Hunting season kicks off

Chronicle Reporter

April 7, 2008

THE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has described this year's hunting season as one of the best judging from confirmed hunts with both the authority and private players.
In an interview the authority's public relations manager Retired Major Edward Mbewe said this year's hunting season had attracted a lot of interest from traditional clientele base, the United States, Spain, France, Russia and other European countries.
The early hunts have already started on individual properties.
“The response was quite good and we are to see more arrivals in the country this year. We have had confirmations from the US, Spain, Russia and other European countries. The response is overwhelming,†he said.
Rtd Major Mbewe said the authority managed to sell its quota for Mgundumi Safari.
“As parks we managed to sell our quota at Mgundumi Safari. Last year our hunts went up to 17 from 14. This year we have witnessed an increase to 23,†he said.
Rtd Major Mbewe said the hunts were likely to increase to 26.
“So far we have 23 hunts that are confirmed. Our officers are still working on three others.
“Should that pass, we will have 26 hunts. This is a huge increase and a strong indication that Zimbabwe is a friendly destination,†he said.
He also said the Zambezi hunts were also receiving a positive response.
“The Zambezi hunts have also attracted a lot of interest. More and more people are showing great interest in the Zambezi hunts,â€he said.
Rtd Major Mbewe said individual operators had started their hunts.
"At Mgundumi Safari hunting is to begin in May. But at a number of individual properties have already started," he said.
He said there was an increased demand for buffalo and sable hunts.

Many PHs are into their 2nd and 3rd hunts already. I can tell you that Buzz already has guided to 2 nice ele. One was a 60# and the other was a PAC by Norbert.

Ivan Carter has been guiding one client on a single month long hunt for the Big 5 in Zim and then down to RSA for the rhino. I expect to hear back about that any day now. Don't you know that cost some serious money...how many trillion Zim $ for that one?