I have just recieved a note that with immediate effect the Free State Nature Conservation authorities will no longer allow "green hunting" of both white and black rhino in the Province.

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

Any theories why?

Because it is Africa and nothing the government does makes sense.

"Because it is Africa and nothing the government does makes sense."

No, not always the case. Andrew can confirm, but there has been a feeling within veterinary cirlces (not government) that the green hunting has been abused to the detriment of the animals with individual animals being darted too often.
Again, this is what I have heard anecdotaly from vets and not necessarily the official reason.

quote:

Originally posted by JCS271:
Any theories why?

You've come to the right place if you want theories!!

quote:

Originally posted by Karoo:
"Because it is Africa and nothing the government does makes sense."

No, not always the case. Andrew can confirm, but there has been a feeling within veterinary cirlces (not government) that the green hunting has been abused to the detriment of the animals with individual animals being darted too often.
Again, this is what I have heard anecdotaly from vets and not necessarily the official reason.

Karoo you right on the money! It became a industrie!

Cheers

It's a shame -- I'd much rather dart a Rhino than shoot one.

I've heard -- as has every other hunter -- that darting was abused by some, but I've never seen any real evidence of this. In my case, a gov't representative and a vet always had to be in attendance and the individual animal darted was always put off limits to any kind of hunting for a year after -- and this has always been in the Free State in my case. So, you couldn't prove the rumors by anything I've seen or experienced.

if you read the regulations regarding rhino darting, the stated purpose was for scientific purposes, a vet is in attendance, and exams/blood samples are drawn on each animal darted. how much additional info do you gain by darting the same rhino 2-3 times a year vs. the stress you put on the animal( why do you think you must buy "life insurance" on the rhino in case he dies due to stress??). yes some farms may only allow 1 darting per year on an individual rhino, but who knows if they all had this policy and is it a government regulation or just the policy of a particular farm( and who enforces it?).

Good. Aside from the fact that I think it's stupid, the word "green" is beginning to bug the hell out of me. What the hell is "green" about it?

It's like the "green city" concept. How can you call a city "green" when it's biologically sterile (virtually), just because it's energy-efficient?

I learned of this a few days ago when I asked my friend Kruger to arrange me a "green" Rhino hunt in 2013 for my 70th birthday present to myself. I plan to take Ele for my 69th BD present and Rhino would complete my 7. Distresses me as there would now be no longer any way to complete my quest!
Kruger's response was, "Uncle Tom, the greenies have won"

Can't you still go to say, Limpopo, and dart a Rhino?

Free State Nature Conservation Authorities should only have jurisdiction in the Free State, right?

I so hope that other Provinces do not follow suit....interesting Free State decree that would hold vets responsible!!