doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com South Africa Bird Hunt information

Like I said way too much information to allow this thread to slip into cyber-space. What we should have done was to keep WBurns' thread going, and he had some great pictures!!!

In preparing for a 2013 Zimbabwe safari, I have found that semi-automatic shotguns are allowed there for bird-hunting purposes. I'm still only bringing doubles - rifle and shotgun - hammerguns ;-)

Thanks Hammerguy, now we're starting to get somehwere!!!
But, can you bring them into Zimbabwe?

From what I'm reading, you can, you just need proper SAPS paperwork. Again, I'm a bit short on details, since it doesn't much apply to me, but I'm working this stuff real-time, so I'd be happy to ask.

Also, on South Africa, it seems there is some misinformation. That country documents their strict policy of 4 guns, no semi-automatics, and no duplication of caliber. But, it seems to apply much more to rifles than shotty guns, as the outfitter's documentation goes on to say,

"For Semi-Automatic shotgunsor handguns, you must supply a letter of motivation stating the reason for wanting to bring a semi-automatic/handgun to hunt in South Africa. It must be an original request; with an acceptably good reason otherwise consideration will not be granted. If you wish to bring a Semi-Automatic shotgun for bird shooting, or a custom made handgun the application should arrive 35 days prior to arrival at the Agents office."

"You are allowed a maximum of four firearms, not more than one of the same caliber. (An exception to this may apply in the case of shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting if an acceptable letter of motivation accompanies it)."

All this "may/acceptable" talk leads me to believe that hiring a firm that specifically deals with gun import is the way to go. My situation is going to be a bit unique for a number of reasons - so I've just decided to head that route.

We can get .410 shells by the way, for those of you who need them.

Hi Guys,

This thread finally spurred me into action to register here, so sorry for popping up out of the blue with this longish post. My name is Kiri and we have been developing the African Bird Safaris that Dig speaks of, for the last 5 years or so together. We've come up against a few bumps on the way to where we are today (which is to be expected) but I think it has given us a clear picture of where the land lies on the topic in RSA at least.

With regards to cartridges, we can get access to cartridges in all calibres. There is a legal issue that is what puts most outfitters off though. In order to have in your possession ammo in say 410 the holder has to have a gun permit in that calibre. Your PH may not have a 410 and so cannot supply you with that ammo. More to the point he cannot hold the remains of the stock for you so if you have shells and don't shoot them the outfitter ends up with money tied up in stock they can't use or store unless they are an FFL.

On our bird safaris, I supply Eley 12's and 20's which we can hold in stock. Other bores sizes can be ordered and I recommend to clients that they bring two guns. That way if they expect to shoot 2000 shells in a week they can shoot out the small bore shells (say we buy 1500 dove shells in 28g) and then make up the balance in a 20 or a 12. That way everyone is happy. With regards to the 410 I think they will kill any of the pigeons/doves but I wouldn't use them on any of the game birds. Guineas are very tough and both Guineas & Francolin will run like the clappers if they are not outright killed, and no one likes to lose wounded birds.

With regard to Semi Auto shotguns, (non pump IIRC), can be brought into RSA for a bird hunt and the paperwork is easy to arrange along with the invitation letters we supply. You can also bring in two shotguns of the same calibre if you do the paperwork in advance. Once the licence is issued then discretion has been applied and you have the legal right to possess the guns. I do this regularly as I carry a spare camp gun for the team.

Pre issuance of permits is something that we kind of make mandatory by including it in the package price. The reason for this is that when a team arrives in Jo'burg the last thing you want after a 12 hour journey is to be sitting looking at a police man filling out a form at the rate of about 10 words per minute!!

With regards to the shooting itself, I can honestly say that it is the highlight of my year going on these trips. We shoot a good volume of game and great variety but we learnt that having the birds is the easy bit. The reality is that guineas and Francolin exist in decent numbers pretty much all around the Free state, Highveldt, Mpumalanga Limpopo etc. Getting the birds over the guns in enough numbers to make a bag can be soul destroying if the right team isn't putting on the show. We have hunted with Dig before now where we have seen a dozen Francolin go into a bush and we just can't find them to flush them. I've seen them jump onto a branch while watching the dogs work a couple of feet below them!! The reality is that you need good local knowledge, good dogs, beaters and a bit of luck, but when it comes good it is amazing fun. I think a Hammer Gun trip is in the making too which would be a real hoot.

I will see if I can dig up a few pictures and some video of the guineas to post for the boards enjoyment.

Best regards, and sorry for the long rambling 1st post.

Kiri

WELCOME. Finally, someone who know about shooting in Africa, instead of taking in Dig's second-hand knowledge. 8-)

Can't wait to talk UK shooting with you in two weeks (at the Southern), but greatly appreciate you confirming some things I've been reading about Africa.

I understand you can shoot there year-around, so is your timing based on optimal weather conditions, or other factors?

Hey hammerguy

As most things in Africa there are ways to get most things justified but that doesn't always make it right so we often need to make a qualitative appraisal.

Damage permits can be issued to allow out of season shooting but I don't like doing that unless there is a real issue. If the farmers are at the point of poisoning then I am happy to shoot but otherwise I prefer to avoid shooting breeding birds or immature birds. We have just been asked to put an exploratory trip together to view a ranch where they're unable to grow any crops as the guineas are scratching all the seed out other ground. Even still we aim to do this within the regular seasons.the same applies to the geese.

Other considerations are natural seasons for different species, weather considerations and the undergrowth or cover allowing productive shooting. Generally shooting starts with doves in march, followed by pigeons then he gamebirds from June through to september. I also try and avoid snake and ticks where possible!!!

Rgds
Kiri

Considering how complicated some African countries make things I for one appreciate everyone's efforts to try and simplify the "rules" over there as much as possible. Granted no one is going to write a book about the many rules and regulations and the pitfalls and the "Look the other way" ins and outs of the many African nations that allow hunting in a post on a forum board.
Thank You Dig and everyone for pitching in here.

Everyone's information to this novice in Africa is very useful!!!

Kiri, you said non-pump IIRC, what do you mean?

What case would you all recommend for a double and what airline is the safest/best for handling guns?