Zimbabwe sport hunting has become a tremendous source of income for the country and specifically for conservation and promotion of tourism. The most popular dangerous animals hunted as part of Zimbabwe sport hunting include that of lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Rhinos are not hunted as part of Zimbabwe sport hunting because of their endangered status. Hunters from the USA, Austria, France, SA, Germany, Canada and also the UK now regularly hunt in Zimbabwe during the Zimbabwe sport hunting season which starts in April and ends November. About 500 elephants and 500 leopards have become available for the hunting season. Many tour operators have already reached their quotas for the Zimbabwe sport hunting season and as such it is recommended that you book hunting in the country through professional outfitters such as WTA well in advance to ensure that you also get your chance of a trophy hunt for one of the most popular larger animals in the country.

Although it is essential to prevent the killing of animals left, right, and centre, hunting as a sport should not be condemned because some animals are cute and cuddly. The bambi effect is a term used by hunters to refer to people who irrationally object to the killing of certain animals because they are so loveable including rabbits and duikers etc. The environment is fragile and in many cases such objections will promote an imbalance in nature. To ensure that the habitat in a specific area stays in balance it may from time to time be a requirement to kill animals even though they are cute. Through normal sport hunting it is possible to regulate the killing of animals and do so to ensure a balance in nature.

One of the most known clubs for hunting safaris worldwide is known as the Safari Club International. Its membership is made up of hunters that follow ethical hunting practices. It is one of the few hunting safari clubs that transcend international borders. As a hunting safari club on international level it hosts annual conventions and speaks out against practices such as the fenced hunting of endangered antelopes from the African continent on USA farms. We recommend that you join the club or similar hunting safari clubs which will give you information about latest hunting practices, regulations, and controversies. Belonging to hunting safari clubs will also give you more exposure to hunting opportunities, excellent rates, and the best methods for hunting specific animals.

There are various hunting methods that can be used in the pursuit of a trophy. Some are illegal and other simply unethical. Always select outfitters that only make use of and promote legal and ethical hunting methods such as WTA. Some of the hunting methods often used in trophy hunting in Africa are listed below for your information.
• Blinds – where the hunter waits on the animals from a concealed position – often used in bow hunting.
• Camouflage involves the visual concealing of the hunter to blend in with the surroundings.
• Bait – that is when a decoy is used to attract the hunted animal. It can be in the form of food or scents or sounds.
• Dogs – used for tracking animals.
• Flush – to scare the animal out if its hideaway.
• Stalking – to walk silently after an animal as a predator would do.

With media hype about canned lions it is understandable that people may think that hunting plays no part of conservation. The truth is that ethical hunters will not participate in canned hunting. Conservation hunting is thus possible and plays an important role in the provision of resources for the conservation of wildlife and the environment. With conservation hunting the landowners and managers of conservation areas can manage animal populations. Elephant populations as well as the populations of lions, rhinos, and various antelope species can quickly become too dense for the allocated area. By allowing conservation hunting the animal numbers are kept in check and the competition for water as well as food resources is reduced ensuring a balanced habitat.

Safari comes from a Swahili word that means long trip or journey. In terms of eco-tourism it is used to refer to an overland trip with the purpose of enjoying the outdoor life. When used with hunting it means a long journey of hunting. Instead of just taking the trip for the purpose of game viewing and exploring the bush it has as purpose travelling to and after animals for hunting purposes. The hunters on safari hunting trips are accompanied by licensed outfitters or hunting leaders called professional hunters in short normally referred to as PH. As part of the hunting safari trips you will also have skinners, guides who know the area exceptionally well and porters where luggage carriers are required in difficult terrains.

Hunting is a process whereby living wildlife is pursued to kill for food, trading or for the art of the kill – thus sport. Lawful hunting is the pursuing of animals with the purpose of killing them within the ethical and legal boundaries of a specific area and country. It differs from poaching or trapping an animal. Poaching is unlawful killing of animals for whatever purpose. Trapping an animal cannot be seen as part of hunting and especially not sport hunting where the animal is given a fair chance to survive and where the skill of the hunter is placed against the skill of the animal to survive. Sport hunting includes trophy hunting and is a highly regulated sport. As such sport hunting should not be confused with trapping or canned hunting. Apart from the legal regulations that should be adhered to, there are many ethical codes which should be followed.

We follow ethical practices for wing shoot in South Africa. This means that we do not support canned wing shoot in South Africa practices. In such instances, captive birds are released to be shot by hunters – some are shot as they are released. This type of action is against the principles of giving birds a fair chance and respecting them as life forms which make a positive contribution to our planet. Never consume any alcohol before you wing shoot in South Africa. Unless you have a dog to retrieve the water fowl which fell into water after a shot, you may not shoot at water fowl flying over water. Use only shot and rifles in the best combination as prescribed by the professional hunter to ensure a clean and merciful kill.

People who enjoy wing shooting in South Africa should note that firearm licenses had to be renewed before end of March 2009. If you plan to participate in wing shooting in South Africa you should take note of the ethical rules of the sport. The aim is to kill the bird instantly even if it is a problem bird. Every animal or bird should be treated with respect and as such the correct calibre and pellet should be used. Ask your PH for information about the most appropriate rifle and pellet or bullet. The bird must be retrieved immediately. Only shoot birds which are in the correct range to ensure an instant clean kill. Pattern the rifle as well as the cartridge to ensure that the bird will be killed upon impact. Only take a shot when there is no obstruction of the pellet’s pathway and when it is safe to do so.

The WTA hunting packages for Africa include stylish accommodation during the hunt period, all the catering, laundry services, beverages including soft drinks, water, as well as moderate amounts of beer and liquors. Our hunting packages also include the professional hunter (PH), the vehicle and the field preparation of trophies. The WTA hunting packages do not include the following in the quoted prices:

Your airfares and the shuttle services to the various hunting areas
Personal and chronic medication
Packing and shipping of trophies and taxidermy work
Telephonic costs and internet facility rental
Vaccinations

Make sure that you know which calibres are recommended and allowed to take along when you hunt in the specific areas. We will provide full information and will also provide laundry services as part of the hunting packages; as such it is recommended that you keep clothing luggage to a minimum.