No abuses at game farm where driven hunt took place – environmental department

The Limpopo environment department has found no wrong-doing at a Polokwane game farm where a controversial driven hunt took place on 7 September.

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This was after Carte Blanche ran an insert at the weekend about the planned hunt “with scant regard for providing adequate facts” on the legality of the recognised sport, according to the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA).

A driven hunt, according to a statement from the association, was when game animals were chased from inaccessible terrain to another area where hunters could take aim at them.

An impression was created on social media that the game would be subjected to illegal hunting methods, which was not true, SAHGCA said.

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“Driven hunting is legal in South Africa. I spent the whole day on the farm, which is about 150km outside Polokwane. I can confirm that the farm has hunting rights and is licensed,” said department spokesperson Simon Matule.

SAHGCA chief executive Fred Camphor was scathing of the Carte Blanche report, saying such reporting “tends to paint all hunting in a bad light” which was not justified, he said.

About 300 000 local hunters (for consumption) contributed R6,3 billion per year to the economy, while professional and trophy hunters contributed R1,1 billion, according to the SAHGCA.