Waterfowl Shooting in South Africa
(VARIOUS GOOSE & DUCK SPECIES)
The Hunt
Waterfowl is shot 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 usually take place around impoundments. Bag limits are generous and a gun can expect to shoot, depending on the time of the year, between 10 and 20+ waterfowl per day.
Depending on the time of the year you will encounter, amongst others, the following species: Egyptian & Spurwing Geese, Yellow-billed Duck, 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).
Program
A typical day will commence with a very early morning wake-up call. After a quick cup of coffee, rusks and toast we will depart for the morning's shoot about within an hour away.
After placing the decoys around the pre-positioned blinds, shooting will commence before daybreak until roughly 10am.
Snacks and beverages will be offered during the shoot.
Back at the lodge, you will be entertained to a hearty brunch, with siesta time thereafter to catch up on some early morning lost sleep.
3pm will have us depart for our afternoon shoot till dusk. The shoots will conclude with a photo session of the session’s bag.
Dinner will be served at 7.30 pm and the day's excitement will be relived around a comfortable fireplace until bedtime. Transportation to the shooting area will be by means of a luxury 4WD vehicle.
Season
General Goose hunting span from March to November, but is dependent on the province and area you will be hunting. General Duck hunting is available from May to August but can be hunted earlier in our Western Cape Concessions.
Duration
A typical waterfowl hunt takes place over a 2 day shooting. International guests can combine a waterfowl shoot with some of our other shooting and touristic options.
Gear
The season range from our late-summer through mid-winter to spring, so please inquire about recommended clothing for your shoot when booking!
Real Tree, Max4 and Sniper camo is highly recommended. Dark khaki works great too. Light khaki and light clothing is to be avoided at all costs.
Waterproof Wellies, or Gumboots as we locals call it, will be supplied to guns if wet, muddy conditions are to be encountered.
Sunblock, a shooting cap, eye and ear protection as well as a shooting vest is recommended for an enjoyable shoot.
Guns and Ammo
12 gauge over/under or Semi-Auto shotguns are recommended.
Shot in size No.3 will be supplied to visiting sportsmen.
This combination has found to be ideal for duck and geese shooting in our areas.
Conservation
Geese are considered an agricultural pest as they trample valuable crops during the initial growth stage after germination. The damage a flock of a thousand geese can cause on pastures is unimaginable to uninformed outsiders.
By adding value in terms of concession fees paid to landowners, Karoo Wingshooting create tolerance towards the birds from landowners.
It is also seen as a protein supplement to their labour force and excess birds are distributed to impoverished local communities.
These benefits deter landowners from eradicating these birds en-masse by employing insalubrious solutions to the damage-causing birds.
Accommodation
Depending on the area you will be hunting, a variety of lodges and hotels of a high standard are available in these areas. We usually choose the best suited lodge as close as possible to the hunting area.
Typical South African cuisine is served and our usual great hospitality will be offered.
