Rock Pigeon and Dove Shooting Packages WWW.BIRDHUNTERSAFRICA.COM GLEN HALDANE: +27 83 860 7076 DYLAN HOLMES : +27 82 805 7017 MARK HALDANE : +27 82 807 5110 office@birdhuntersafrica.com
ABOUT BIRD HUNTERS AFRICA • Bird Hunters Africa prides itself on a wide variety of the finest bird shooting in Southern Africa, offering the discerning hunter champagne shooting. Southern Africa is a haven for wild bird shooting and part of Bird Hunters Africa’s uniqueness, is the multiple of bird shooting areas that we offer, giving the sport hunter a diversity of choice that is both exciting and varied. This, together with specialist professional shooting guides and dog handlers makes for a bespoke bird shooting safari tailored to the individual’s needs. On your safari you will experience unequalled bird shooting that may include walk up Greywing Partridge, Francolin and Spurfowl shooting over well-trained dogs, to the thrilling anticipation of driven Guineafowl, as well as flighted Duck and Geese and finally hot barrel Dove and Pigeons shooting. • Our Bird Guide Professional Hunters have a vast amount of experience and knowledge in guiding bird-hunts in South Africa. Upland game birds are hunted over welltrained English Pointers, while Labradors are used for retrieving downed birds. A true classic wing shooting adventure awaits you.
Rock Pigeon Shooting In The Free State • Bloemfontein is the Capital City of the Free State Province which is situated in the Centre of South Africa and is easily accessible by road or air. Bloemfontein is fondly known as the “City of roses” and more than 4 000 rose trees have been planted in the rose garden at King’s Park, which was opened in 1925 by the Prince of Wales, Eduard VIII. There is little stress and less haste in this peaceful country town which has an atmosphere that one feels is based on an appreciation of family values, where quality of life is of prime importance. • The backbone of this area is the huge agricultural industry where cropping of corn and sunflower is the largest in the country. Due to this factor, the abundance of food has created a unique environment for pigeons and doves to thrive way above their natural population, making Bloemfontein the "pigeon and dove capital" of South Africa. Millions of pigeons and doves commute, twice daily, between the city and the ripening sunflower fields in the surrounding district. It is here where sportsmen ambush these humbling game birds under their flight paths. • First the incoming flight to the fields and thereafter the outgoing flight from the fields back to their roosts. Here the seasoned wing shooter's shooting talents will be tested to the ultimate, while novice shooters will have ample opportunities to hone their shotgun skills and improve their shooting ability. • The experience is second to none and certainly one that wing shooters come back to South Africa for time and time again. Come and test your skills on this tricky little game bird that is commonly referred to as the ‘African Grouse’.
IN THE FIELD • Flighting Pigeons and Doves - Normally shot in the mornings and afternoon coming in to feed around sunflower fields. Our Pigeons and Doves offer serious hot barrel shooting, with birds coming at a fast pace. High, low and every angle with a zigzagging flight just to confuse things, seldom is there a moment when a dove or pigeon is not in sight over the guns. Rock Pigeons are rated by world shooters as the most sporting birds on the planet and their ability to change direction in mid-flight makes them an extremely worthy quarry testing the abilities of most respected guns. • Doves consist of about 40% of the total bag and constitute Cape Turtle Doves and Laughing Doves, as well as the large Red Eyed Dove. Doves and Pigeons are considered an agricultural pest and there is no bag limit or season, however their numbers peak in March, April and May. • Nonetheless the hunting quality is sustained throughout the bird shooting season of June, July, August and September
The Accommodation De Oude Kraal Country Estate • The lodge is a historical farm lodge, situated about 20 miles out of Bloemfontein where you will find genuine South African hospitality on this fifth generation 1885 Free State sheep farm. Here, creatively furnished luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and a spar are the order of the day. You will take delight in the unique creativity of each luxury ensuit room, with fireplace and patio. You will find their food exceptional and generous, with the norm being a 5-course meal in the evenings of traditional South African cuisine of exceptional quality. De Oude Kraal pride themselves on their fine dining cuisine.
International & Local Flight Information • You will need to take an international flight from the United Kingdom/Europe/USA to Johannesburg and then take an additional local flight from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein. Bird Hunters Africa can book this for you or alternatively you can arrange this yourself. Alternatively, we can arrange a ground shuttle. • Upon arrival in South Africa at OR Tambo International Airport, once you have clear customs, you will then need to walk a short distance to the domestic departures to catch a pre-booked local flight to Bloemfontein Airport. Bird Hunters Africa will have a representative to meet you upon arrival and will guide you through customs and all the way to domestic departures to catch your local flight. • The flight from OR Tambo International to Bloemfontein is approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Bloemfontein Airport, your Professional Bird Guide will meet you and transfer you to De Oude Kraal Country estate & Spa. Alternatively, you can take a pre booked mini bus from OR Tambo International Airport for your drive to Bloemfontein. This is approximately a 4-hour drive. If you choose this option, we will book it for you. PACKING LIST The pigeon season is March to August. There are varying temperatures during this time as it spans from late summer through Autumn to winter. Typically, you can expect the nights to be cool and a light frost in the morning as winter sets in. The days warm up rapidly in late summer, sometimes reaching mid-80s, however as the winter sets in the days are cooler with day temperatures fluctuating between 40 to the mid 60’s by mid-day. This is predominately our dry season, and we seldom have any rain except in March and later August. Laundry is done on a regular basis, so there is no need to over pack. • • • • • • • • • •
1 or 2 pairs good quality walking boots or running shoes (worn in) 3 pairs good quality socks 2 pairs long hunting pants (Dark Khaki or Olive Green) 2 pairs short hunting pants (early hunts – April and May in SA) 2 pairs hunting shirts (Dark Khaki or Olive Green) 1 hunting jacket – Realtree type cammo (Dark Khaki or Olive Green) 1 warm sweater or jumper gloves Sunscreen / cap or hat casual wear for evenings
TERMS & CONDITIONS • The tariffs are based on current prices and are subject to change. • Bookings will be secured on payment of 50% of the total amount. Balance due 60 days prior to arrival. Other costs incurred are payable on the last day of the safari. • All deposits will not be refunded unless the safari can be rebooked. • No refunds are allowed for late arrivals or early departures. • All payments must be made via direct bank transfer or cash. • You will be required to sign an indemnity form before the commencement of the safari. GUNS • If you choose to bring your own shotgun, you will be required to have a Temporary Import Permit upon your arrival in South Africa at customs for gun clearance. • The Temporary Import Permits application will be sent to you well in advance for you to fill in and return to us. Bird Hunters Africa will have a representative to meet you upon arrival and guide you through the process of clearing your gun. This is well worth the extra cost and saves time and hassle. • If you would rather hire a shotgun from us, we do have a variety of 12g shotguns available. We will provide you with shot gun ammunition.