Inyathi Park News January 2021

January is over and the amnesty period is history. Since SA Hunters has opened its office on 6 January, we have been dealing with many queries in this regard.

Structure of newsletter

We start with the new and important information first, followed by the regular news.

Therefore, members can get up to date with fresh news first and read other information later.

Fresh News

Old Green Licences

Discussions with SAPS continue regarding a process to replace the old green licences. It was brought to our attention that PHASA was also listed as an applicant in the 2009 court application. We expect other parties to get involved.

Firearm Amnesty

As predicted, many people waited until the last days in January to make use of the amnesty and ended up in long queues. Tempers were flaring about a process that SAPS could have dealt with more efficiently.

We still receive queries from people with unlicensed firearms that did not use the amnesty to get rid of these weapons. No data is available yet on the number of firearms submitted.

Members that handed in firearms and applied for new licences will have to be patient. We do not expect these licences to be issued any time soon.

SA Hunters and Social Media

SA Hunters started a Facebook page and a Twitter account to reach more people and to market the Association. Our first posts in January were about the amnesty and gave us good exposure. Follow us at https://web.facebook.com/SAJagtersHunters (@SAJagtersHunters) and on Twitter at @SAJagters

Participate in the discussions and share posts with friends and fellow members. SA Hunters Conservation page on Facebook is well-known and is used to share information and news on conservation matters.

Shooting Affairs

Precision Rifle Federation

The South African Precision Rifle Federation (SAPRF) and SA Hunters met recently and decided to sign a memorandum of agreement, which means that SAPRF members that join SA Hunters will enjoy full member benefits. SAPRF developed a series of gong shooting exercises up to 300 metres that are being used on SA Hunters shooting ranges. SAPRF’s existing shooting exercises are similar to those developed by SA Hunters. However, the SAPRF’s own competitions are shot over 1200m. SAPRF intends to develop more exercises beyond this distance.

SAPRF is registered with SASSCo which makes it appropriate for SA Hunters to collaborate and which gives SA Hunters members the opportunity to participate in provincial, national, and international long range shooting events. There is also an option to join SAPRF to take part in their long-range shooting competitions. Read more about SAPRF here.

Somchem Propellent

The good news is that Rheinmetall Denel has started with the production of propellant after its plant in the Western Cape had been refurbished. Read here when the different types of propellent will be available again.

Conservation

Attention land-owners, resource and wildlife managers

Wildlife ranchers, stock, and grain farmers with game on their land, can register to become part of SA Hunters wildlife management interest group. Direct enquiries to vanessa@sahunt.co.za

The Board of SA Hunters decided that a need existed for such a group. A survey undertaken in 2014, indicated that there are about 1000 land-owners that are members of SA Hunters and that collectively own 1 million ha of agricultural land which provide a natural habitat for wildlife populations.

The Association intends to provide specific services such as soil and wildlife conservation, and responsible hunting. These services will be further developed in consultation with the members of this group to benefit game farmers and resource managers.

Aspects already identified, include:

High level liaison on legislation that affects the wildlife sector
Development of and contribution to strategies that would promote the interests of this group in the fields of natural resource management, responsible utilisation of natural resource, including hunting
Build a positive image of game rangers and resource managers and the role they play in socio economic development, food security, and conservation
Development of best practice guidelines and grading systems to benefit responsible game farmers
Promote healthy interaction between members of the interest group en experts
Communication regarding recent developments and current affairs

Hunting Affairs

Hunting Reports

The 2020 hunting season had numerous challenges, but some members managed to fit in successful hunting excursions and submitted electronic hunting reports. A total of 12 142 hunting reports were completed which supplied us with valuable information. Members are reminded to use this facility by signing up on their personal profile and complete the 2020 hunting data. These reports assist in maintaining Dedicated Hunter Status.

Hunting Destinations

We are busy with the development of a hunting destination accreditation system. It also offers good marketing opportunities in collaboration with SA Hunter magazine. Members wishing to share their hunting destinations, can contact SA Hunters on boetiek@sahunt.co.za

2019 National Shotgun Shooting Championship

The National Shotgun Shooting Championship of 28 March 2020 had been postponed until 6 March 2021 at Wattle Spring-shooting range. Members that qualified to participate, should look out for a special newsletter with COVID-19 related procedures and protocols.

Resignations

The SA Hunters President, Carl Arnold, resigned as president and board member. Danie de Villiers also resigned as board member and VP Shooting Affairs.

In terms of the SA Hunters’ Constitution and Internal Rules, the Board appointed Basie Bergh to serve as President until the next Congress which will probably be held at the end of 2021. The Board will consider the possibility to co-opt another Board member to take over the VP Training portfolio.

André van Heerden was appointed simultaneously as Vice president while still taking care of the VP Shooting Affairs until the next Congress.

Enquiries at SA Hunters office

SA Hunters receive may e-mails and telephone queries. We do not wish to treat our members as numbers, but it is helpful when members can provide their membership numbers when making an enquiry. It allows us to find the member profile quickly among the 43 000 other members. Please help us by quoting your member number when making an enquiry.

Renewal of Competency

Although the Firearms Control Act and its regulations determine that competency expires with the last licence of a particular firearm (Section 13 Self-defence. Section Art 15 Occasional hunting and Sport Shooting and Section 16 Dedicated hunter and sport shooter) the SAPS adopted a practical approach regarding the lapse and renewal of competency.

Section 13 (Handgun or shotgun for self defence) expires 5 years after competency was issued.

Section 15 and 16 (Any firearm licenced for occasional hunting or sport shooting and any firearm licensed for dedicated hunting and sport shooting) competency expires ten years after it was issued.

Please apply in time to renew your competency. Remember that when applying for any licence or renewal of a licence, it is essential to be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the firearm licence that you apply for.

Cal us for assistance. Keep in mind that not all police stations are consistent in applying the same rules regarding the renewal of competency.

Photographic Competition

SA Hunters’ annual photo competition will go ahead in 2021. The purpose of the competition is to compile a portfolio of the best photographs that our members have taken during the year. We will upload the photographs on our website and use it in presentations and advertisements at events such as the gala evening of our annual congress.

At the end of each month, we will choose photographs to add to our portfolio and publish them on www.sahunters.co.za Gold, silver and bronze certificates as well as will be awarded to the best photographs. Our the judges will also select category and an overall winner at the end of the year.

Our categories for the 2021 competition are:

Any photos depicting conservation in action.
Plant and Animal Life. Any plant or animal life, including landscapes birds and insects.
Please remember that this category does not include photos of hunted animals. Send those photos to the magazine’s Bokspog.
Our Cultural Heritage. Any images that depict our country and people’s cultural heritage.

Read here how to enter.

Special offers

A Hunters negotiated special discounts for its members with various dealerships.

Doctari Knives

The Doctari knife project with its ivory handle and logo has resumed. The ivory is from the Nico van Rooyen trophy stock. Place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. There are only 50 knives available.

Pay R5 500 in SA Hunters bank account no 01443990077; branch code 632005, and use the reference Mes and your mobile number. Send proof of payment to admin@sahunt.co.za

Memorial publication

The memorial publication is now available to order in two options:

The book is in A4 format and available with an ordinary cover at R300 per copy, or a luxury version bound in buffalo leather at R1000 a copy of which only 100 copies will be available.

To order your copy:

Transfer the correct amount (R300 for the ordinary version or R1 000 for leather bound version) in SA Hunters’ bank account at Absa, account number 01443990077.
Use your member number and Book as reference. Check that you enter your member number correctly to ensure that we can process your order.

Buck Knives

There are only 220 items left in this limited series of 500 Buck knives at R1 000 each. These knives have ivory inlays on the handle with the SA Hunters logo engraved. Transfer R1 000 by EFT into SA Hunters back account at ABSA, account number 01443990077. Use your member number and Knipmes as reference. Send proof of payment, your member number and contact details to Realda Goosen at realda@sahunt.co.za

Sale at SA Hunters’ Shop

SA Hunters decided to reduce the clothing stock in its store and to change its product range. Various items are available at discounted prices. Enquiries: Rene at (012) 8089300 of rene@sahunt.co.za

Humansdorp Koöperasie

During February 2021 Humansdorp Koöperasie offers 10%discount on all Lapua shells and points, and an additional 10% discount on Hornady points and shells. This is a considerable discount of 15% on their regular price. Confirm your SA Hunters membership when you place your order.

Support to Members

Many of our members have been adversely affected by Covid-19 circumstances. Below are some opportunities from members to members. Please support them:

Retha van der Walt and two other co-authors published a new book on Fungi and Lichens of the Limpopo Province. This book is based on Retha’s research on wild fungi en lichen that are found in the Limpopo province. It is difficult to believe that more new species are discovered regularly. Some of these species are well known in other parts of the world but discovered in the Limpopo Province and Limpopo Valley for the first time recently. Albeit a scientific publication, it provides interesting reading. The regular price is R380 plus postage. Retha offers 10% discount to members of SA Hunters, which means the book is available at R342 plus postage. Read here for more detail.
Good quality, dry bushveld firewood available at reasonable price in Pretoria area. More information here.
Game meat recipe book: Members qualify for R50 discount per copy. Ouma Leonè de Lange gives R50 discount and donates R50 to SA Hunters for every recipe book sold on https://www.ouma-se-wildsboek.co.za Use the “SAHUNT” promotion code when placing your order. This recipe book is perfect for the hunter, includes 220 recipes to make around the camp-fire, with conversion tables for weights and oven temperatures.
Frikkie Bouwer, one of our older members, has ammunition, points and shells in the following calibres available: 30 06 Sprg, 308 Win, 30-30, 7X57mm. Read here for more information.

Repeat Messages

Hunting Affairs

Archers Rock Safaris sponsors hunting opportunity

Archers Rock Safaris offered a hunting opportunity to the value of R50 000 that members can win with a lottery ticket of R50. The hunting package is available for either rifle, bow or a combination of both. It includes:

One kudu bull up to 52 inch, one blue wildebeest bull up to 29 inches, two impala rams up to 22 inches, and one warthog with up to 12 inch tusks; free accommodation in five star lodge for two hunters or one hunter and one guest for four nights and five hunting days; and a free spa treatment. All meals, transport, cool room facilities and guides are included.

Archers Rock Safaris agreed to postpone this hunting opportunity to 2021. Anyone that bought a ticket already will still stand the chance to win, while others have more chance to buy tickets.

There is still a chance for more people to buy their tickets for this prize. Read more about Archers Rock Safaris hunting opportunity here. We thank Archers Rock for moving this hunting opportunity to next year. With the restrictions on hunting from 28 July, it would not have been possible to use this opportunity now.

To stand a chance to win this prize:

Transfer R50 or multiple amounts of R50 (for more chances to win) electronically to the bank account of SA Hunters at ABSA, account number 01443990077.
Use your mobile phone number and Archers as reference.

Entries close on 30 March 2021.

Direct any queries to Boetie Kirchner at boetiek@sahunt.co.za This hunt will be available from June to August 2021

Membership

Recruit members for commission

SA Hunters has 42 683 members. Our membership is increasing again to reach 43 000.

The Board agreed that a member or a branch that recruits ten or more members per year, can earn commission of between R100 to R150 per member. More information is available here.

SA Hunters distributed membership application forms at various dealers. Any member that wants to receive the same material, can enquire with Dorothy Ras by dorothy@sahunt.co.za

Commercial Affairs

In November 2019, SA Hunters signed an agreement with Humansdorp Koöperasie that gives 5% discount on the regular prize of a range hunting and shooting products to members of SA Hunters. See the links below for information about the discounts.

Please note that delivery could take longer than usual.

Visit the following websites for more information:
1. humkoop.co.za
2. co.za
3. co.za
Place orders telephonically or with e-mail.
You must be a paid-up member and provide your member number to enable Humansdorp Koöperasie to check your status.
Place your orders with Eduan du Toit, Cheryl Coetzee or Riaan Vermaak at any of the following numbers or e-mail addresses:
1. Telephone numbers
  1. (042) 2910431
  2. (042) 2951501