Game hunting, also known as own-use hunting, and trophy hunting represent two major sections within wildlife hunting. While some may use these two terms interchangeably, they do differ quite considerably. Areas such as the impact of the two hunts, the objectives, and regulations play a different role in these hunting methods. While non-trophy (own use) game hunting safaris primarily focus on harvesting animals for meat, population control, and supporting local communities, trophy hunting is largely focused on the physical characteristics of the animals, such as the size of their horns or their large tusks, which then attract hunters and encourage them to target that specific animal.
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Key Takeaways
- There is a difference between trophy and non-trophy hunting in terms of objectives, regulations, and the impact of each of these hunting safaris
- Each comes with its own set of pros and cons, which will appeal to different game hunting enthusiasts
- Non-trophy hunting will often target average-sized, older, or problem animals
- Trophy hunting focuses on harvesting the best specimen available
- While they are different approaches to hunting, each has its place in the world of hunting safaris
Trophy and Non-Trophy (Own-Use) Hunting: What's the Difference?
When one considers these two hunting types, the main differentiation lies in the purpose of the hunt, as well as the selection of the prey. Non-trophy hunters often hunt average-sized, older, or problem animals, with the emphasis being put on consumption and population management. The hunt focuses less on the physical attributes of the animal, for example, the size of its horns, but rather on the impact that it is having on the population and the meat that is being consumed.
In contrast, trophy hunting is extremely concerned with everything that non-trophy hunting isn't...this type of hunt focuses on the "best of the best" of the species, including the largest horns, biggest tusks, largest animals, most adoring manes, and so forth. Safari Club International and regional wildlife authorities throughout the world have established trophy standards, and sport hunters try to only harvest the top 10% of the species to attain these standards. It should be noted that engaging in ethical trophy hunting does ensure the sustainability of the species via quotas, insight from the PH on the hunt, as well as age limits on the safari.
Both trophy and non-trophy hunting operate within legal and ethical frameworks, but trophy hunting is renowned for the higher revenue per animal that it generates, due to permit fees for the animal, specialized hunts, funding of anti-poaching programs and initiatives, as well as habitat conservation. Own-use hunting primarily targets and focuses on land sustainability and food security.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-Trophy and Trophy Hunting
Both trophy and non-trophy hunting safaris have their pros and cons, with there being two sides to every story:
Non-Trophy Hunting
Advantages
- Provides essential meat for local communities that otherwise may not be able to afford it. Africa is a poor continent, with many rural areas' only source of protein being hunting safaris.
- Controls wildlife populations by preventing overgrazing
- This type of hunting safari is more affordable, especially to local hunters
- More affordable hunts allow hunters to enjoy more safaris, versus only one, where they will walk away with the trophy. Here, they get to take a couple of pics and move on to the next hunt, to challenge themselves with a new trophy
- Non-trophy hunts allow the hunters to save on shipping, with fewer headaches related to admin, permits, authorizations, and so forth
Disadvantages
- These hunts generate less revenue when compared to trophy hunting, thereby limiting conservation funding and related conservation programs and initiatives
- There is a risk of overharvesting wildlife should the quotas not be effectively adhered to or regulated
- Care must be taken when choosing the harvested animal; if not carefully chosen or specifics are not adhered to, the local population genetics may be affected.
Trophy Hunting
Advantages
- Trophy hunts are renowned for their high revenues attained through trophy fees and permit fees, all of which fund initiatives such as anti-poaching programs and conservation initiatives
- Selective targeting of mature male specimens supports genetic health and age structure in wildlife populations
- By completing a trophy hunt, you are directly supporting local communities through employment in areas such as trackers, skinners, cleaners, cooks, and so forth. In rural communities, employment is hard to come by, with little to no opportunities apart from the hunting industry available
- Trophy hunts, along with the employment opportunities and infrastructure development that result from these hunts, assist in the incentivizing of habitat protection in the region.
- Hunters have the opportunity to test their skills against some of Africa’s most ferocious species
Disadvantages
- Trophy hunting is often the subject of ethical debates relating to the killing of animals for trophies.
- If regulations are not adhered to or corrupt practices come into play, the risks to rare and endangered animals are a real and present danger.
Target Species for Export
Hunting in Africa is synonymous with the "Big 5," and these trophies are top contenders for exporting to the US and other countries worldwide. These animals include the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape buffalo. These species are in high demand, with trophies being subject to strict regulations and permits. Other popular species to export include the two members of the Dangerous 7, namely the Hippo and Nile Crocodile, along with iconic African plains game species such as the Kudu, Springbok, Impala, Sable, and Zebra.
Some species may be withheld from export due to disease. Wildlife authorities worldwide are responsible for the evaluation and regulations of the export eligibility of species.
Why Choose Trophy Hunts vs Non-Trophy Hunts?
Big game hunting in Africa is a thrilling and adventure-filled safari. Hunters choose their hunting packages for various reasons, and these reasons often shape the big game hunting safari trip and the resultant hunt.
Some hunting enthusiasts prefer a tangible reward that is clearly visible and a daily reminder of their exceptional safari, and a method in which to honor a conservation-driven approach to African hunts. For some, it is the opportunity to complete a Big 5 or Dangerous 7 collection, or to focus on rare and elusive species that command attention and become a talking point about hunting, conservation, and the process to acquire this trophy.
Exportable hunts play a large role in conservation, with revenue from these hunts directly assisting conservation programs and initiatives and local rural communities. Conservation programs could well focus on habitat challenges, wildlife programs, and anti-poaching efforts, while the assistance to rural communities could include infrastructure development, employment, meat from hunts sustaining local populations, as well as employment opportunities for locals.
Trophy hunts target the biggest and the best of each species, and hunting the biggest and the best of the Big 5 means hunting the biggest, meanest, and most dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa; something that gets some hunters’ hearts beating just that little bit faster!
Conclusion
Both trophy and non-trophy hunts have their place within the hunting industry. For hunters, their hunt objectives, budget, and export regulations may well play a large role in determining which hunt is best for their unique circumstances. Conservation remains at the forefront of both hunting practices, and the relevance and importance thereof should not be underestimated or forgotten in translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between meat hunting and trophy hunting?
In a nutshell, meat hunting will see a hunter take the first legal specimen of the species he is targeting. In contrast, trophy hunting will have the hunter being more selective, waiting for a better trophy in terms of size, horns, coat, or whatever makes that particular trophy unique and special.
Does Trophy Hunting actually help conservation?
Yes, trophy hunting does contribute to conservation. A portion of the trophy hunting fees, revenues, permits, and other related expenses directly impacts conservation initiatives, while also contributing to the community.
Why do some African countries support trophy hunting?
Trophy hunting is a large industry in many parts of Africa. It creates incentives for large areas of land to be utilized for wildlife conservation, which otherwise may well have been demarcated for other uses, which may not have benefited the wildlife or the land.