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
Last edited by Athina Sporting; 04/16/12 03:24 PM.
