Chaps,

The current situation in Zambia will be beneficial to the industry as a whole. This is not a Kenya/Botswana scenario.

It has now become evident that the Wildlife Department - ZAWA was in complete disarray and is currently undergoing an overhaul and full audit.

A responsible and qualified Board has been recently formed and is chaired by the renowned and respected Guy Robinson.

Some operators have continued to fund anti poaching operations in the GMA's that they were previously attached to. And ZAWA are still active in the field.

Assurances by the Government is that hunting is to resume once it has it's house in order.

The ban on cat hunting is temporary and again requires assessment and investigation. Qualified researchers and personnel including professional hunters have been requested to assist with research. The latter are assisting with others duties in wildlife protection. Whilst I believe that there was pressure from anti hunting organisations, and fingers were pointed at unsustainable quotas in the Luangwa system, the closure was one of necessity rather than emotive.

Whilst some areas are still cloudy, such as hunting in unfenced game ranches and indeed the continuation of the tender process, the general opinion is that the overhaul is long overdue.

The result will be a transparent and more efficient Wildlife management body, enhanced field operations and qualified research in the off take of our iconic species.

Note here that our current tourism Ministry was unsure of the workings of the hunting industry and has done it's utmost to educate itself in the ways of safari hunting. Their recent attendance to the US hunting conventions was beneficial, but probably the most important visual demonstration was the Zig Mackintosh documentary on Lion, which proved again and again that managed wildlife is both a viable and tradable commodity and importantly outlines the financial and social impacts on rural communities in wild Africa. Communities that Governments can no longer afford to subsidise.

Good news Andrew.

Andrew glad to hear progress is being made.

Great news Andrew

Awesome news Andrew - keep us posted!

Finally, some good news from Africa!

Isn't this a replay of 2001?

Andrew, get the camp ready!

Maybe Zambia needs to be on my bucket list after all.

Andrew that is the best news I've heard from Africa in years!

If the good Lord agrees, and the creek don't rise, I'm going to get back to Zambia, my favorite country in Africa to hunt! I nned to blow the cobwebs out of my 470NE double on a good buffalo!

.......................................................................

Fantastic news indeed, good luck Andrew, and to all of the quality outfitters in Zambia. It is some of the best hunting on the continent, period. My '06 safari with Muchinga still rates as one of my best in my career.

Andrew,
That is some really great news.
Thanks for sharing and keep us posted.

That is very encouraging. For the sake of you and others like you, I hope this is resolved sooner rather than later. I am sure that living with this day in and day out is quite upsetting and maddening.

Awesome news.

Andrew, after all the doom-gloom news lately, your optimism is refreshing and welcomed!

The fact that the Ministry has requested that the PH's acquire ZAWA (Honorary Ranger) status and help out with wildlife protection and other duties in the interim would indicate that Government is serious about wildlife and the associated hunting industry.

The only disadvantage we can see is the probable loss of income for one year. However the rural communities who thrive on safari incomes will no doubt want to address this consideration.

Basically if we get our shit together then hunting will resume as normal.

And if we can offer Buffalo hunts and our prices are competitive then the Zim lads will indeed have something to worry about.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Isn't this a replay of 2001?

Bwana,

It is believed the ban was implemented due to the exposed corruption in the tender process.

We could be seeing the same trend which is again designed to clean up the industry.

If I start hunting in the near future I will need mates like you to help support us.

Joyce and I look forward to a future return to Royal. Glad to hear some optimism.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Isn't this a replay of 2001?

Bwana,

It is believed the ban was implemented due to the exposed corruption in the tender process.

We could be seeing the same trend which is again designed to clean up the industry.

If I start hunting in the near future I will need mates like you to help support us.[/QUOTE

Only if I can bring my brother and Young Tom can work it into his sched.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Joyce and I look forward to a future return to Royal. Glad to hear some optimism.

You built the place mate and the door is always open to you both.

Welcome views, Andrew.

Key question is how we hunters and our organizations can help this process along in both transparency and good science.

Regards, Tim

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Carney:
Welcome views, Andrew.

Key question is how we hunters and our organizations can help this process along in both transparency and good science.

Regards, Tim

Good question my friend. I will pass this onto the hunters themselves.

Andrew

Great news man im glad they trying to get the bad apples out of the system.

Hopefully i can be one of your first hunters coming thru or rather driving thru to your hunting consession and help with a few animals.

Luan

Thank you Andrew

I will be conforming my dates ones these guys have sorted out their mess

Those Roans near you are insane .......

Great to hear its moving forward Andrew.
Looks like you have a full season with just the guys in this string coming to support you.
I am sure looking forward to it.
Best
Steve

Read your e-mail Andrew.

Fantastic news!!!

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
Read your e-mail Andrew.

What about the rest of us noosey people?

quote:

Originally posted by luan:
Andrew

Great news man im glad they trying to get the bad apples out of the system.

Hopefully i can be one of your first hunters coming thru or rather driving thru to your hunting consession and help with a few animals.

Luan

You are welcome mate.

Great news Andrew!

Keep us posted mate.