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
