Hunting Cape Shoveller

CAPE SHOVELLER (Anas smithii)

Key Characteristics

The unique heavy, broad bill, conspicuous blue-grey shoulders or forewings, coupled with the less visible green speculum and yellow legs and feet facilitate identification of Cape Shoveller.

Habitat

Cape Shoveller are widespread throughout most of South Africa except in the arid areas of the Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo provinces, where large bodies of water are generally absent. They prefer relatively still, plankton-rich, shallow waters and are usually to be encountered on permanent and seasonal waters such as pans, vleis, dams, estuaries and lagoons where large bodies of shallow water are plentiful. They can be found on both alkaline or saline waters but appear to avoid rivers and streams or waters surrounded by high vegetation.

The Hunt

These ducks are hunted over decoys from natural and man-made blinds. Morning shoots are generally on cultivated pastures or recently combined maize (corn) and wheat fields. Afternoon shoots are more productive for Yellow-billed duck and usually take place around impoundments. Bag limits are generous and a gun can expect to shoot, depending on the time of the year, between 5 and 10 duck per day. Depending on the time of the year you will encounter, amongst other, the following species: Egyptian & Spurwing Geese, Red-billed Teal, Southern Pochard, White-faced Duck & South African Shelduck. Parties of between 2 and 6 guns can be accommodated. Karoo Wingshooting has waterfowl concessions in excess of 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres).