Hunting in South Africa may be highly regulated and controlled, but like any industry, there are always a few rotten eggs that rise to the surface. Unfortunately, our country's game hunting reputation has seen its fair share of tarnish and controversy over the years, in many cases boiling down to the greed and corrupt nature of those out to exploit the system for their own gain.
While some stories broke global headlines, others barely made the local papers. Yet this doesn't detract from the fact that hunting in South Africa can be affected by incidents both big and small. At the end of the day, just one animal lost to illegal hunting or poaching is one too many.
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Key Takeaways
- Hunting in South Africa has suffered in public opinion due to widely publicized criminal cases
- There are South Africa hunting outfitters in it for the love of the industry, while others are in it for themselves
- American hunters need to be aware of red flags and potentially dodgy packages
- South Africa has bodies in place to regulate the game hunting industry
- Hunting farms in South Africa can be the place dream hunts are made of, or they can be the place of nightmares
Under the Microscope: How Bad Behavior Affects Hunting in South Africa
American hunters and others need to be aware that while their game hunting party may involve only themselves or a close group of friends, they are representing a significant number of people who contribute to hunting in South Africa. And this means that the actions of a few individuals can have a wide-reaching consequence for thousands of others.
Drunken behavior, disrespect for staff and service providers, as well as questionable hunting actions, can significantly impact public opinion and the perception of South African hunting outfitters or operators. Some service providers may go so far as to ban “problematic” hunters from their property, and word of this spreads easily in such a niche industry.
Behavior that some might see as innocent fun or “boys being boys” can quickly be viewed as hooliganism or delinquency by the court of public opinion, especially amongst those who oppose the practices of sport and trophy hunting. And with both local and international tourism polls showing a historic increase in opposition to game hunting, can we afford further bad press as a result of one rotten potato spoiling the pocket?
In today's world, the rise of social media and Internet access means that anyone's poor decision can be broadcast on a potentially global stage. Suddenly, an individual's lapse in judgment can lead to significant public outcry.
Dishonorable Mentions: The South Africa Hunting Outfitters, Hunters, and Officials in hot water over the years
The South African courts have seen their fair share of hunting cases over the years – with some standing out like sore thumbs, while others have barely cracked a headline. Hunting farms in South Africa have become a breeding ground for criminal activity, including both financially motivated operations and poaching practices.
Out of Africa and out of line: The Groenewald Saga
Probably one of the most well-known cases to both South African and American hunters alike, brothers Dawie and the late Janneman Groenewald of Out of Africa Safaris have seen themselves hauled through both local and American courts.
Back in 2010, Dawie, his wife, and 10 other accused were arrested after around 20 Rhino carcasses were found buried on their farm. Almost 2000 charges that included racketeering, fraud, illegal hunting, money laundering, and the dealing of Rhino horn were brought against the group in South Africa. Four years later, the brothers saw themselves being indicted in United States courts on similar charges, including the contravention of the Lacey Act – this Act criminalizes the sales of hunts that violate tribal, state, federal, and foreign law.
The case against the brothers faced numerous delays and elaborate stalling tactics that kept them out of jail. Janneman Groenewald passed away in 2018, yet his surviving brother, Dawie, has yet to have his true day in court. The Covid-19 pandemic caused further delays in the courts, with current information indicating a court date set for 9 February 2026 in the Limpopo Magistrates Court. However, only time will tell if that date will be honored.
Presently, there are reports that Dawie has been sighted in South Africa and neighboring countries carrying out game hunting safaris and receiving Rhino tags through a new company he co-owns. Despite losing almost US$4 million in assets after officials seized vehicles, property, and accounts, Dawie has found a way to continue his trade and sully the industry of hunting in South Africa.
From Kingpin to Convict: The case of Hugo Ras
Hugo Ras, his wife Trudie, and a cast of co-accused, which included an attorney and a South African law enforcement officer, were brought before the gavel in 2014 on charges that included fraud, the illegal hunting of Rhino, dealing in Rhino horn, and possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition. Other charges for money laundering and illicit gambling brought the charge sheet to over 300 criminal counts against members of the group.
Details from court proceedings showed an elaborate network of connections and role-players that spotted Rhino targets within the reserves, pilots and marksmen who carried out the killing via helicopter, and those who handled the illegally gained finances, which amounted to around $2 million. It was alleged that the crew killed around 24 Rhinos on private and state-owned farms in South Africa and obtained a further 84 Rhino horns of dubious origin; of the Rhinos targeted under the operation, only 2 survived.
Hugo Ras lost multiple bail attempts and was ultimately sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment in 2019. Other accused members of the syndicate received sentences ranging from 4 to 16 years. But this sentence hasn't held Hugo back when it comes to business; a private investigation launched last year proved that the man himself was still offering and organizing fake hunts from his jail cell using various false identities. His routine involved searching Facebook and other social media platforms for people interested in or participating in hunting. From there, he would share information about legitimate hunting farms in South Africa and established hunting outfitters in the country. However, the contact and banking information he provided would lead directly to him. Due to the findings of this private investigation, Ras and his cellmates lost several cellphones, tablets, USB drives, and other devices.
It is unclear how these recent developments could affect his sentencing, but only time, along with the slow cycle of the justice system, will provide more clarity.
From Canned to Caught: The Fall of Deon Cilliers
Deon Cilliers is probably one of the most well-known South Africa hunting outfitters to face judgment on unlawful game hunting practices, being implicated on charges related to canned hunting and illegal possession/distribution of wildlife.
Once a well-known and respected professional hunter, game farmer, taxidermist, and safari outfitter, Deon Cilliers' carefully constructed house of cards came crumbling down in 2015 when he was arrested and charged with a total of 45 counts of wildlife-related criminal activity. The rap sheet included other charges of money laundering, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal hunting, and violating the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA).
Targeting European and American hunters, Deon Cilliers' case mainly focused on 39 unlicensed captive Lion hunts, unlawful possession of 8 Caracal (for which he had no license or paperwork), plus the importing and release of 9 Scimitar Oryx (a species not native to South Africa). In 2017, Deon pleaded guilty to all charges against him and was sentenced to 10 years in prison as well as being fined R1 million (approximately $58,000) or face 5 further years. Deon's wife, Nadia, was also fined and handed a suspended sentence for her involvement in his illegal dealings.
The arrest and conviction of Deon Cilliers was lauded by the South African documentary makers behind Blood Lions as a way to bring attention to the country’s exploitative canned Lion hunting industry and those who benefit from manipulating the framework of hunting in South Africa.
Hunting Farms in South Africa: The meeting of Booze, Bravado, and Bad Decisions
It’s a stereotype for a reason, the plotline to well-known Hollywood movies, the subject of songs, and the reason why "Saturdays are for the boys" is a saying. Getting a group of men together sharing a common interest, background, and passion may sound wholesome on paper. But in reality, these gatherings can and have resulted in some serious cautionary tales.
A leading factor in many a debauched hunting safari is the high consumption of alcohol, leading to hunters and their party members destroying property, being overly rude and arrogant to staff, and handling firearms while under the influence. In some cases, this alcohol use has carried on off the farm while hunters are out tracking their target.
Other, more serious reports show instances of hunters wounding animals or shooting juveniles, and then offering to pay off the guide to look the other way. Similarly, there have been instances of hunters wanting to pay cash as a way to avoid VAT, forgetting that farm operators have registered businesses and need to pay VAT as a legal practice. Cases of hunters using underpowered or under-maintained firearms that result in wounded shots also pose a safety threat to those around them. Similar offences include not wanting to track a wounded animal, but rather moving on to find a new target, leaving an animal with a potentially fatal injury to suffer a painful death.
Spotting Red Flags: How American Hunters Can Protect Themselves from Game Hunting Pitfalls
Any hunt that "guarantees" a kill or trophy is worth reading a second time, and maybe even reporting. Winning outcomes in sports are not guaranteed, especially in a sport relying on the often unpredictable and ever-changing world of nature. Reading package information carefully, not just cherry-picking the points that appeal to you, can reveal a different perspective on the offering.
Given the actions of certain criminals discussed above, double-checking and cross-referencing hunting farms in South Africa can go a long way when it comes to avoiding possible scams and chancers looking to grab a deposit and duck. This will also allow prospective hunters to see what past hunters or visitors to a farm/concession have to say about the area and the type of service given.
Likewise, doing your research on a specific farm or area will also give insight into the guides, PHs, and operators who work in the area and what people have had to say about their experience. This can help hunters to find a provider who is best suited to their needs, can assist in building the best hunt considering their ability and desires, and even which ones to avoid. Because let's face it, there are outfitters out there with less than stellar reputations.
Basic points to remember on hunting in South Africa
- No trophy is guaranteed – you can have the best game hunting guide or PH and still come away empty-handed.
- For American hunters, South Africa is a foreign land – our country may welcome your tourism and income, but that doesn't give a free pass to disrespectful and dangerous behavior
- Hunting farms in South Africa may be spread across the country, but South Africa can be a small place, especially in a niche industry. People talk, and what you get up to on one farm may go ahead of you to other destinations
- The vast majority of South Africa hunting outfitters are in the industry because it combines their passion and a means of earning a living. Jeopardize someone's ability to support their family, and they won't allow you back
- Treat your hunting vehicles, accommodation, hired equipment, and other goods as you would your own. Be mindful of any garbage or waste you generate and dispose of it in a reasonable and responsible way. While you may be staying in guesthouse-type accommodation at some point, be respectful of any staff and services and don't abuse the facilities at your disposal.
Although we don't live in a perfect world, we should strive to be as respectful, fair, and meticulous as possible in all our actions, particularly in situations where the lives and livelihoods of others are at stake. Greed and selfishness are unfortunate human characteristics that live inside each of us (to a certain degree), but when these qualities take over, the cost is far too high.
At the end of the day, can anyone truly put a price on the reputation of South Africa hunting outfitters and their role in hunting in South Africa?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fair-chase vs a canned hunt, and is it legal?
A fair-chase hunt is a hunting package that’s as close to “natural” as possible. This means that the animal has the natural instinct to evade and escape the hunter while having the means to do so, like open spaces free from fences, roads, cages, and other man-made structures that could be favorable to the hunter. Canned hunting involves animals bred specifically for hunting or those that end up on hunting farms after being involved in tourist activities. These animals have an unnatural inclination towards humans due to their environment and upbringing; they wouldn't know how to run away from a hunting party. One can say the phrase "shooting fish in a barrel" applies.
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How do trophy hunters get viewed compared to those who hunt for meat?
Hunters whose sole goal is the trophy, whether it be horns, a head mount, tusks, or pelt, are often seen as wasteful and vain. However, on many hunts where a trophy is taken, the farm or processing area will harvest the meat and other "by-products" to be used for the benefit of the local community or select non-profit organizations. Those who are unaware of these "background activities" may still hold onto old notions of the animal being wasted, when in most cases it will end up on someone's table or be of benefit further along the line.
If Rhino poaching is illegal, why is it legal to hunt them?
This is a debate that has raged for years. South Africa and Namibia are the only 2 countries in the world that allow for legal Rhino hunting. These are very limited, strictly regulated, and are a big contributor to funds used in anti-poaching activities. Legal Rhino hunts often target individuals seen as "problematic" towards the rest of the herd and those past their breeding age. Poaching, on the other hand, revolves solely around the horn, regardless of the animal's gender, age, or likelihood of offspring.
Have selective breeding practices affected the quality of South Africa's hunting species?
Just like we breed domestic animals for specific traits, some people engage in selective breeding to favor certain characteristics, such as pelt color or horn size. While the idea may seem silly to some, others may say breeding better trophy-quality animals will further aid the industry. At present, there have been studies carried out on this practice which have shown no major adverse effect on the animal, their health, or a long-term negative impact.