By Sonja Harmse – Muvhimi Buffalo Safaris
“The Chase is among the best of all national pastimes; it cultivates that vigorous manliness for the lack of which in a nation as in an individual, the possession of no other quality can possibly atone.” -Theodore Rooseveld (The Wilderness Hunter)
Human beings are born with two basic instincts, survival and reproduction. Hunting is part of the permanent human/animal condition and South Africa is the land of legendary hunting Safaris. Here you can find from the Dangerous 7 to the dwarf antelopes, making what is the African dream of every hunter come true. South Africa has a unique wildlife model, like no other country, in the form of Private Wildlife Ranching and we are working amongst the generation of hunters who returned animals back to the land. Sadly, our wildlife has no chance without the hunting industry funding the protection of wildlife. Unfortunately, the word “protection” is used widely to deny our rights to sustainably use our natural resources. We have seen the detrimental effect on wildlife numbers in countries where laws were passed to stop hunting. There exists a tug of war between over population, human greed, the relentless demand for food and natural resources and conserving our wildlife areas throughout Africa. The fact remains that in modern times the greatest conservationists of all, happens to be those who give wildlife value – Hunters. I am proud to say that I genuinely believe that what we do in this industry, plays a pivotal role in conserving the continent with the greatest biodiversity on earth – Africa, the place we call home.
There is nothing on earth like early morning in the African bushveld. As you rise before dawn to prepare for the day, crisp air fills your nostrils, and all is quiet. The sharp call of the Crested Francolin announces daybreak, and suddenly an orchestra of animal sounds slowly builds up into a magical symphony, bustling with life. As hunters, we get to experience this miracle of life each morning. Then again, for us as Outfitters, a hunting safari is not just aimed at hunters. Hunting is an opportunity for non-hunters to spend time with and share in the passion of someone they care for. It is to laugh together when something hilarious happens, to observe mother nature in all her glory, to share in the adrenaline rush of a walk and stalk, and tremble before taking the shot. It is to see the emotion as the hunter stands by the animal which was harvested. These are things that is impossible to describe to someone who wasn’t there to experience the glorious emotion of it all for themselves. So, for all the non-hunting ladies and gents out there, who has never joined their partner on a hunting safari, I would like to say I dare you to give it a try. Don’t focus on the heat or the bugs or whatever you think you might dislike. Focus on the fact that you will get to see your partner do something that they love, and share in a memory so special, one that will bring you closer together. We regularly combine hunts with other activities like photographic safaris, wine tours, game drives and spa treatments, to make it an all-round fulfilling experience for the entire family.
Hunting creates jobs
Today I can say that for us, running a hunting outfit is so much more than a way to earn money. The success of the sustainable hunting industry plays a pivotal role in the livelihood of a vast number of individuals and businesses in our country, with the bonus of protecting our wildlife and ensuring its existence for future generations. It it is an honor for me to share the passion and love for hunting with Chris, and we are privileged to share this gift of nature while guiding clients on magnificent hunting safaris. It is our responsibility to ensure that clients conduct hunts on animal species within the law, to avoid serious consequences. When it comes to dangerous game hunts, it gets even more challenging. Guiding a client to harvest a buffalo, lion, or elephant, for instance, means that if all goes well it is incredible. But when things go wrong and all hell breaks loose, Chris as the Professional Hunter must stand his ground and take his place between the charging animal and our client. We have seen some of the great, and most experienced professional hunters lose their lives due to misplaced shots and charging animals. This is the risk, but the reward is even greater. Being out there in the Bushveld most of the year, observing the spectacular wildlife, walking and stalking for days on end, and harvesting only the select few, is an honour. Giving clients an experience that they will remember to the end of their days is magical. Sharing stories of the hunt around the fire and creating memories with unknown individuals from faraway places, who leave as friends, is one of the most satisfying things a human can do. Yet, the most important part of working in this industry, is the pivotal role of educating clients, sharing knowledge of our fauna and flora, and contributing to the conservation of our wildlife through sustainable, ethical hunting practices. The bonus for me, as a woman, is that there is something primitively romantic about walking through the Bushveld alongside my husband with a rifle slung over my shoulder and savoring each moment of the day.
