Plains Game Cull Hunt in the Eastern Cape SA

Hunt Summary

• Price: US$6,200 total (US$3,100 per hunter)
• Duration: 9 full hunting days / 10 nights
• Hunter / PH Ratio: 2 Hunters / 1 Professional Hunter
• Observers: US$150 per person per night
• Rifle Rental: US$25 per day
• Management Animals: 20
• Included Species: 2 Kudu Cows | 2 Blesbok Ewes | 4 Warthogs | 6 Springbok Rams | 4 Impala | 2 Black Wildebeest Cows OR 2 Red Hartebeest Cows

Hunting in South Africa

South Africa is one of Africa’s most diverse hunting destinations, with more than 45 huntable game species and an exceptional variety of landscapes. The Eastern Cape ranges from open plains and grasslands to mountainous country, bushveld and wooded valleys, creating varied hunting conditions and habitat for a wide range of plains game.

The Eastern Cape is also a malaria-free hunting destination, making it an attractive choice for international hunters. Its combination of accessible hunting areas, diverse game and varied terrain makes it particularly well suited to multi-species plains game hunts.

For hunters considering hunting in South Africa, a management safari provides the opportunity to spend extended time in the field while contributing to the careful management of game populations.

The 20-Animal Management Hunt

Management hunting plays an important role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations. The objective is not simply to reduce animal numbers, but to maintain appropriate population structures while keeping game populations within the carrying capacity of the habitat.

This safari includes 20 management animals across several species: two kudu cows, two blesbok ewes, four warthogs, six springbok rams, four impala and either two black wildebeest cows or two red hartebeest cows. Your Professional Hunter will assist with identifying the correct animals according to the management requirements of the hunting area.

The variety of species provides a very different hunting experience from a traditional trophy-focused safari. Hunters may find themselves carefully selecting a kudu in thick cover, identifying the correct animal within a blesbok herd, or working patiently to get within range of a warthog. More information about kudu hunts can help hunters understand the challenge of pursuing this elusive antelope, while those interested in blesbok hunts will find that selecting the correct animal from a herd can be an important part of the hunt.

Warthog, springbok and impala hunts add further variety, each requiring a different approach in the Eastern Cape. Hunters interested in warthog hunting in South Africa will appreciate the challenge of getting close to these alert and surprisingly fast animals.

Your African Outfitter

Originally founded in Zimbabwe in 1979, Kevin and his team are one of the more experienced hunting operations in the region. Over the years, they have built a reputation for personalized service and professional hunting experiences, with dangerous game hunts also offered in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

In 2005, Kevin and Natalie established the South African branch on the family ranch in the Eastern Cape. The team provides professional guiding and support throughout the safari, with an emphasis on creating a memorable and enjoyable hunting experience.

Hunting Methods

The varied Eastern Cape terrain allows hunters to use different hunting methods depending on the species, terrain and conditions. Spot-and-stalk hunting is well suited to open grasslands and plains, while tracking and careful still-hunting can be more effective in thicker bush and broken country.

Management hunting adds another level of discipline to the hunt. The Professional Hunter must first identify an appropriate management animal before the hunter takes the shot, making patience, observation and communication particularly important.

Accurate shooting is essential when hunting a variety of plains game species. Hunters should practice from realistic field positions and be comfortable shooting from sticks at different distances. Our guide to shot placement for African game is useful reading before heading into the field.

Tips for Plains Game Hunts

Good preparation can make a significant difference on a plains game safari. Practice shooting from field positions rather than relying exclusively on a bench, and become comfortable with your rifle and shooting sticks before arriving in camp.

Physical fitness is also worthwhile, as hunting in the Eastern Cape can involve walking over uneven ground, hills and thick vegetation. Comfortable boots, suitable clothing, binoculars and a familiar rifle are essential.

Most importantly, be patient and listen to your Professional Hunter. On a management hunt, correctly identifying the animal is just as important as making an accurate shot.

Traveling to the Hunt

International travelers can arrive in South Africa through either O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport. From there, a domestic flight of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes takes you to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Upon arrival in Gqeberha, you will be met by Kevin or a member of the outfitting team. A scenic drive of approximately two hours then takes you to the hunting lodge through the diverse landscapes of the Eastern Cape.

For hunters planning their first African hunting trips, the straightforward access to the Eastern Cape makes this a convenient destination.

This Hunt Includes

• Transport to and from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha)
• Accommodation
• 2 x Hunters and 1 x Professional Hunter
• Services of Trackers, Skinners and Lodge Staff
• Hot and cold beverages, local wines and beers
• Daily laundry service and housekeeping
• South African VAT of 15%
• Hunting licenses
• On-territory transport
• Field preparation of trophies and delivery to local taxidermist

The Hunt Excludes

• Taxidermy
• Dip and pack
• International shipping costs
• Any pre- or post-safari accommodation
• International and domestic air travel
• Travel insurance

When Is the Best Time to Hunt in South Africa?

The Eastern Cape can be hunted during different periods of the year, with the cooler months generally offering the most comfortable conditions for long days in the field. April through September brings cooler temperatures and, in many areas, reduced vegetation that can make spotting and stalking game easier.

Conditions vary across the province, however, and the best time can depend on the specific hunting area and species being pursued. Your Professional Hunter can advise on local conditions and the best hunting approach for your safari.

Rifles and Permits

Rifle rental is available at US$25 per day, although hunters may prefer to bring their own familiar rifle. International hunters bringing their own firearms into South Africa will need to complete the required SAPS 520 application and provide the necessary supporting documentation.

Hunters bringing their own rifles will need to provide a copy of their passport, airline tickets, a letter of invitation from Kevin and proof of ownership, such as Customs Declaration Form 4457 for US citizens.

Need More Info?

For further information regarding this plains game management hunt in South Africa, please contact our team at Game Hunting Safaris.