Anyone know if there are minimum caliber regulations or minimums prescribed by law for hunting plains game in:

S Africa

Namibia

Botswana

Zimbabwe

Tanzania

Mozambique

Others?

Please note I am NOT asking about recommendations but laws or regulations only.

TR

There are no minimum calibers for PG as far as I know, only for dangerous game. In RSA you may not hunt with a .22lr in most of it's provinces unless you are the farmer or a close relative.

The question that do arise is, Will I be able to make a one shot kill with the chosen calibre, in such a way the the animal do not suffer and die quickly? It comes down to ethical hunting.

Zimbabwe -

A calibre of no less than 9.2mm in diameter with muzzle energy of 5.3 kilojoules is required for Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo.
A calibre of no less than 7mm in diameter with a muzzle energy of no less than 4.3 kilojoules is required for Lion, Giraffe and Eland.
A calibre of no less than 7mm in diameter with a muzzle energy of no less than 3 kilojoules is required for Crocodile, Hyena, Kudu, Leopard, Nyla, Sable, Waterbuck, Wildebeeste, Zebra etc.
A calibre of no less than 5.6mm in diameter with muzzle energy of no less than 850 joules is required for Bushbuck, Bushpig, Impala, Reedbuck and Warthog.

.

Alf,
Thanks for correcting me. As you know we have 9 provinces in RSA and each got it's own nature caonservation laws, it can be very confusing at times. I am qualified in the Limpopo province and are more familiar with the laws of the old Transvaal.

My personal opinion is not to hunt with a calibre smaller than a .30 unless it is one of the very small antelopes.

Namibia -

Smallest calibre 7 mm.
Minimum energy (Eo - muzzle velocity): 1350 Joule for springbuck, duiker etc.
2700 Joule for hartebeest, wildebeest, kudu, gemsbuck, eland etc.
5400 Joule for buffalo, elephant, rhino etc.

See my table at Big Five HQ / Bullets, and pls feel free to add info or correct it.

Tx

Thanks for the info guys!!