03/05/2020
HUNTING DURING LOCKDOWN - by Robert van Wyk
Good day Clients and recreational hunters.
During this difficult time of lockdown hunting season has arrived and many of us are not able to do what we love and have planned for such a long time.
Unfortunately it seems that we will not be able to hunt recreationally this year in light of the Regulations that have been published in the Government Gazette.
CAN WE HUNT During COVID-19 LOCKDOWN LEVEL 4 REGULATIONS?
The answer is yes but subject to certain rules and the published regulations which state as follows:
“All agriculture, hunting, forestry and fisheries, bee-keeping, including preparation, cultivation, harvesting, storage, transport of live animals and auctions, and related agricultural infrastructure and services is permitted”.
THE QUESTION HOWEVER IS HOW CAN WE HUNT AND WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY:
1. Subject to definitions in, and the application of the Regulations in terms of PART I that prohibits accommodation except for quarantine and essential services, PART R prohibiting interprovincial travel and a stay at home instruction other than essential travel for work and to purchase essential goods, it seems we may “day hunt” as of 01 May.
2. obligatory wearing of a mask and social distancing
3. strict curfew with people not allowed out between
20h00 and 05h00
4. no overnight accommodation
5. hunt within the province you live
HUNTERS NEED TO ACT RESPONSIBLE
• Get updated and verified information regarding sworn
affidavits and travel permits as provided in the
Annexures to the Regulations and preferably get the permits and document commissioned as true copies of original.
• Do not comment on social media and post photos of your hunt and
• Support our Firearm Dealers and outdoor retail shops.
• Support and respect our game farmers and hunting
property owners.
• Make sure you understand under the law and the
Regulations in the Schedule for Sectors COVID-19,
difference between hunting and culling.
• Culling falls under PART P- Health, social and personal
service point 4 – Wildlife Management, Anti poaching
Animal Care and Veterinary services.
• Be aware that under the Meat Safety Act (Act 40 of
2000), no person including a hunter may supply wild
game meat products into the market and nobody is
allowed to purchase wild game meat, that has not been inspected in terms of the
Meat Safety Act, or has
passed through a legal butcher or abbitior .
In conclusion please do not fall subject to game farms falling outside your province confirming that they are in possession of the necessary permits and that they will give you a permit to travel as a culler.This is not permitted unless you are registered as a culler at the South African National Culling Association.Be sure that when you travel that there are only 2 passengers in a double cab and that all your licenses and travel permits are clearly visible in the vehicle .
Be safe and informed
NOTICE
Please note that this article should not be construed as binding authority as there is ongoing amendments and our personal views
