http://www.news24.com/Green/Ne...for-comment-20130821

Bloemfontein - Draft regulations paving the way for professional hunters to register nationally have been published, the department of environmental affairs said on Wednesday.

Spokeperson Albi Modise said the draft regulations appeared in the Government Gazette on 13 August for public comment.

The regulations makes provision for the national registration of professional hunters, outfitters and trainers.

"The regulations will assist in preventing province hopping," said Modise.

Province hopping refers to a situation where a professional hunter or hunting outfitter would contravene provincial legislation in one province.

His permit is revoked in that province, but he then continues to operate in another province.

The draft regulations holds that an individual may not operate as a professional hunter, hunting outfitter or trainer, unless he or she is registered in terms of the new national regulations.

Additionally, a professional hunter, outfitter and trainer must also have a provincial permit to operate in the specific province.

Modise said applications should be submitted to the provincial conservation authority, but the minister remained the issuing authority for the national registration.

Applications should be accompanied by various documents such as proof of citizenship, necessary knowledge, skills, ability and experience to act as a professional hunter, outfitter and trainer.

Professional hunters who wanted to accompany a client on a hunt of a dangerous animal, such as white and black rhinos and lion, should give additional information.

National applications could be refused in cases of offences under the Biodiversity Act and if a province revoked a permit.

Anyone found guilty of any offence in terms of the regulations could be liable to an imprisonment sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to R5 million.

Comments should reach the department no later than 11 September 2013

Remembering some of the reports we have had here about some PH getting into all sorts of unsavory acts, may be this will help sort it out.

They're just fiddling while Rome burns just as they always have.

What needs to happen is to dismantle all the petty Provincial fiefdoms that are so inefficient and expensive to run, scrap all the different Provincial game acts & regulations and replace them all with one act that covers the entire country and allow PHs to operate anywhere in RSA on the one licence and if that licence is suspended or revoked because of infringement etc then he or she cannot operate anywhere in the country.

The same for outfitters etc.

Registering as a PH or trainer in a province attracts a registration fee. Registering nationally will attract a fee.

If the intention of this new legislation is to prevent 'province hopping', add a clause to the provincial legislation whereby disqualification in a province prevents registration in another province. There is no need for a complete new law.

It is clear that, from a practical point of view, the intention of new legislation is to incur fees and not to solve a problem or loophole.

This new legislation is simply a widening of the tax base.

Steve hit the nail on the head.

Steve is right.
Gerard also has a point.