Hunting body objects to horrendous and illegal hunting activities in Kalahari

Written by Dr Herman Els | 24 May 2012

MEDIA RELEASE BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUNTING AND GAME CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

DATE: 17 May 2012

EMBARGO: None, for immediate release

Hunting body objects to horrendous and illegal hunting activities in Kalahari

The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA) objects in the strongest possible terms, against the broadcasting of a KykNet television programme, Verre Roetes, on Wednesday evening that depicts various illegal and highly irresponsible hunting activities in the Kalahari.

Dr Herman Els, Manager:  Hunting and Conservation at SAHGCA, said the Association regards the programme insert as irresponsible, sensational and damaging to the hunting and game industry in South Africa.  The programme depicts hunting activities in the Kalahari that are in direct conflict with certain legal requirements and ethical principles for hunting, namely:

• It is illegal to use alcohol on a hunt.
• It is in complete disregard for the code of conduct and ethical rules for hunting of all responsible hunting organisations in the world.
• It is unacceptable and wrong to involve young people who visibly demonstrated poor shooting skills and little competency to use a firearm responsibly in a hunt. It goes against all safety and legal requirements of the Firearms Act and hunters’ code of conduct nationally and internationally.

Dr Els said the activities shown, could easily be perceived by uninformed viewers as normal procedure among hunters. `This message severely damages hunting outfitters and game farm owners in the Kalahari that act within the law and according to sound ethical principles. We are very disappointed to hear that Northern Cape Tourism was involved in the production of this programme and allowed this hideous and gruesome hunt as the norm in the Kalahari. It is totally incomprehensible that the producers of the programme did not consult with any hunting association for advice before the programme was made.’

Els says SAHGCA and other hunting organisations in South Africa practise and promote self-regulation of the hunting industry and will leave no stone unturned to weed out unethical and irresponsible hunting activities.

The programme was scheduled for a rebroadcast on Thursday afternoon, but following SAHGCA’s objections, KykNET agreed to remove it from the schedule. `We have great appreciation for KykNET’s sensitive and responsible action in this regard,’ Els said.