
I eased forward in my chair and softly felt the weld of the rifle stock against my cheek, my right eye collecting the black crosshair of the variable scope mounted atop the African Mauser. Knowing that the soft point bullet would pass through both shoulders. We would find him lying directly under the tree, no grunt, no growl, just a thump as he hit the ground. Jeff Belogia
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would select a rosette on his shoulder as my target and slowly squeeze the life out of the trigger. What a perfect setup, I thought. The weapon’s fore-end was cradled by a V-shaped sandbag resting on two horizontal camel thorn limbs wired in place on each end to steel fence posts driven deep into the earth, and the rifle’s balance point nestled in the top strap of an aluminium tripod shooting stick. Without real effort I felt the metal of the trigger on the tip of my right forefinger and gently pressed it. “Boom”, I said softly to myself, imagining the cat with his nose in the fatty flank of the warthog we had meticulously anchored to the tree. Lifting my head I turned to my left to catch a broad smile on the face of my professional hunter and friend, Kurt Duval, owner of Namibia Hunting Impressions. With a wink I whispered “perfect”. This had been a dress rehearsal, but as important as if it were the real show.
stalking two large kudu bulls late one afternoon on their farm Wolfsgrund in the central east of Namibia. The spoor of the front paw of a very heavy cat was left in the red sand. 2016 was to be something of a milestone for me and my African hunting. The trip would mark my 50th African safari in seven different countries and my 30th visit to Namibia. At that moment, when I saw that spoor, the leopard became the focal point of my 50th safari.
the Khomas Hochland, from which the researchers are still receiving data. The look on Betsy’s face as she actually got to “pet” a live, albeit tranquilized male leopard spoke volumes regarding her newly found appreciation for wild Africa. Since then two additional leopards have been caught, collared and released on the Rusch farm. I understand that a great deal has been learned about leopard habits.
I fell in love with the “Jewel of Africa” in July 1987 during my first visit to farm Lichtenstein Nord, owned by Uli and Anne Rusch. It was through their generosity that I, as a young husband and father with very limited “disposable” income, was able to visit Namibia in those early years. We have become family as a result.
In those early years it was rare to see leopard sign. Something that is now a common occurrence across most of Namibia. It is the result of the excellent management of game animals practiced by the country’s land owners and awareness of its value and importance.
Kurt had done his job and I was eager to do mine when the opportunity presented itself. With leopard hunting the attention to detail must be all-inclusive and the execution of the plan meticulous. Kurt was smart to put me in the chair to get a feel for the setup and to mentally execute the shot. Having hunted in seven countries on the African continent I can attest to the expertise and professionalism of the Namibian PHs I have hunted with in the past and I am honoured to call a number of these professionals my friends those who exemplify the character and dedication of the consummate PH.
Over the years I have met many wonderful people and I have had many incredible hunting adventures in former S.W. Africa. I remember the deployment of UNTAG and the first general elections. I remember a night at Okaukuejo having a sundowner with Volker Grellman and Peter Capstick, and talking with them about the elephant video they were working on. I will never forget the incredible dune trip across the Namib, or the gin clear waters of the Okavango. The sun shines differently on the African continent. Africa’s smells, sounds, and vistas are unique. Each time I come for a visit a primal feeling stirs deep in my soul that tells me I have come home.
Planning for this hunt began the previous year when my wife Betsy, Kurt and I had been
During my 2014 visit we radio-collared a 64 kg male leopard on the Rusch farm in
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The trail camera had shown the images of a very large male feeding on our offering. Two days prior to my arrival this cat had killed and partially eaten a bovine calf, which Kurt had accepted from the land owner as our starter bait. We were actually hunting on a neighbouring farm. Kurt had successfully hunted on Wolfsgrund the previous month and his European client had taken a huge male leopard. That calf was now history and we replaced it with a fat female warthog. The camera also told the story of a female leopard feeding, as well as a brown hyena’s investigation of the bait site. Each time bait was replaced we followed a specific routine. There was always a new scenting of the area using the intestines and offal on the tree and around the bait site, preceded by a “drag” in all directions.
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August can be windy with weather fronts moving in and out on a seemingly rhythmic basis. This year was no exception and we had to be ever conscious of the wind direction. We had avoided the temptation to rush this. Patience was our ally. We did not sit in the blind for the first few days. It was important to get this feline comfortable with our setup. Knowing that this cat had been hunted the year before by another well-known PH meant it would not be an easy mark. Even though we had another male occasionally feeding on bait number two, we decided to concentrate on the one with the big paw. The odds were against us, but what a challenge this hunt presented! Our first sit in the blind came on day five. Anticipation was at its peak and all my senses were on alert. This cat was feeding earlier each night. We needed him on the tree during daylight hours. Unlike other countries, Namibia does not allow artificial light and basically NO shooting from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. This is the proverbial “one hand tied behind your back” scenario for leopard hunting. But it was not a problem as I knew the rules going into the fight. Day seven’s check of the bait and trail cam showed a beautiful photo of Spots standing on the limb over the warthog in broad daylight. Now the dilemma of when to sit became paramount. We could not risk a late night or very early morning entry into the kloof and into our blind, possibly alerting a feeding leopard. We would have to sit the entire night in order to be present as the sun rose and he came to feed.
At 4:30 pm we entered the kloof. Naftali, our Kavango tracker, suddenly stopped and peered up the valley toward our bait. Something was sitting next to the bait. This something was big and black. I heard Naftali tell Kurt that it was a bat! “A bat?!” How large are these bats? It must be Count Dracula! As it flew off towards us, I could see it was a black eagle. Later I was told that the Okavango has large bats indeed. We entered the blind prepared to be ever vigilant with a sincere hope that our cat would feed in the next two hours. Otherwise it would be a long night.
could easily make out the bits of offal still stuck to the bark of the tree. I was ready, but our cat wasn’t.
At 6:15 pm we heard a cacophony of chatter from the rock hyrax. Was the guest of honour coming to dinner? My pulse quickened as my ears strained for every sound. Kurt looked me in the eyes and I noticed an upward crease in the left corner of his lip. He held back a full smile as did I. Optimism permeated the hide.
Over the next three days our cat never came to feed. We freshened the bait and nurtured an optimism that all true hunters possess. A hunter’s quarry must have a chance to escape and never show; otherwise the effort is not truly hunting.
Hurry, I thought, it is going to get dark soon. A bit more talk from the elephant’s closest living relative, and silence encapsulated the early evening again. We sat without a whisper for the next eleven hours. Daylight slowly filtered into the canyon about 5:30 am. Fighting the urge to sleep, my eyes strained to see the bait tree. With each passing minute a hazy collage became increasingly clear. A voice in my head was attempting to summon our cat to the bait tree. Using all my powers of telepathy I willed this leopard to a certain destiny, but to no avail. Easing my face onto the rifle and peering through the scope, I
At 8:30 am we radioed Kate at the farm for a pickup. It would be 45 minutes before she arrived and I attempted to “walk off ” the stiffness that had set into my legs from the nearly 15 hours I had spent in a seated position. The fresh spoor of a brown hyena along the koppie leading toward our blind, explained the excited hyrax and the warning chatter we had heard from them in the early evening.
Lady Luck has smiled on my hunting endeavours many times. On previous safaris I have taken two leopards incidentally when hunting plains game. I had never baited a leopard or sat in a blind for one, prior to this hunt. This time I paid my dues. We spent a total of 47 hours in that blind, mostly without speaking a word. At times there is an uncanny understanding between hunters. One almost knows what the other is thinking. It was that way with Kurt and me. The hunting gods willing, there will be another leopard hunt for me. It will take place in Namibia and I will be optimistic about my chances.
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PAUL VAN SCHALKWYK
I am not a hunter. Nor have I ever been. And if I am to be totally open and honest, I stopped eating meat when I was about 11 years old because I did not want the deaths of animals on my conscience. I have never eaten meat since. So it might surprise you that I am a strong supporter of the hunting industry in Namibia, and indeed, throughout Africa. Having said that, I should qualify my support. I am a strong supporter of legal, ethical hunting of indigenous wildlife within sustainably managed populations, in large open landscapes. The reason is simple. Well-managed hunting is extremely good for 54
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THE ROLE OF HUNTING
through the eyes of a non-hunting
conservationist
conservation. In large areas it is essential for conservation. There is much confusion, particularly in the urban industrialised world, about the role of hunting in conservation. Urban industrialised societies – and I include many biologists and recognised conservation organisations in this grouping – see hunting as undermining conservation, or as the anathema of conservation. And they see protecting wildlife and removing all incentives for its consumptive use as promoting and achieving good conservation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dr Chris Brown, Namibian Chamber of Environment HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
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A
nd then there is the animal rights movement. I have sympathy for people who stand up for animal rights – I think we all should. None of us want to see animals suffering or being treated badly by members of our species. But a problem arises when animal rights agendas are passed off as conservation agendas. Animal rights agendas are not conservation agendas. Conservation works at the population, species and ecosystem levels. Animal rights works at the individual level. And what might be good for an individual or a collection of individuals might not be good for the long-term survival of populations, species and biodiversity. Take a simple domestic example. When the farm carthorse was replaced by the tractor, carthorses no longer had to work long hours in the fields. But they also no longer had a value to farmers. Once common, they are now extremely rare. Indeed, carthorse associations have been established to keep these breeds from dying out. The truth is, if animals do not have a value, or if that value is not competitive with other options, then those animals will not have a place, except in a few small isolated islands of protection. And island protection in a sea of other land uses is a disaster for longterm conservation.
had broken down under successive colonial regimes. By the 1960s wildlife numbers were at an all-time low in Namibia, with perhaps fewer than half a million animals surviving (see Figure A).
of a conventional livestock farming operation, or be a dedicated business on its own. As the sector developed, farmers discovered that they could do better from their wildlife than from domestic stock. The numbers of both
Wildlife needs to have value Animal rights are important. But for wildlife they must be placed within a sound conservation setting, where conservation decisions on behalf of populations, species and ecosystems take priority over the rights of individual animals. The wildlife situation in Namibia provides a very good example of this. When the first western explorers, hunters and traders entered what is now Namibia in the late 1700s, crossing the Orange/Gariep River from the Cape, the national wildlife population was probably in the order of 8-10 million animals. Over the following centuries wildlife was decimated and numbers collapsed, first by uncontrolled and wasteful hunting by traders and explorers, then by local people who had acquired guns and horses from the traders, then by early farmers, veterinary policies and fencing, and finally by modern-day farmers on both freehold and communal land who saw wildlife as having little value and competing with their domestic stock for scarce grazing. Traditional wildlife management under customary laws administered by chiefs
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A) Wildlife numbers in Namibia, from about 1770 to 2015 At that time wildlife was “owned” by the state. Land owners and custodians were expected to support the wildlife on their land, but they had no rights to use the wildlife and to derive any benefits from wildlife. In response to declining numbers and growing dissatisfaction among farmers, a new approach to wildlife management was introduced. In the 1960s and 1990s conditional rights over the consumptive and non-consumptive use of wildlife were devolved to freehold and communal farmers respectively, the latter under Namibia’s well known conservancy programme. The laws give the same rights to farmers in both land tenure systems. This new policy led to a total change in attitude towards wildlife by land owners and custodians. Wildlife suddenly had value. It could be used to support a multi-faceted business model, including trophy hunting, sport hunting, meat production, live sales of surplus animals and tourism. It could be part
small and large stock declined on commercial farmland while wildlife numbers increased. Today there is more wildlife in Namibia than at any time in the past 150 years, with latest estimates putting the national wildlife herd at just over three million animals. And the reason is simple: in our arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid landscapes wildlife is an economically more attractive, competitive form of land use than conventional farming. Markets are driving more and more farmers towards wildlife management. This is good for conservation, not just for the wildlife but also from the broader perspective of collateral habitat protection and biodiversity conservation. The greater the benefits that land owners and custodians derive from wildlife, the more secure it is as a form of land use and the more land is under conservation management. Therefore, all the component uses of wildlife, including trophy hunting in particular, must be available to wildlife
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JACO VENTER
CONSERVATION HUNTING
businesses. Why especially trophy hunting? Because there are large areas of Namibia comprising flat terrain and monotonous vegetation that are unsuited to tourism but very important for conservation.
Land transformation: the greatest threat to wildlife conservation There are some people in the more elitist tourism sector in Namibia and in our neighbouring countries who oppose trophy hunting because it is perceived to conflict with tourism and is thus not good for conservation. These tourism operators and guides are naive and wrong. The greatest threat to wildlife conservation, in Namibia and globally, is land transformation. Once land is transformed, often for agricultural purposes, it has lost its natural habitats, it has lost most of its biodiversity and it can no longer support wildlife. Hunters and tourism operators should and must be on the same side – to protect natural habitats, biodiversity and wildlife. They are natural allies. They need to work together to ensure that land under wildlife derives the greatest possible returns, through a multitude of income earning activities. And with a little planning and close collaboration it is easy to optimise all aspects of wildlife management and use – both consumptive and nonconsumptive – without one having a negative impact on the other. It is also the vital task and duty of tourism operators and guides to educate visitors from urban industrialised countries about conservation in this part of
the world. Visitors need to understand what drives conservation, the role of incentives, markets and what is meant by sustainable management. The tourism sector should not skirt around the uncomfortable discussion about hunting, but face it head-on and explain its importance for conservation. If we look for a moment at the conservation trajectory of a country such as the United Kingdom (an urban industrialised example) during its agrarian and industrial development, the indigenous wildlife at that time had no value. Thus it lost the elk, bear, wolf, lynx, beaver and sea eagle – essentially its most charismatic and important species. While small-scale attempts to reintroduce a few of the less threatening species are underway, it is unlikely that the bear and wolf will ever be reintroduced into the wild. And yet that country and others like it, with poor conservation track records, are keen to influence how Namibia should manage its wildlife. Their own farmers are not prepared to live with wolves, but many of their politicians and conservation agencies, both public and non-governmental, expect Namibian farmers to live with elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, crocodile and many other wildlife species which from a human-wildlife conflict perspective are far more problematic than a wolf. And they try to remove the very tools available to conservation to keep these animals on the land – the tools of economics, markets and sustainable use, to create value for these
animals within a well-regulated, sustainably managed wildlife landscape.
Ignorance is a problem I believe that the problem is essentially one of ignorance. People think that they are doing what is best for conservation, but they simply do not understand the economic drivers for wildlife and biodiversity conservation in developing countries where biodiversity is rich and rainfalls are poor. And many African countries are sadly falling into the same trap. Kenya, for example, with its Eurocentric protectionist conservation approaches, has less wildlife today than at any time in its history. We need to share the message. And the message is, I believe, most powerfully explained by the simple graphic as seen in Figure B on the following page. • •
Conventional farming – exotic species production, e.g. domestic stock & crops Wildlife management – production of indigenous specious
On the left side of the graph, in areas of rainfall below about 850 mm per year, returns on “indigenous production systems”, i.e. wildlife, are larger than the returns on “exotic production systems”, i.e. farming. However, this only applies if the rights to use wildlife are devolved to land owners and custodians. Markets then create a win-win situation for optimal returns on land and for wildlife conservation. If utilisation rights are not devolved, wildlife has no value and people will use the land for other activities. On the right side of the graph,
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Conventional farming – exotic species production, e.g. domestic stock & crops
An international trade in rhino horn would allow Namibia, and other African countries joining the approach, to release its most valuable renewable natural resource into the marketplace, under carefully controlled conditions, for the benefit of rhino conservation, land owners and custodians and the national economy.
Conservation hunting
B) Economic returns on conventional farming and wildlife management in areas of different land productivity above about 850 mm, the lines cross over and from there conventional farming outperforms wildlife management. If land owners and custodians are given rights over the wildlife and other indigenous species on their land, they will get rid of these species and transform the land for farming in response to market forces. Most of the industrialised world falls into the right side of the graph. Conservation agencies and organisations are so conditioned to resist and fight against market forces that have negative conservation impacts in their countries, that they automatically carry the fight across to those countries which fall into the left side of the graph, not realising that the lines have switched over and that markets here are working for conservation. This is the important message that we must get across to policy makers, conservation organisations and the broader public in urbanised and industrialised countries. And also in some parts of Africa. People need to understand the conservation drivers, incentives and markets as well as the role of sustainable use within good conservation policy and practice. Well-intentioned but poorly informed efforts to influence conservation in this region seriously undermine good conservation policies and practices.
How to increase wildlife earnings A second insight from the graphic above is that the greater the value earned from wildlife, the more the gap on the left side of the graph widens over conventional farming and the cross-over point is pushed further to the right. This means that higher rainfall areas become competitive under wildlife management,
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opening more of Africa to this form of land use. How could the wildlife industry increase its earnings? Certainly not by introducing unethical practices and practices that are bad for conservation: Activities such as intensive breeding, colour morphs and canned hunting undermine the wildlife profession, the reputation of Namibia and the very values on which the wildlife sector is built. No, we have other, far better options. The first is to allow disease-free buffalo on wildlife ranches. The livestock farming sector is in decline in Namibia, and with the impacts of climate change it will continue to shrink. The wildlifebased sector is growing. It already contributes twice as much to GDP as the farming sector. It is no longer appropriate for a declining sector with no future growth prospects to restrict a larger growing sector from achieving its potential. Allowing buffalo into wildlife areas will be good for buffalo conservation and good for the economy. The second important step, together with South Africa, is to submit a carefully prepared motion to the next CITES meeting for an international trade in rhino horn. This initiative would first and foremost be in the interests of rhino conservation. Now, markets and conservation are at war, and the markets are winning. They will always win. We need to stop doing more of the same and start doing things which will work. We need to align markets and conservation and have them work on the same side, to achieve a win-win for conservation and our economy. This is what Namibia has done so successfully for all other wildlife species under its control.
However, there is one growing problem within the wildlife sector, not foreseen at the time when rights were devolved to freehold farms. It is the issue of habitat fragmentation through gameproof fencing. The most important adaptation of arid-adapted species to their environment is mobility – the ability to move over large areas to find resources. Cutting off large-scale movements of wildlife has serious conservation consequences. To deal with this, the regulating authority needs to create innovative incentives for freehold farmers not to fence, and to begin dismantling fences. The regulating authority has several tools in its toolbox for doing this. The first is to reduce bureaucracy and essentially devolve rights of regulation to freehold conservancies or other voluntary associations of land owners for group decision-making on all utilisation matters, including issuing their own permits – provided that large open systems are maintained. Such open systems could be, for example, at least 80,000 ha in the north-eastern higher rainfall areas, 120,000 ha in the central semi-arid savannah areas and at least 200,000 ha in the low rainfall Karoo and Namib areas. The second incentive is to allow freehold conservancies to introduce disease-free buffalo – provided that large open systems are maintained. And the third option is to allow the ownership of black rhino by land owners and custodians – again provided that large open landscapes are maintained. Namibia’s track record speaks for itself. Through the implementation of appropriate policies it has created incentives for wildlife conservation, unmatched anywhere in the world. But wildlife must have value otherwise land owners and custodians will move to other forms of land use. And it must have the greatest possible value to be as secure a land use as possible, over the largest possible landscape. And that is why I strongly support wellmanaged and ethical hunting. It is good, and in some cases essential, for the conservation of wildlife, of habitats and of biological diversity. Well-managed and ethical hunting should in fact be called “conservation hunting”.
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ELZANNE ERASMUS
CONSERVATION HUNTING
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PAUL VAN SCHALKWYK
FOLLOWING THE
BIG 60
CONVERSATIONS, what future for Conservation?
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Major conferences are defined by the interim periods and none more so than the period now, which follows the back to back IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 (Hawaii, 1-10 September); CoP 17 of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) (Johannesburg, 24 September to 5 October); and CoP 13 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (Cancun, Mexico, 4-17 December 2016). These events were characterised by their polarised debates on the future of conservation which, ultimately, came down to divergent and entrenched positions – “sustainable use” versus “protect and prohibit at all costs”. We are also seeing the post-truth style of contemporary politics being played out to a greater extent at these fora. Simple seductive (prohibitive) solutions are posed for highly complex problems which are wrong.
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B
ut why do international fora matter? These are the platforms that define the conservation agenda for the intercessional periods, as well as the media message that reaches the otherwise ‘neutral or uninvolved’ majority of the global population. The escalation of illegal killing of rhinos and elephants is certainly of concern, and was highly publicized in the build-up to CITES, mostly in the context of pushing the protectionist agenda. Yet it is the range states such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia who are bearing the brunt of the onslaught, and are already consuming a large portion of conservation resources and efforts, at the expense of other deserving conservation priorities. Even then, the resources are desperately insufficient. Nonetheless, efforts to legalize trade in ivory as a means of raising funds for conservation efforts, continue to be opposed, on the argument that a legal trade facilitates illegal trade.
PAUL VAN SCHALKWYK
It is therefore interesting to note that one of the conclusions of the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) report tabled at CITES CoP 17 was that in as much as the MIKE Programme documented a “considerable increase” in levels of illegal killing of elephants in Africa between 2006 and 2011: “The MIKE Programme has found no evidence that levels of elephant poaching increased or decreased as a direct result of CITES decisions concerning the trade in elephant ivory. Instead, MIKE has documented strong correlations between: poaching levels and the quality of human livelihoods at the site level; the quality of governance at the country level; and demand for ivory at the global level.” Which leads to the matter of people’s livelihoods, and when and how are the voices of those most impacted by – and impacting wildlife – heard in the context of CITES decisions. Namibia (together with Tanzania and Zimbabwe) co-sponsored a document put forward by Zambia proposing the establishment of a Permanent Rural Communities Committee of the Conference of the Parties. At the core of the motivation was the argument that indigenous peoples and rural communities have been neglected in the CITES decision-making mechanisms, yet these decisions to allow or disallow trade often directly affect the livelihoods of many rural
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poor depending on that trade. This in itself can have unintended consequences, including an increase in poaching. Although there was support for the principle, the final decision was to establish an intersessional working group to consider how to effectively engage rural communities in the CITES processes. This ensures that the subject remains on the table, and is definitely a step in the right direction.
mobilizing to prevent these precipitous declines and calamitous extinctions. Much of this new energy is being driven by raw emotion, which is extremely positive in that it energizes action. But unchecked emotions can easily blind one into simplistic quick-fix solutions, where science and logic are ignored.
Losing former allies close to home – notably Botswana, who banned all trophy hunting in 2013 and at CITES CoP 17 clearly aligned its position with the non-use block – does not make the task any easier. On the other hand, perhaps Botswana’s position will ultimately act as the definitive test of the two positions. When the trophy hunting ban was introduced, some predicted that as hunting concessionaires vacated the area, and were no longer a permanent presence on the ground, poaching would increase. Three years later it would seem from media reports that illegal killing of elephants in Botswana is on the rise, and conservationists in Botswana report alarming increases in poaching for bush meat. Of course there is no proof as yet of cause and effect, but suggestions are being made that the decision to ban trophy hunting left many community members without a source of legally acquired meat, and finance to employ community game guards. We know that a hungry disenfranchised community is one more likely to embark on illegal activities.
same thing over and over again and expecting different results. " - Albert Einstein
The challenge increasingly facing Parties to CITES is how to deal with different conservation statuses of populations of a species across its distribution range. It was reassuring that proposals submitted to transfer other Party’s populations of lion and elephant to Appendix I were rejected on the basis that the populations in question do not meet the biological criterial for inclusion on Appendix I. Ultimately, “it is not possible to manage a species – management is applied to individual populations because pressures on different populations are highly variable” (Ron Thompson). There is absolutely no doubt that wildlife faces a crisis globally. Across the world almost every large mammal species is in decline, many to the brink of extinction. It is no wonder that people are demanding that something be done, and in response, individuals, civil society organisations and governments across the world are at last
“ Insanity: doing the
As an example, in the Middle East, despite decades of up-listings, absolute trade bans, huge investment into protected areas, species declines continue. Is the solution to simply invest more and more into these simplistic, emotive and yet failing interventions? Surely there is another way? Namibia has, with other countries in the region, found local solutions to tackle the problems our wildlife is facing. This is despite the demands of rapidly growing human populations and the urgent and conflicting need for socio-economic development. This is as a result of new policies that were introduced, the most fundamental of which are devolving some form of communal or private ownership over wildlife, and allowing people to benefit from wildlife through any number of means. Namibia now has over 40% of the country protected; wildlife numbers are up over 300% from a low of about 1 million animals; lion populations and ranges are expanding; elephant numbers from less than 7,000 animals in the 1990’s to over 20,000 today; free ranging black rhino populations in communal areas; 83 communal conservancies representing over 190,000 rural people involved directly in conservation. We in the region take these successes for granted, which may be why we have failed to properly quantify, document and communicate the
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incredible wildlife recoveries we have achieved, the huge amount of habitat that has been made available to wildlife over the past 30 to 40 years, and the enormous conservation successes despite the pressures common in the rest of Africa. This is probably one of the main reasons why our voices at events such as CITES, the IUCN World Parks Conference and numerous other events is consistently ignored; or shouted down by those entities who are using the global wildlife crisis to generate significant revenues. Despite valiant attempts by IUCN and the CITES secretariat to maintain some sort of scientific integrity, emotion based mob-rule and vested organisational interests are increasingly dominating proceedings. This might be good for those entities who win the political battles at this international level, but it does little for wildlife on the ground and for those ‘dirty boots’ conservationists trying to find that win-win compromise between increasing human population and wildlife.
Increased advocacy for the sustainable use principles, supported by factual data and examples, will be needed over the next three years, in preparation for CoP19 in Sri Lanka in 2019. The interim will see harder stances on prohibition approaches but at the same time there is a counter movement outside of the usual spheres questioning this approach. A growing number of serious conservationists and people who are interested in nature are increasingly uneasy with the bed that has been made with well resourced protectionist organisations who raise significant funds on simplistic emotive propositions. There is a growing realisation that as imperfect as our approaches may be, the alternatives are often worse. In Namibia we already include photographic tourism in the mix but even with this, usually touted as a panacea for everything, “eco-tourism” has its limitations and increasingly we are becoming aware of the impacts it generates.
So we need to work hard to build on our successes, and to help our neighbours do the same. Specifically, we need a concerted national effort to scientifically document and maintain track of our conservation success story, to work together to establish a national monitoring and evaluation system that will enable Namibia to keep track on wildlife numbers across the country, to track the amount of land that is being made available for wildlife, and map out species’ range expansion as game reintroductions occur. These data will be absolutely critical at the next CITES meeting. We all need to reflect on our own practices and decisively clean up our own backyard by eliminating any bad practices that still exist; we need to be more strategic and intelligent with regard to getting our story out there, and in doing so, make sure the right people are telling the story. Hunters have a big role to play in this by making a concerted effort to achieve best practice in the industry, applying peer pressure on colleagues to do the same, restructuring marketing materials, modifying operations and being more alert to our story-telling so that trophy hunting is less offensive to the general public, and hunting in general is valued for the great pursuit that it is. By doing so, hunters can be the greatest advocates for conservation and keep hunting as a powerful tool in the conservation toolbox.
We don’t have to – and should not – follow the crowd, even if this makes us somewhat unpopular. We need a backbone, a clear head and statesmanship; and that is exactly what CITES CoP 17 got from Namibia. Maintaining the status quo at CITES was a great achievement given the tsunami of emotive knee-jerk simplistic approaches that were on the table, and not to forget the politics of self-interest groups. But we can’t rest on this success as there will be other CoP meetings; and besides, the status quo is not enough to meet the future challenges facing wildlife on our continent.
Angus Middleton, Greg Stuart-Hill, Elly Hamunyela and Pauline Lindeque.
“ Keeping your
head whilst everybody around you is losing theirs”
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NAPHA MEDALS
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT A MEDAL
I
n her essay “Objects of Desire”, Susan Stewart suggests that the “capacity of objects to serve as traces of authentic experience is …exemplified by the souvenir.” A souvenir fulfils its purpose and comes to life only when it is removed from the place or experience for which it was acquired and when the experience is replaced by memory.
achievement and as durable evidence of that achievement.
successes must continue in order to ensure the future of wildlife.
A trophy animal means different things to different people. In the greater context of wildlife conservation a trophy is an indicator that the game management system is working effectively: game species are managed as a public resource for sustainable use.
The souvenir is brought back home to become a personal memento of a cherished experience. But souvenirs and other objects do not speak for themselves. They must be brought to life, either through ones thoughts and reminiscences or by explaining their significance to others. Hunters’ souvenirs are no different.
Some of the highest-ranking trophies have been taken in Namibia. This confirms the success of the game management system, while the trophies bring honour to the fair chase hunters who were fortunate enough to take them.
NAPHA’s medal system was started in 1988 to recognise the beauty and age of outstanding specimens and to reward the hunter’s quest for them. Five different medals are available. They have become sought-after collectors’ items, uniting the hunting community as they come alive through the stories of how they were earned. The medals are symbols of extraordinary moments and the environment where the animal was hunted.
The NAPHA medal system was created for hunters to reward themselves for a specific
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Conservation of wildlife and habitats – game species in particular – depend on the participation, funding and observations of ethical hunters. Namibia’s conservation
We want to congratulate all our members’ clients who have acquired NAPHA medals along with their precious memories, and we want to thank them for supporting our conservation efforts. Proceeds from medal sales are used for the NAPHA initiative Hunters Support Education.
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Trophies 5% above the minimum score for entrance into the SCI record book are rewarded with the Gold Medal.
Trophies making the minimum scores for entrance into the SCI record book are rewarded with the Silver Medal.
Trophies that are 5% below this minimum score for entrance into the SCI record book are awarded with the Bronze Medal.
Trophies that do not qualify for gold, silver or bronze, because of old age or because the trophy is deformed or broken, qualify for the Conservation Medal minted in Old Silver.
THE ULTIMATE MEDAL The prestigious Namibia Game Fields Medal in gold, depicting a Baobab tree engraved on the front, was introduced in 2002 to award not only large trophies, but also those from old animals. NAPHA introduced the medal to encourage hunters to allow animals to age and pass on their genes. If an animal with a large trophy and excellent genetic potential is taken before it has had the opportunity to pass on its genes, the material is lost forever from the genetic pool, with a consequent decline in the quality of trophies. Sustainable utilization requires the wellendowed to be allowed to grow old, giving it the maximum opportunity to pass on its genetic endowment. The criteria for this prestigious medal is similar to the gold medal, for trophies that score 5% higher than the SCI Record Book minimum, but only the longer horn or bigger tusk is taken into account. Trophies from older animals are usually under-valued, because they are often damaged or blemished. This medal awards trophies with a clear display of age marks, a complete hardening of the bases of the horn, and delicate ridges at the base, spanning over a considerable section of the horn. The overall impression is important. Deformations, protuberances, especially at the base section of the horns, blunt horn tips and clear signs of wear and tear are usually pronounced in old animals. In the case of tuskers, such as elephant or warthog, lacing in the base section and a considerable closure of the nerve cavity is evident. Animals with a high longevity such as buffalo and elephant are often shot before reaching maturity with the consequent decline in trophy quality. This trend is evident even in the case of antelope. The Baobab tree was chosen as the emblem for this sought-after medal, because it is one of the most impressive botanical phenomena in Africa, signifying age and slow growth. Some Baobabs are considered to be several thousand years old. This medal symbolises the symbiosis of the wide variety of animal and plant species in the game field. The medal will be of interest to hunters who do not normally engage in the cult of trophy hunting. By taking cognisance of this medal, hunters support Namibia’s commitment to sustainable trophy hunting.
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A Conservationist beyond any doubt
KAI-UWE DENKER Over the years the NAPHA Conservationist of the Year Award was given to a journalist who wrote about issues of national conservation importance; dedicated MET officials who walk the extra mile; members of conservancies who play an important role in combating poaching under difficult circumstances to name a few. It is an award that NAPHA does not take lightly. This year, our vote was an easy one. In fact, the recipient has always been a conservationist, but during 2016 he has proven it beyond any doubt.
T
here is a natural economy in the bush. When the breaking of a branch, a deep bark or a few whispered words can alert others to your presence, there is a need for an economy of sound. Movements are restrained because you never know when reserves will be needed for a long trek out of the bush; and even amongst the toughest, most seasoned hunters there is an economy of emotion, which doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain, the heat or the precise moment when life ends, but it means you understand your place in the natural cycle of life. This economy takes time to develop. It is born of patience and understanding, honed through years of experience. Those who best exercise these natural economic values are those who have the most respect for the natural world. One premier example is Kai-Uwe Denker, a principled, ethical hunter who “walks the talk.”
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Those who know him best say that you should listen closely to him, as he never wastes words. They would also follow him into any situation because he is a student of the wild, who despises modern technology, as he believes that bushlore should be learned through sweat, endurance and experience. There are many who would say that he shuns awards, because to him conservation and ethical hunting are not about a person but rather a set of values, and to live a life in nature guided by strong ideals is reward enough. And yet, as someone who embodies the principles of sustainable use of natural resources, which form the foundation of Namibian conservation efforts, and as one of Namibia’s foremost ‘ambassadors’ of well-regulated, ethical hunting, which makes tangible, welldocumented conservation contributions, KaiUwe Denker is the 2016 Conservationist of the Year (whether he likes it or not!)
A third generation Namibian, Kai-Uwe grew up on a farm north-east of Windhoek. From an early age his life revolved around nature and wildlife. As a child he was always in the bush, mostly exploring on his own, learning the ways of the animals and the changing seasons. Even now, as a curious adult, he is active in the bush every day, sharing this natural life with his wife and children, and with clients who return to hunt with him time and again. A registered professional hunter (PH) with a big game license for nearly three decades, Kai-Uwe built his own hunting safari business, specializing in indigenous big game hunting, always on foot, in true unfenced wilderness areas all over Namibia. As a quiet, consistent and disciplined leader, Kai-Uwe inspires others in the field. There are stories about how young hunting apprentices
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CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR were not able to keep up with him in the bush on hunts, even though he was ten or 15 years older than them, and even more stories about how clients worked hard to maintain Kai-Uwe’s standards, including a few unfortunate souls who were caught sneaking a smoke and thus compromising their hunting fitness! He was one of the first hunting operators to work in communal areas prior to conservancy development, and though at times he has been critical of the communal conservancy movement, he has worked with numerous conservancies and local communities for over 20 years. Over the years, he has made a commitment to training staff and supporting previously disadvantaged Namibians to become established in the hunting industry. Since the early 1990s, much of Kai-Uwe’s passion has been put into the Erongo Mountain Rhino Sanctuary Trust, an example of how private landholders can achieve conservation at scale through collaboration. As a visionary group they took down fences, linking a network of farms to allow wildlife more land to roam. They also reintroduced black-faced impala and black rhino back into their former stronghold. In an effort to move the target of trophy hunting away from ‘the biggest is best’ to mature trophies, Kai-Uwe established the Erongo Verzeichnis for African Game Animals, an alternative measuring and evaluating system for hunting trophies, including specifications on hunting areas - natural and open systems. This concept is based on ideals that are not always shared by segments of the broader industry, and it received some criticism but also a great deal of recognition and support. The protection and conservation of vast natural habitats and the naturally occurring fauna and flora is the primary aim of this new system in which hunting and the hunter are part of the natural ecosystem. Kai-Uwe has always been an active member of Namibia’s hunting fraternity, serving on various NAPHA committees and as President of NAPHA since December 2012. Change and leadership are seldom without controversy and this is something that Kai-Uwe has never shied away from. As NAPHA President he has been willing to confront issues, to analyse the industry, to look at weaknesses and strengths, and to take new directions. In these testing times, when trophy hunting is under attack from various international concerns, Kai-Uwe has worked to take the role of Napha as a regulating body to a higher level reinforcing the importance of Napha and the hunting sector as a vital link between conservation and land use that enables wellregulated and sustainable use of wildlife. Without Napha there would be no way to create professional standards; and in the current conservation and hunting climate there is an ever more urgent need to ensure that these standards are strictly applied across the industry. The industry needs to look no further than to Kai-Uwe as an example of an ethical, experienced and respected hunter. He represents part of Namibia’s international conservation credibility through a pragmatic conservation approach based on scientific principles and field knowledge, and he does it not for awards but for a lifetime of passion, idealism and the deep commitment that he’s made to hunting and conservation.
A MESSAGE FROM NAPHA VICE PRESIDENT DANENE VAN DER WESTHUYZEN
What is a true conservationist? In our country it is imperative that we understand this concept, as our livelihood depends on sustainable use. As hunters we understand this term and, as one year of drought follows the next, we ask ourselves how to preserve our country’s most valued assets: our nature and wildlife. While we have grown to love this scorched earth almost as much as we rejoice at the sound of thunder, today there are other outside factors that threaten our wildlife, our environment and our profession. To conserve our natural world, and in turn to conserve and defend ourselves as hunters, is a very tall order these days. John James Audubon stated that a true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers; it is borrowed from his children. This statement guides many of us, while Kai-Uwe Denker has made it his life’s purpose. Kai-Uwe Denker is a name that resonates deeply throughout our country and the international hunting and conservation community. As a young PH and manager, when I heard his name mentioned around the campfire, the words seemed to hang in the air, creating a sense of mystery and awe. While stories of his exploits were being told, they all invariably had the line, “The German with the headstrong will, boundless determination and bad people skills.” I will never forget the first time I heard Kai-Uwe give a talk. It was at one of NAPHA’s annual general meetings. I quickly realized that the vision that I had of him was skewed. He was not a hero or the strong, untouchable man that was painted in my mind’s eye. He was just a man, speaking of his love for his daughters with their “bunny-hugger” qualities. A man visibly and relentlessly fighting to preserve and conserve what is dear to him. Nature. Because every single thing that is important to him encompasses nature. Since then I have been fortunate to have spent many hours with him. I could talk with him for years, every day, learning something new, while at the same time I feel like I have known him forever. He once said that people aren’t necessarily tough because they are hunters, but that these days it is tough to be a hunter. This statement doesn’t rest well with a young and enthusiastic hunter, but it is true. Even though he sometimes doesn’t act diplomatically, he delivers a straightforward message. Kai-Uwe faces controversies and continues to do the right thing, and in doing so, he inspires the people around him. His passion, idealism and unflinching honesty have sculpted him into a true conservationist. He lives it every day. He breathes it, speaks and manifests it. By not thinking of his own self-interest, but rather of the future of our profession and our wildlife, he instills an understanding in each of us as to what it means to be a true conservationist.
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HUNTERS UNITE
IN THE FACE OF NAMIBIA'S POACHING CRISIS
The Hunters United Against Poaching Trust was established in September 2015 and, true to its African origin, reverberated across the smoke of a campfire. It was a dusty evening in the eastern Zambezi Region at the end of a long hunting season, when the founding members felt defenceless in the face of the struggle to conserve and protect Africa’s wildlife resources. To stand before the carcass of a poached animal is devastating. Given the rapid increase in poaching, reported from all over the country, the members of the Big Game Committee of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) felt an urge to take action and contribute to the fight against poaching. They decided to establish antipoaching structures for the protection of all wildlife in Namibia. In order to raise funds, the Big Game Committee hosted an international live auction at a gala dinner in Windhoek. In preparation the dust and smoke of the veld was scrubbed away and panic rose as tux and bow ties were desperately tracked for the formal occasion which saw the start of committed endeavours to end poaching and the illegal wildlife trade in our vast and diverse country.
Generous donations of items with a total value of N$1 987 020.00 were received and sold at the auction for an extraordinary N$2.7 million. The HUAP Trust was established to manage the funds that were raised at the function. Its board consists of NAPHA members, a lawyer from Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc as well as one representative each from the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the World Wildlife Fund and chartered accountants Stier Vente Associates. The HUAP Trust is a charitable trust. Its principal aim is to implement the administrational framework and logistics to render vocational and financial support for elite anti-poaching training, and to equip game wardens in communal areas throughout Namibia with the necessary knowledge and skills. The Trust works closely with the MET and with law enforcement officials and assists in implementing the necessary structures in rural areas to ensure the effective enforcement of Namibia’s environmental legislation. The HUAP Trust is committed to educating communities across Namibia and to create awareness of the
importance of wildlife conservation and the aesthetic and financial value of the sustainable use of our wildlife. The trustees actively participate in these efforts. The HUAP Trust has also established an informant reward scheme. It is designed to win local people over to assist game wardens of MET or the HUAP Trust, the police and any NAPHA concession holder or NAPHA land owner in combatting poaching and the illegal trade with Namibian wildlife products. Members of the HUAP Trust fostered and led the HUAP Trust Anti-Poaching Training Course during 2016. They used donated resources to establish an elite anti-poaching unit. Game wardens from conservancies held by NAPHA members were selected for the world-class team. The training is coordinated by Robert Grellmann from the Eagle Rock Professional Hunting Academy. The course is conducted by renowned anti-poaching instructors Dennis Lupo and Davide Bomben. The curriculum aims to equip game wardens with the knowledge and skills to prevent poaching. Further fundraising events for this initiative are already in the pipeline. Hunters United against Poaching will hold their 2017 international fundraising auction and gala dinner on Thursday, August 31st.
ELZANNE ERASMUS
The HUAP Trust is most grateful to all the professional hunters across Namibia who saw
the need and came forward to unite and support this initiative.
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The HUAP Board of Trustees: FELIX MARNEWECKE Felix registered as a professional big game hunter in 1996. He has hunted in most of the big game concessions in Namibia as well as in several other African countries. His dedication to nature conservation is the driving force for his active involvement in all aspects of NAPHA and the Namibian hunting industry. Felix has been a member of NAPHA’s Big Game Committee, which supports all efforts to end poaching and any illegal trade in Namibia’s wildlife, for a number of years.
DANENE VAN DER WESTHUYZEN Danene is one of only a few female professional hunters in Namibia, and the first ever female PH in Namibia to qualify for dangerous game. Her passion for fair and ethical hunting has won the respect of numerous conservation and anti-poaching organisations. Danene is the Vice President of NAPHA and Chairperson of the Outfitters and Professional Hunting Association of Southern Africa.
FALKO SCHWARZ Falko became a PH in 2002. After years of gathering hunting experience in Namibia as well as other parts of southern Africa and Europe he registered as a big game hunter in 2011. Falko currently holds concessions to areas in the Zambezi Region, in Bushmanland and northern Etosha. He is an ardent member of NAPHA’s Big Game Committee and became its chairman in 2012. Falco is actively involved in antipoaching campaigns.
ABRAHAM MALHERBE Abe is an admitted legal practitioner and conveyancer specialising in commercial law. He saw to the registration of the HUAP Trust and provides legal services to the Trust on a pro bono basis. Abe serves as an independent trustee on the governing board. His involvement stems from his love for Namibia’s wildlife and his commitment to the protection of the environment. He believes strongly in public and private sector participation in nature conservation, especially with regard to the plight of Namibia’s rhinos.
KOOS PIENAAR Koos experienced his first hunt at the age of five. Many years later, in 1987, he took up professional hunting. Tracking and hunting became his lifestyle and passion, and his extensive experience qualified him to hunt in the big game concessions of northern Namibia. In 1995 he was awarded the title of Honorary Conservationist by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Koos is dedicated to the preservation of Namibia’s wildlife and remains actively involved in the prevention of poaching in the Zambezi Region.
COLGAR SIKOPO Colgar joined the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in 1997 as a ranger responsible for the anti-poaching unit at the Hardap Game Park. In 1999 he moved to Rundu to become chief warden for the north-eastern parks and five years later was promoted to chief control warden for the north-eastern regional services. In 2007 Colgar moved back to Windhoek where he took the position of deputy director for wildlife management, and in 2012 became the director of regional services and parks management. Throughout his career Colgar has been an immeasurable asset to MET as a driving force behind numerous conservation and anti-poaching campaigns.
GREENWELL MATONGO In 1996 Greenwell obtained his degree in energy, environment and natural resources law. He joined the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and for 12 years coordinated the work of parks and wildlife directorates and between headquarters and the regions. Greenwell’s numerous responsibilities included the coordination of MET’s law enforcement training, the compilation of reports on the parks and their wildlife for the Ministry as well as dealing with all trophy hunting issues and permits for conservancies. In 2009 Greenwell made a name for himself as nature conservationist for the WWF. He took over the responsibility to assist all Namibian conservancies with wildlife management, joint venture agreements, setting quotas, natural resources management and law enforcement training.
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SHIPPING OF HUNTING TROPHIES The last link in the chain International transportation of hunting trophies is subject to the terms and conditions of government agencies and carriers as well as wildlife and port regulations. The recent months have seen many changes and also restrictions in the already stringent requirements for shipping trophies across national borders. On top of that, several airlines and shipping lines have introduced complete or selective embargos on the transportation of hunting trophies. Harald Preschel
D
espite the additional obstacles and difficulties, experienced shipping agents in Namibia excel at finding solutions for the trophy shipping needs of the hunting fraternity. As the saying goes, “When one door closes, new doors (and opportunities) usually open up“. International hunters have no reason to worry about exporting their prized trophies from Namibia as long as the hunt is conducted in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations, and a proper hunting permit has been issued. In Namibia we are fortunate enough that hunting enjoys the full support of the relevant authorities.
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Shipping options •
•
Consolidated airfreight to common destinations: speedy and frequent; for smaller trophy consignments even more economic than ocean freight. Designated ocean freight container services to selected, usually predetermined destination ports: savings on larger consignments, but less frequent sailing dates and prolonged transit times which result in increased risk of theft, loss or damage.
Ship or plane Hunters must be able to make an informed decision when they opt for airfreight or ocean
freight. Experienced shipping agents will investigate the most suitable, i.e. the safest and cheapest transport route to the final destination. Trophies are a special commodity and carriers may impose certain terms and conditions which need to be considered. The more transit countries and destinations, the more difficult it becomes to quote shipping costs accurately. There are no “one fits all” solutions, especially due to the fact that trophies come in different shapes and sizes, with local taxidermists adding to the variety of shipping units by applying different methods and packing styles.
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TRANSPORTING TROPHIES Ideally each shipment should be calculated individually to establish the true cost per order/client.
Combined shipping Within limits several trophies can be packed and shipped together as a single consolidated unit. The limitations start with the regulations of the importing country. Many countries require that each hunter’s trophy package is presented individually together with the substantiating paperwork. Exemptions are usually granted to direct family members only, i.e. minors and dependents with the same residential address. The decision whether to opt for ship or plane may well be determined by import regulations, especially where hunting groups are concerned. Individual packaging and documentation may even apply when a joint final destination address is provided. The current trend is that trophy consignments can be shipped together to achieve economies of scale, but they have to be packed individually.
Trophies as luggage Transporting trophies as carry-on luggage by plane is still possible despite the worldwide restrictions on the movement of animal products – unless the carrier in question has imposed a ban on trophies. Mostly, however, time is the obstacle to bringing trophies home as luggage. Namibian veterinary export regulations apply irrespective of the mode of transport. • Trophies have to be disinfected (dipped) by an officially registered treatment facility, either a taxidermist or a local dipping station. • The veterinary health certificate which is issued after dipping normally conforms to international minimum health requirements.
Faulty paperwork If trophies arrive in their destination country without the official health certificate they are likely to be confiscated. In the worst case scenario they will be destroyed with costs. With a little luck they will be returned to the country of origin (Namibia), with costs.
Risks Shipping of hunting trophies carries the usual risks of transport. Transit damages and total loss can never be entirely excluded. Safe packaging and proper labelling will help to reduce the risk of damage and/or loss, but multiple carriers and transits, prolonged transit times and excessive handling due to multiple stopovers increase the possibility of theft, loss or simply the deterioration of trophy material. Ocean freight is generally exposed to higher risk than air freight.
Insurance Trustworthy forwarding agents will offer transport insurance. • Different types of cover are available. • Minimum cover: compensation for the lost value. • Comprehensive cover: full compensation for a similar hunt. In the event of damage or loss the hunter submits his claim via the forwarding agent who will assist him to ensure that all the relevant documentation (e.g. photos of the damage, quotes for repairs) is handed in. In conclusion it has to be said that in Namibia hunters have excellent forwarding agents at their disposal – agents who competently see to it that trophies are shipped without delay and arrive at their destination safely and at the best possible price.
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NAPHA REGISTER
Hunting professionals registered with the
Namibia Professional Hunting Association Surname
Initials Operation Name
Contact Detail
Surname
Initials Operation Name
International Tel Code ++264
Ahrens Ahrens Albat Alberts Arnold Badenhorst Badenhorst Bahr Barreras Bartlett Basson Bastos Bauer Baumann Beukes Binding Blaauw Blauwkamp Böckmann Böhmcker Bohn Boldt Boshoff Botes Brand Brand Bräuer, Dr Briedenhann Briedenhann Brits Britz Brüsselbach Carter Chapman Cilliers Cilliers Clausen Cloete Coomber Cooper Cordes Cramer de Bod Deloch Deloch Delport Delport DeLone Denk Denker Denker Diekmann Diekmann Dietz Doman Dörnhöfer Dressel Dresselhaus Dreyer du Plessis
EG V S C J C N HJ L DD D JL AK H B H J T H A KH K B R J J U J S J M G B J W A P G R Z C A D G HP J P P HC H KU G W H J W G H D JA
R Rowland Hunting Girib - Ost Jagdfarm Ondundu Jagd Safaris Hunters Pride Taxidermy Wildacker Guestfarm Farm Mimosa Eldoret Hunting Farm Wewelsburg Camping & Safari Na-Gumbo Lodge & Safaris Onguma Game Ranch (Pty) Ltd Acacia Marketing CC Khomas Safaris & Guestfarm Aigamas Hunting Nubib Mountain Hunting & Guestfarm Keerweder Safaris Kataneno Cattle & Game Ranch, Dzombi Hunting Safaris Dallas Safari Club - USA Farmko Rudelsburg Moringa Jagd & Gästefarm Kleepforte Jagdfarm Annenhof Duiker Safaris Namibia Aru Game Lodges Getaway Kalahari Safari Nhosab Hunting Safari Kous Farm Waldeck Safaris Orthodontics and Genetics Pty Ltd Africa Hunt Safari Martin Britz Safaris Rosenthal Dallas Safari Club - USA Huntafrica Namibia Allan Ciliers Hunting Safaris Allan Ciliers Hunting Safaris Okosongoro Safari Ranch Okuwira! Hunting Safaris Vieranas Safaris - Namibia Mahonda Hunting Safaris Bodenhausen Axel G. Cramer Dirk de Bod Safaris Namibia Oryxhunt Toekoms Hunting Safaris Eintracht Jagd Safaris Safari Club International Jagdfarm Mecklenburg African Hunting Safaris African Hunting Safaris Jagdfarm Otjekongo Hamakari Safaris Askari Tours & Hunting Aloegrove Safari Lodge Omatarassu Jagdfarm Hairabib Southern Africa Big Game Sandheuwel - South Africa Sebra Hunting Safaris
061 238 292 062 573 566 067 307 220 062 570 141 49 606 295 9216 062 581 431 081 241 5072 067 306 646 081 337 7536 067 229 125 081 124 2070 064 204 129 081 253 0947 081 129 3573 062 581 669 062 549 088 081 146 4959 616 896 6500 067 290 109 062 501 106 081 356 4080 067 231 568 067 232 626 081 127 3976 081 260 3355 063 273 322 062 581 409 081 124 5897 081 124 1168 067 234 031 081 483 7365 081 384 9277 062 563 700 067 232 676 067 232 676 067 290 170 081 285 7104 081 124 9324 062 572 136 081 127 2946 061 248 212 081 124 0838 061 233 903 061 235 698 062 570 328 081 127 3832 062 560 059 081 206 7682 081 201 4867 062 518 091 067 306 633 064 570 927 067 306 231 081 127 1721 081 128 9348 061 257 151 27 21 880 9800 081 325 2372
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info@napha.com.na / www.napha-namibia.com
Contact Detail
International Tel Code ++264
du Plessis du Toit du Toit du Toit Düvel Düvel Düvel Egerer Eggert Eggert Eichhoff Emmel Engelbrecht Engelhard Engelhard Enslin Enslin Epler Erni Erpf Erpf Erpf Esterhuizen Etzler, Dr Falk Fechter Fechter Fietz Fischer Fourie Friedensdorf Friedensdorf Friedrich Fug Fuleda Garbade Garbade Garbade Gladis Gladis Gorn Grellmann Groenewald Gruhn Grünschloss Günzel Günzel Haag Haase Haase Hakenjos Halenke Halenke Hall Happel Happel Happel Hauffe Heger Heger
H A CJ HA C K U M B H E H T G HG M P C E G H HW A J W H M A H I K S H G H B H T H I M V J B K T HG A HP R G H R T F FR M WEG F G
Bergzicht Game Lodge 081 128 4825 Trophy Legends / Quatro Hunting Safaris 081 127 7626 Omutati Game & Guestfarm 081 170 0197 Okarumatero 081 127 0038 Jagdrevier Weideland 062 560 002 Namibia Hunting Impressions 062 560 004 Omambonde Tal Jagdfarm 067 240 332 Nyati Wildlife Art/ Lindenhof Safaris 081 124 2080 Omatjete Safaris 067 234 465 Omatjete Safaris 067 234 465 Otjitambi Guestfarm 062 518 133 Ovita Wildlife 062 500 761 Engelbrecht Safaris 081 242 2361 Jagdfarm Georg-Ferdinandshöhe 067 290 187 Jagdfarm Georg-Ferdinandshöhe 064 400 902 Aru Game Lodge 081 211 7973 Aru Game Lodge 062 581 222 Otjikaru Farming 081 1284845 Hunting Farm Urusis 081 245 1616 Jagdfarm Otjenga 067 302 229 Farm Otjenga 067 302 229 Oase Guest & Hunting Farm 081 128 8160 Estreux Safaris CC 081 432 4800 49 175 591 8974 Ondjondo Jagdfarm 081 242 1146 Falkenhorst Safaris 081 243 2132 Portsmut Hunting Safaris 081 240 5364 Etemba Jagd & Safaris 061 227 440 Omongongua Hunting 062 502 993 Chapungu - Kambako Hunting Safaris 061 257 107 Hunting & Guestfarm Ondombo 067 290 009 Hunting & Guestfarm Ondombo 081 269 0838 Baobab Game Ranch 081 244 0383 Waldhausen 081 272 1172 Hunting-Flight-Service - Deutschland 49 173 962 5013 Onduno Hunting 081 668 0361 Onduno Hunting 061 231 054 Onduno Hunting 061 231 054 Ababis Guest & Huntingfarm 061 237 400 Wilsonfontein Hunting Safaris 081 300 3857 061 232 236 Anvo Hunting Safaris Namibia 081 124 4848 Okarusewa 081 127 9562 Bellerode Hunting Safaris 081 250 9323 Jamy Traut Hunting 081 464 6174 Hunting Ranch Ovisume 061 245 170 081 124 5007 Otjikoko Game Ranch 081 235 1755 Haasenhof Gästefarm 062 503 827 Wilhelmstal - Nord 062 503 977 Hetaku Safari Lodge 062 561 441 Hohenau Hunting Ranch 061 247 024 Hohenau Hunting Ranch 061 681 055 Okomutati Safaris & Tours CC 081 310 4130 Onjona Lodge 062 503 711 Onjona Lodge 081 127 3835 Onjona Lodge 081 127 3835 Beenbreek Safaris 062 581 406 Otjiruse Hunting 081 127 7890 Otjiruse Hunting 081 280 5901
hannesd@africaonline.com.na quatro@iway.na neels@ingplan.com.na hadutoit@iway.na cduvel@afol.com.na kate.kurt@afol.com.na omambond@iway.na lindenhof@afol.com.na hagen@omatjete.com hagen@omatjete.com elfried@iway.na heikoemmel1986@gmail.com info@engelbrechtsafaris.com g.engelhard@afol.com.na pedri@arugamelodges.com pedri@arugamelodges.com otjikaru@iafrica.com.na erniurus@afol.com.na otjenga@gmail.com otjenga@gmail.com farm.oase@gmail.com info@estreuxsafaris.com allie.etzler@gmail.com ondjondjo@iway.na falcon@iway.nam mfph@iway.na info@etemba-hunting.com nazimbo@afol.com.na hunting.isabelle@gmail.com kfriedensdorf@iway.na kfriedensdorf@iway.na driehoek@nawa.co.na okauapehuri@iway.na Hans@fuleda.de berndgarbarde@gmail.com onduno@gmail.com onduno@gmail.com helmuth@hemconamibia.com namibhunt@hotmail.com manfred@kgss.com.na vgrellmann@afol.com.na obirann@iway.na pbgruhn@iway.na kgrunschloss@yahoo.com info@ovisume.eu info@ovisume.eu haag@otjikoko.com haase@iway.na rolfhaase@iway.na hetaku@iway.na halenke@iway.na rainerhalenke@gmail.com okomsaf@iway.na f.happel@onjona.com f.happel@onjona.com m.happel@onjona.com w.hauffe@afol.com.na frank@otjiruse.com gudrun@otjiruse.com
info@napha.com.na / www.napha-namibia.com
HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
75
savanna
Enjoy a unique and unforgettable hunting experience in Namibia on our beautiful hunting lodge. We look forward to your stay Armin & Karen Fietz Tel: +264 61 227 440 Mobile: +264 81 124 6409 Email: info@etemba-hunting.com
www.etemba-hunting.com
Surname
Initials Operation Name
Contact Detail
International Tel Code ++264
Heger Heimstadt Henckert Hennig Henniges Hennings Hennings Herbst Herzig Herzog Hess Hillermann Hinterholzer Hinterholzer Hoaseb Hobohm Hoffmann Horenburg Horsthemke Horsthemke Horsthemke Huettner Hugo HĂźning Hurt Ipinge Jackson III Jacobi Jacobs Jacobs Janbey Jansen Janse van Rensburg Jansen van Vuuren Jensen Jensen Joubert Jupke Kaiser Khomos Kibble Kibble Kiekebusch Koekemoer Koekemoer Kossmann Kotze Kotze KotzĂŠ Kotze Snr Krafft Krafft Kratzer Kreiner Kretzschmar Kronsbein Kruger Laborn Labuschagne Lambrechts Lamprecht Lamprecht Lamprecht Jnr
N KD R O A D P H HD H S M KH P J HG WW M B HW W F W E R JA J H FB S S JAB J
Otjiruse Hunting Game Ranch Transvaal Rusticana Hunting Desert Holdings Ohorongo Safaris Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris Bull River CC t/a Kansimba Game Lodge Kaliombo Safari Camp Herzog - Hunting Zighenzani-Africa Safaris Blaser Safaris Erongo Lodge Erongo Lodge Namibia Safari Connection Valhal
nikolai@tandelta.biz klausheimstadt@yahoo.com rusticana@iway.na christo.hennig@deserthold.com ohorongo@iway.na philip@khomas-highland-hunting.com
S M J Safaris Osonjiva Hunting Safaris Reveille Hunting Portsmut Hunting Safaris
081 252 2212 081 602 5029 061 235 851 061 272 163 081 147 7434 061 232 633 061 232 633 062 503 966 064 404 561 064 570 555 062 573 568 062 500 590 081 257 7005 081 252 5583 062 570 312 067 235 002 062 549 106 081 262 2422 062 561 445 062 561 445 062 561 445 49 157 762 18477 081 469 6224 081 211 1539 081 620 0937 081 127 8441 01 - 504 837 1233 062 560 220 081 127 2232 067 232 678 081 124 1484 062 518 303 081 140 0984
L
Leopard Legend Hunting Safaris
081 236 0833
info@leopardlegend.com
G J SJ P UJA T M P H A G H D L H J M R E H K C N E PW EL HL M J
Panorama Rock Game Ranch Safaris Bush Baby Safaris Aru Game Lodge Web Marketing Agency - Germany Kuhwerder Jagdfarm Otjikoko Game Ranch Progress Safaris Trophy Safaris Jagd & Rinderfarm Hochfels Omuramba Hunting Lodge Omuramba Hunting Lodge Ongue Hunting Tiefenbach Bow Hunting Chapungu - Kambako Hunting Safaris
081 128 1515 067 243 391 081 8173573 49 7251 83175 067 302 808 081 235 1755 062 560 033 061 234 257 061 232 625 062 568 880 062 682 026 067 312 000 062 518 331 081 148 3595 081 259 0770 062 518 358 062 573 507 062 573 535 067 290 006 067 687 113 081 127 1651 062 560 243 081 129 1877 067 306 688 067 234 418 063 264 141 081 843 4747 081 303 3010 081 129 8765
jensen@iafrica.com.na info@bush-babycamping.com stephanjoubert@hotmail.co.uk peter.jupke@t-online.de kaiser@iway.na haag@otjikoko.com kibble@progress-safaris.com trophysa@afol.com.na hochfels@iway.na info@omuramba.com info@omuramba.com ongue@iway.na kotzedj@iway.na louis@chapungu-kambako.com hugo.kotze@gmx.de omatakoranch@iway.na mkrafft@afol.com.na rkrafft@afol.com.na
Wronin Business Trust Jagdfarm Stoetzer Jagdfarm Stoetzer Jagdfarm Stoetzer Camelthorn Safaris - Germany Mazabuka Investments Pty Robin Hurt Safari Company (Pty) Ltd Dzombo Hunting Safaris Conservation Force - USA Nossob Jagd
Omatako Hunting Trails Ibenstein Hunting Safaris Ibenstein Hunting Safaris Farm Hazeldene Ekongo Hunting & Safaris Onduasu Jagd Apex Safaris Omujeve Safaris Okandivi Hunting Farm Gras Hunting Farm Hunters Namibia Safaris Hunters Namibia Safaris Jofie Lamprecht Safaris
kansimba@iafrica.com.na sunrisetours@iafrica.com.na hubert@herzog-hunting.com sigurd@zighenzani.com blasersafaris@afol.com.na erongolodge@iway.na erongolodge@iway.na namsafcon@iway.na tolene@iway.na wronin@iway.na hbhorst@iway.na hbhorst@iway.na hbhorst@iway.na florian@camelthorn-safaris.com info@kleinbarmen.com robinhurtnamibia@gmail.com hafeni2@gmail.com JJW-NO@att.net info@nossobjagd.com leonajacobs@yahoo.co.uk smj@iway.na info@osonjiva.com reveille@iafrica.com.na info@phs.com.na
ekongo@iway.na onduasu@iway.na info@apex-safaris.eu omujeve@afol.com.na okandivi@iway.na pwlab@iway.na errol@zingelasafaris.com hannslouis@lamcc.co hunters@afol.com.na jofie@jofielamprechtsafaris.com
info@napha.com.na / www.napha-namibia.com
76
WWW.HUNTNAMIBIA.COM.NA WWW.TRAVELNEWSNAMIBIA.COM
NAPHA REGISTER Surname
Initials Operation Name
Contact Detail
International Tel Code ++264
Lenz H Leuschner LI Levin J Leyendecker J Lichtenberg C Liedtke G Liedtke M Liedtke R Linder-Lozinsek B A Ling R Lohmann E Lopes J Loubser JG Lueke M Lüesse, Dr. HG Lühl HI Lühl R Lung JC Lüsse D MacKinnon D Mans W Marais S Marker L Marnewecke F Matthaei J Matthaei RH Mc Donald A Meier T Metzger K Metzger Jnr D Metzger Snr D Meyer PH Michaels R Michels S Morris K Mostert P Mousley D Muller D Muller G Muller LP Müller G Müller R Namene R Nebe C Neethling C Neffgen A Nel L Ness E Neubrecht JG Neumann J Niel N Nietmann G Nolte N Nu-Aiseb M Oelofse A Oelofsen (Sen) B Olivier G Oosthuizen J Osborne T Otto C Otto V Pack H Pape I Pauly S Phelan P Pienaar S
mlenz@iway.na glenorkie@iway.na jacolevin@icloud.com info@namibia-dreams.de Veterinarian lichtenberg@iway.na Okondura Nord Hunt & Guestfarm okondura@africaonline.com.na Okondura Nord Hunt & Guestfarm okondura@africaonline.com.na Okondura Nord Hunt & Guestfarm ralf.liedtke@gmx.de Okamapu (Pty)Ltd okamapu@okamapu.com.na Die Keiler cowdray@iway.na blohmthal17@gmail.com Damara Dik-Dik Safaris / La Rochelle dikdik@iway.na Kosis - Gaitsabis quepasa@iway.na Blaser Safaris Ltd blasersafaris@afol.com.na Panorama Hunting Ranch hglueesse@iway.na Karivo Hunting anivonamibia@gmx.net Jagdfarm Okuje okuje@iway.na Ozondjahe Safaris info@africanhuntingsafaris.com Achenib Hunting achenib@iway.na Boscia Hunting & Guestfarm derek@boscia-farm.com W F Mans Safaris hunting@kumkum.com.na Keibeb Game Ranch info@keibeb.na Cheetah Conservation Fund cheetah@iway.na Camelthorn Safaris camelthornsafaris@iway.na Namibia Safari Connection namsafcon@iway.na Namibia Safari Connection rolandmatthaei@gmail.com Concessions; "Auction" gunandbow@afol.com.na Ndandi Safaris ndandisafaris@afol.com.na Makadi Safaris katja@makadi-safaris.com Makadi Safaris diethelm@kamab-simbra.com Bevo Ranching mainroad53@iway.na Safari West meyer@iafrica.com.na Taxidermist namibtaxidermy@afol.com.na Kambaku Game Farming smichels@kambaku.com Byseewah Safaris byseewah@iway.na Afrika Jag Safaris Namibia erongofp@gmail.com Groot Gamsberg Dan.B.Mousley@gmail.com Daggaboy Hunting Safaris damuller@iway.na Otjinuke Hunting Ranch gmuller@afol.com.na Okatare Safari okatare@afol.com.na Leopard Lodge leopardcrawl@yahoo.com Krieghoff - Germany Ralf.Mueller@krieghoff.de Boskloof 081 140 2341 rknamene03@yahoo.co.uk Ovita Game & Hunting Farm 062 500760 info@ovitahunting.com Agagia Hunting 081 149 3838 agagia@afol.com.na 49 157 3580 5555 aneffgen@icloud.com Trophaendienste CC 061 232 236 louw@trophaendienste.com 14038772706 africandreams@telus.net Etemba Jagd 081 255 5868 etemba@iafrica.com.na USA 1 765 564 2587 jaegerjohann@ffni.com 43 664 414 2202 Nikolaus.Niel@gmx.at Swakopmund Conservancy - Germany 49 4621 21820 Nick Nolte Hunting Safaris CC 064 570 888 info@nicknoltehunting.com Otjikoko Game Ranch 081 235 1755 haag@otjikoko.com Jan Oelofse Hunting Safaris 067 290 012 alex.oelofse@africaonline.com.na Etosha View Hunting 081 127 3196 boelofsen@afol.com.na Panorama Rock Game Ranch Safaris 081 259 5612 panoramarock@africaonline.com.na Game Trackers Africa CC 081 481 9222 jaco@gametrackersafrica.com Tandala Ridge 081 124 5202 kori@iway.na Hunting Farm Kachauchab 063 293 512 ottojagd@iway.na Ondjiviro Hunting Safaris 081 294 0141 ondjiviro@gmail.com Jagdfarm Ottawa 062 570 327 ottawa@iway.na Okatore Lodge & Safaris 061 232 840 info@okatore.com Hayas Hunting 081 268 3510 shpauly@gmail.com Paul Phelan Safaris - South Africa 27 333 302 231 mwngruma@mweb.co.za African Plains Safaris 081 149 1070 schalk470@gmail.com Glenorkie Hunting Farm
063 683 312 062 561 435 081 129 1530 49 6781 901470 062 563 877 062 503 983 081 447 8155 081 780 9630 062 549 122 062 581 414 064 405 321 067 222 754 081 124 6714 062 500 590 081 124 7508 081 292 6010 061 257 245 067 306 770 062 581 611 081 122 1240 063 683 056 081 245 7721 067 306 225 081 260 2405 081 124 4774 081 279 3364 081 128 6821 081 128 2425 062 682 155 081 128 9017 081 286 8897 062 503 363 081 316 9551 062 503 363 067 312 117 067 313 620 081 147 9033 081 128 1215 062 518 372 081 124 4711 062 560 609
onduro
panorama
info@napha.com.na / www.napha-namibia.com
HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
77
GENERAL Surface area: 824,268 km² Capital: Windhoek Independence: 21 March 1990 Current president: Hage Geingob Multiparty parliament Democratic constitution Division of power between executive, legislature and judiciary Secular state - freedom of religion (90% Christian) Freedom of the press/media
ENVIRONMENT Nature reserves: 15% of surface area Highest mountain: Brandberg Other prominent mountains: Spitzkoppe, Moltkeblick, Gamsberg Perennial rivers: Orange, Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando/ Linyanti/Chobe Ephemeral rivers: Numerous, including Fish, Kuiseb, Swakop and Ugab
FLORA 14 vegetation zones 120 species of trees 200 endemic plant species 100 plus species of lichen Living fossil plant: Welwitschia mirabilis
Airport, Eros Airport, 46 airstrips Rail network: 2,382 km narrow gauge Telecommunications: 6.2 telephone lines per 100 inhabitants Direct-dialling facilities to 221 countries Mobile communication system: GSM agreements with 117 countries / 255 networks Postal service: affiliated to the Universal Postal Union
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE One medical doctor per 3,650 people Three privately run hospitals in Windhoek with intensive-care units Medical practitioners (world standard) 24-hour medical emergency services
POPULATION 2.3 million Density: 2.2 per km² 400 000 inhabitants in Windhoek (15% of total) Official language: English 14 regions, 13 ethnic cultures 16 languages and dialects Adult literacy rate: 85% Population growth rate: 2.6% Educational institutions: over 1,700 schools, various vocational and tertiary institutions
FAUNA
Main sectors: Mining, fishing, tourism & agriculture Biggest employer: Agriculture (46%) Fastest-growing sector: Tourism Mining: Diamonds, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, magnesium, cadmium, arsenic, pyrites, silver, gold, lithium minerals, dimension stones (granite, marble, blue sodalite) and many semi-precious stones
Big game: Elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe 20 antelope species 240 mammal species (14 endemic) 250 reptile species 50 frog species 676 bird species Endemic birds including Herero chat, rockrunner, Damara tern, Monteiro’s hornbill
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FOREIGN REPRESENTATION
ECONOMY
Roads: 5,450 km tarred, 37,000 km gravel Harbours: Walvis Bay, Lüderitz Main airports: Hosea Kutako International
Venture Publications 2017 www.travelnewsnamibia.com
More than 50 countries have Namibian consular or embassy representation in Windhoek.
TAX AND CUSTOMS All goods and services are priced to include value-added tax of 15%. Visitors may reclaim VAT. Enquiries: Ministry of Finance Tel (+264 61) 23 0773 in Windhoek
MONEY MATTERS Currency: The Namibia Dollar (N$) is fixed to and on par with the SA Rand. The South African Rand is also legal tender. Foreign currency, international Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.
DRINKING WATER Most tap water is purified and safe to drink. Visitors should exercise caution in rural areas.
TRANSPORT Public transport is NOT available to all tourist destinations in Namibia. There are bus services from Windhoek to Swakopmund as well as Cape Town/ Johannesburg/Vic Falls. Namibia’s main railway line runs from the South African border, connecting Windhoek to Swakopmund in the west and Tsumeb in the north. There is an extensive network of international and regional flights from Windhoek and domestic charters to all destinations.
TIME ZONES Summer time: GMT + 2 hours from the 1st Sunday in September to the 1st Sunday in April. Winter time: GMT + 1 hour from the 1st Sunday in April to the 1st Sunday in September.
ELECTRICITY 220 volts AC, 50hz, with outlets for round three-pin type plugs
www.namibiatourism.com.na
NAPHA REGISTER Surname
Initials Operation Name
Contact Detail
International Tel Code ++264
Pienaar Powel Preschel Pretorius Prinsloo Redecker Redecker Reinhardt Reinhardt Reiser Ritter Ritter Ritter Ritzdorf Rode Rogl Rogl Rogl Rogl Roodt Rossouw Rowland Rumpf Rusch Rusch Rust Sack Sauber Savoldelli Schauff Scheidt
K J H K S F G E P KHW M M R W A A B M W BF A RW J M R H B E N U R
Schickerling Schlettwein Schlettwein Schlosser Schmidt Schmidt Schmitt SchneiderWaterberg Scholtissek Schubert Schünemann Schwalm Schwalm Schwarz Seefeldt Sentefol Shepherd Sibold Slaney Smit Sohrada Sorris Sorris CC Spangenberg Sternagel Sternagel Stolzenberg Strauss Strauss Strauss Strydom Stumpfe Svenblad Swanepoel
J JC W GH A W C H Y C H G R F M R B WA W D PH J H WA F A D J HJ K H A
Huntafrica Namibia
062 563 700 064 404 795 Namibia Safari Services/ Smart Dip 061 227 700 Namatubis Hunting Safaris 067 313 061 First Class Trophy Taxidermy - Germany 49 6021 793 3154 Die Keiler 062 503 769 Die Keiler 062 503 769 Bushman Trails Africa 081 277 6688 Bushman Trails Africa 081 258 5887 Reiser Taxidermy 061 264 207 Guest & Hunting Farm Woltemade 062 518 075 49 177 456 5924 Guest & Hunting Farm Woltemade 062 518 075 Ritzdorf Jagd & Photo Safaris 081 124 9300 Rogl African Safaris CC Rogl African Safaris CC Rogl African Safaris CC Rogl African Safaris CC Quality Hunting Safaris Namibia RW Rowland Hunting Safaris Combumbi Jagd Lichtenstein- Hunting Safaris Panorama Hunting Ranch Omandumba Hunting Jagdfarm Maroela BüllsPort Naukluft Guestfarm Okarumuti Hunting Safaris Germany "Jagdfarm Erichsfelde Pommersche Farmgesellschaft" Agarob Hunting Safaris Otjitambi Trails & Safaris Ovita Game & Hunting Rengu Adventure Safaris Khan River Lodge Ombu Jagd & Gästefarm Okambara Elephant Lodge Waterberg Game Guest Farm Otjitoroa Safaris Hunting and Guestfarm Aurora Zighenzani-Africa Safaris Omalanga Safaris Omalanga Safaris Ondjou Safaris Silversand Hunting & Guestfarm African Shipping Services CC Retoma Taxidermy Hunting Farm Hummelshain Orpa Hunt S & S Safaris Sorris Sorris Com. Conservancy Gras Hunting Farm Ganeib Jagd & Gästefarm Ganeib Jagd & Gästefarm Stolzenberg Hunting Namibia Kowas Hunting Safaris Kowas Hunting Safaris Kowas Hunting Safaris Shamwari farming PTY (Ltd) Ndumo Safaris Otjandaue Hunting Farm - Finland Aru Game Lodge
081 300 4231 081 127 0719 081 209 5035 081 609 6292 081 163 6784 063 293 204 061 222 800 062 561 422 061 233 543 081 398 9943 064 571 086 067 234 332 063 293 371 081 127 2819 49 172 5740400 062 518 383
info@huntafrica.com.na jrmpowel@iway.na harald@namsaf.com.na kochp@iway.na stefanus@firstclasstrophy.com westfalenhof@iway.na gernotredecker84@gmail.com kalaharisonne@gmail.com bushmantrailsafrica@gmail.com reiser@iway.na woltemad@iway.na marco.ritter@googlemail.com woltemad@iway.na ritzdorf@afol.com.na rode@kleinemas.de alexrogl@gmx.de barbara@otjiruze.com m.rogl@gmx.de wernerrogl@web.de roodtbrian@rocketmail.com moreson@afol.com.na r.rowland@geva-sales.com combumbi@iway.na eurusch@afol.com.na panorama@afol.com.na omandumba@iway.na maroela@iway.na ernst@buellsport.com info@okarumutigamelodge.com uschauff@t-online.de efelde@iafrica.com.na
062 572 219 067 687 140 062 500 760 061 233 501 062 503 883 064 570 849 062 682 070 081 124 6688
agarob@iway.na jcsotjitambi@iway.na info@ovitahunting.com rengu@iway.na alanmikemail@gmail.com ombufarm@iway.na okambara@iway.na info@waterbergnamibia.com
081 225 2288 062 503 728 062 570 312 067 234 336 081 258 0660 081 206 0520 062 560 200 061 305 821 067 313 733 062 503 735 061 234 157 081 288 6587 067 304 334 081 382 3894 063 264 141 061 244 268 081 127 0465 067 234 280 062 58 1558 081 211 4900 081 295 6581 081 147 6956 081 128 5416 064 570 821 061 235 715
y.scholtissek@otji-safaris.com huntingfarm.aurora@gmail.com henning@zighenzani.com gunter.schwalm@gmail.com reservations@omalangasafaris.net halseton@iway.na seefeldt@iway.na rainer@africanshippingservices.com retoma@iway.na siboldw@iway.na wilfried@profilesafaris.com hunting@orpahunt.com sohrada@gmail.com sorrissorris.conservancy@gmail.com info@jagdfarmgras.com ganeib@iafrica.com.na ganeib@iafrica.com.na stolzenb@iway.na kowasadv@iafrica.com.na kowasadv@iafrica.com.na straussjacques20@gmail.com shamwari@iway.na karl@huntingsafaris.net Diane.svenblad@aland.net accounts@arugamelodges.com
info@napha.com.na / www.napha-namibia.com
von watsdorf
PO Box 2 Mariental NAMIBIA
Tel: +264 63 240 351 Mobile: +264 81 730 0832 Fax: +264 63 240 555 Email: cvwatzdorf@iway.na
We offer: Affordable Prices Trophies of High Quality 15 Species to Hunt Tranquility Special Treatment
otjinuke
Gert and Marina Muller Tel/Fax +264 62 518 372 e-mail: gmuller@afol.com.na Web: www.huntatrophy.com
Only 2 hours drive from the international airport
District of OKAHANDJA, Central NAMIBIA HUNTiNAMIBIA | 2017
79
NAPHA REGISTER
orpa
Surname
Contact Detail
International Tel Code ++264
okarumati The lodge is owned by an italian family
T: +264 62 682096/7 F: +264 62 682098 C: +264 81 127 2819 info@okarumutigamelodge.com www.okarumutigamelodge.com
mahonda
T +264-62-572136 F +264-88-632102 info@mahondahunting.com PO Box 6437, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, Namibia
80
Initials Operation Name
Swanepoel D Teubner H Thiessen J Thude S Traut J Trümper M Trümper U Tubbesing, Dr U Utz G Utz (Snr) W van den Berg W J van der Merwe J S van der Merwe R van der Merwe M v d Westhuizen J v d Westhuyzen D v d Westhuyzen G van Dyk C van Heerden B H van Heerden C van Heerden J van Niekerk (Jnr) H van Rensburg T van Rooyen A van Rooyen Q van Zyl L van Zyl M Veldsman J Viglietti F Visser J Vogel I Vogl M Voigts RW Voigts UD Voigts von Schütz A von Gossler O von Hacht F von Hacht A von Koenen S A von Schuman H W von Seydlitz F von Seydlitz H von Seydlitz W von Treuenfels M J Wagner R Walter M Wambach J Wanke A Wenske HJ Westdyk J Wilckens H Wilckens S Wilckens I Witjes T Wölbling G Woortman D Woortman H Woortman V Wrede A Wright R Zander GP Ziller H Zimny M
Ekuja Hunting Namibia Otjimbuku Hunting Farm Wild Erongo Safaris Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris Airport Hunting & Guestfarm Airport Hunting & Guestfarm Vet African Safari Trails Mashete Safaris Namibia Safari Corporation Otjandaue Hunting Farm African Twilight Safaris Westfalen Hunting Aru Game Lodge Aru Game Lodge Windpoort Farm Van Heerden Safaris, Ondjou Safaris RL Farm Bornholm Ovisume Hunting Farm Uhlenhorst Hunting Safaris Osonjiva Hunting Safaris Etosha Heights Game Safaris Portsmut Hunting Safaris-owner Track & Trail Safaris Buitepos Hunting Safaris Shona Hunting Adventures Kampala Hunting Safaris Hunting & Guestfarm Gross Okandjou Germany Voigtskirch Krumhuk Nomtsas Orua Hunting Farm (Die Keiler)
Jagdfarm Hüttenhain Omupanda Jagd Safari CC Immenhof Hunting & Guestfarm Schoenfeld Hunting & Safaris Immenhof Hunting & Guestfarm CIC Link - Germany Hunting Farm Moselle / ERO CC Otjikoko (Pty) Ltd Pro Hunting Namibia Klip Kop Lodge & Farming African Rosette Safaris Okaturua Hunting Omateva Hunting Jagdfarm Ongangasemba (Die Keiler)
Omatako Hunting & Tourism (Pty) Omatako Hunting & Tourism (Pty) Omatako Hunting & Tourism (Pty) Gurus Farm No 6 Mariental Okatjeru Hunting Safaris
Haasenhof Guest Farm
062 561 400 061 238 758 062 549 060 081 142 6407 081 147 3816 081 124 1240 081 128 8288 081 128 0350 062 682 088 081 124 0787 081 149 1853 081 127 0906 064 570 821 081 124 0237 081 128 4011 081 129 5536 081 296 2651 081 207 9043 081 288 2189 081 127 4050 081 124 7617 063 265 364 081 127 7646 081 149 1836
ekuja.hunting@gmail.com hhteubner@gmail.com otjimbuk@iway.na hunt@wilderongo.com jamytraut@gmail.com max.trumper@gmail.com info@airportfarm-namibia.com michaela@rhinoparkvet.com african-safari-trails@afol.com.na wilutz@iway.na mashete@afol.com.na jaco@jsvdm.com otjandaue@iway.na mare@africantwilightsafaris.com info@westfalenhuntnamibia.com info@arugamelodges.com gysbert@arugamelodges.com chrisvandyk@live.co.uk vhsaf@afol.com.na rlfarm@iway.na johannvh1962@gmail.com hoecon@afol.com.na info@osonjiva.com big5@rhinotrek.net qvr@tgi.na 081 244 0401 trackatrailsafaris@hotmail.com 081 127 3530 marnus@iway.na 081 128 3105 Hunting@shona-adventures.com 067 687 172 kampala@iway.na 081 227 5030 janmarievisser@iway.na 081 127 3543 immo.vogel@gross-okandjou.com 49 172 819 9966 info@pferde-vogl.de 062 540 407 voigtskirch@iway.na 061 233 645 info@krumhuk.com.na 081 124 9572 info@nomtsas.com 067 290 119 orua@iway.na 062 561 436 frido@iway.na 081 129 4063 okatjo@iway.na 062 518 335 svkoenen@afol.com.na 062 561 469 info@omupanda.com 067 290 177 immenhof@iway.na 081 129 8999 schoenfeld.safaris@gmail.com 067 290 177 hunting@iway.na 49 177 778 0586 michivt"t-online.de 081 312 0690 moselle@iway.na 081 147 6789 mwfarms@iway.na 081 128 8373 proguide@iway.na 061 400 423 awanke@unam.na 081 212 8800 klipkop@mtcmobile.com.na 081 381 5935 jan@africanrosette.com 061 231 229 okaturua@shona-adventures.com 062 560 234 omateva@iway.na 067 306 555 onganga@iway.na 31 345 610291 european@planet.nl 067 306 527 gerd@iway.na 067 306 655 omatako@afol.com.na 067 306 655 omatako@afol.com.na 081 233 2131 omatako@afol.com.na 081 129 4252 wredemad@africaonline.com.na 081 122 1720 info@okatjeru.com 062 503 709 061 257 107 hansziller@hotmail.com 081 262 3339 michizimny @gmail.com
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