Problem Animal Control (PAC) Lion Hunts in Zimbabwe Questioned as Bogus

Statement Issued by the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SAOZ)

Over the past few months Problem Animal Control (PAC) lion hunts in Zimbabwe have been offered to American hunters, even though according to Zimbabwe National Parks there are no such hunts currently available.

A strongly worded warning released by the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) jointly with the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association states, “After discussion with National Parks it is our understanding that these hunts are bogus. The only licenses for lion hunts in the Matabeleland North areas are for Trophy Lion Hunts.”

Anthony Crick, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association further stated, “I have been to every department in Harare HQ of National Parks and have been assured that there are no PAC lion hunts in Zimbabwe available to foreigners and certainly permits to hunt are not issued before the season. PAC lions are only allowed to be hunted by Parks officials or Learners (apprentice professional hunters). Obviously if it happens that the best equipped party in the area to handle the rogue is a hunting party with a client, the client may get to shoot the lion. But this cannot be pre-planned and pre-sold and should, in any event, be a free windfall to the client and, if no Trophy Quota is available, may not be exported.”

Anyone who has questions or who may have purchased such a hunt should contact the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) by email soaz@mweb.co.zw.