Your Hunting and Shooting Community – Our Focus
Branch activities are the heartbeat of the Association
Branch activities are the heartbeat of the Association
With more than 80 branches divided in 15 regions serving about 40 000 members, the success of the branch-driven model relies on the commitment, care, and passion of its members that give their time and share their expertise without remuneration.
SA Hunters (SAHGCA) is a voluntary member association that is managed by members at branch level. Each branch organises a variety of activities to suit the needs of its members. These include organised shooting days and competitions, shooting skills and related training, conservation activities, hunting opportunities, and social gatherings.
Family participation is part and parcel of branch activities where every member of the family can experience and take part in the SA Hunters culture of firearms, shooting, hunting and conservation.
The 80+ branches are distributed countrywide in every province. New members are immediately welcomed into the SA Hunters branch community and are invited to participate in the activities to experience the full spectrum of the Association’s services and benefits.
Branches communicate their activities and events calendar in monthly newsletters, WhatsApp and on their Facebook pages. Each branch elects a management committee with dedicated portfolios for the various activities that it offers. Members can liaise directly with the branch chairperson or other elected committee members for information and assistance to enjoy the full benefit of SA Hunters’ membership and participation at branch level.
Individual branches show creativity and innovation to provide services to their members. The Vrystaat Sandveld Branch at Soutpan is located in the heart of an agricultural community and provides services primarily to members who are farmers. Shooting days at this branch involve the entire family and usually end with a social braai once the meetings and shooting activities for the day are done.
City branches may structure their activities differently to accommodate the lifestyles of their city dweller members. Their shooting days are on Saturdays and the social activities are held on week evenings. Each branch structures their activities to meet the needs of its members in the best possible way.
The youth is our future. They will eventually take over the responsibilities to run the Association according to members’ needs and expectations. As hunters and nature lovers it is important that we equip youngsters to appreciate conservation, hunting, firearms and nature.
The challenge remains to stimulate their interest sufficiently to get involved in these activities. Parents that take their children on camping holidays, visit game reserves, go on hunting excursions, and participate in SA Hunters’ activities at branch level, establish a good foundation for youngsters to develop their skills and to nurture their passion for nature and wildlife. This will enable them to take charge of the Association’s culture and its conservation legacy into the future.
The importance of involving youngsters at an early age in branch activities cannot be emphasised enough. Active members usually include their children in branch activities. Some branches have been successful in reaching out to youngster from their communities that have no link to the Association. Through proper mentorship and good leadership, these unattached youngsters can become valuable members of the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association and the leaders of the future.