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Sunflower time - bird hunting time
JAN-LODEWYK SERFONTEIN
ON TARGET •••
Te Thanks to a better rainfall pattern than the previous year in large parts of our area of operation , sunflower crops are looking promising . However , it is not clear as yet who the owners of the sunflower seeds are . Is it the farmer ’ s crop , or pigeon food , which looks so promising at present .
Obviously the hunters would like to ensure that the sunflowers will remain the farmers ’ crops by getting stuck into the pigeons early in the morning with their shotguns . However , pleasure also requires responsibility . The responsibility in this case is to make sure that we abide by the law at all times . What is prescribed in terms of legislation ?
For the purpose of this specific article , let ’ s look at what Nature Conservation says about hunting pigeons and other birds . All licensed gun owners know the Firearm Act . But what about the other conditions when it comes to hunting ? Let ’ s look at the most important regulations which we need to bear in mind .
According to Nature Conservation there is ordinary game as well as animals which cause damage . Animals which cause damage are the easy one as far as legislation is concerned . These animals may be hunted throughout the year . All you need is written permission from or the presence of the farm owner when you hunt these animals . Obviously we may not use hunting dogs on a farm without the written consent of the owner of the farm . Even with the written consent of the owner of the farm , hunting dogs may not be used for hunting purposes . Dogs may only be used to fetch hunted birds or to point out other birds to the hunter . Should any of these regulations not be adhered to , fines can be imposed by Nature Conservation .
Ordinary game has a specific season within which it may be hunted . Each province has its own ordinance . The hunting season in most provinces starts on 1 May and ends on 31 August . During the hunting season a number of other conditions also have to be met . A hunter of ordinary game has to have a hunting license in his name . There are a number of other conditions , but these vary from province to province . Contact your nearest Nature Conservation office for the latest ordinance and study it .
As far as the crop is concerned , the following applies . Pigeons are regarded as animals which cause damage . For this reason any shot may hunt pigeons during the day ( 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset ), on any farm , with the permission of the farm owner . Dogs may only be used to fetch hunted birds .
But what happens when you see a guinea-fowl or pheasant while you hunt ? Well , guinea-fowl and most other hunting birds are normal game according to Nature Conservation . For this reason they may only be hunted once the hunting season opens . You have to have a hunting license , as well as written permission to hunt on the farm . Only a specific number of birds may be hunted per day .
Enjoy hunting the pigeons amongst the sunflowers , but leave the guinea-fowl until May . And remember to act in a safe and responsible manner in the hunting field at all times .
SENWES Scenario • FEB / MAR 2017 49