Bird Hunting Seasons – South Africa
The Bird Hunting seasons in South Africa vary between the different provinces. Please bear in mind that South Africa has 9 provinces all with unique regulations!
As a generalisation, you can follow these guidelines.
| Doves & Pigeons: | 15 March through 31 September (best Mar to May) |
| Ostrich: | 1 January through 31 December |
| South African Shelduck: | 1 January through 31 March |
| Burchell’s Sandgrouse: | 1 January through 31 March |
| Double-banded Sandgrouse: | 1 January through 31 March |
| Egyptian Geese: | 1 February through 30 November |
| Spurwing Geese: | 1 March through 30 September (best Jun to Aug) |
| Namaqua Sandgrouse: | 1 April through 15 July |
| Francolin: | 1 May through 31 August |
| Guineafowl: | 1 May through 30 September (best Jun to Aug) |
| Ducks: | 1 May through 31 August (best Jun to Aug) |
Restricted game birds like the African Black Duck, Pygmy Goose, etc. do not have an open season, but may be shot when issued with a special hunting permit obtained from the provincial Conservation Department before the hunt commences.
Please confirm these dates when booking your bird hunting safari as the dates mentioned cover more than one province with individual shooting seasons.
