WANTED: Chasse Libre in Zimbabwe

I have posted this on other forums without reply. By not being interested in the 'Safari Industry' probably didn't help. We can pay reasonable costs, however we want to do it ourselves just like the locals do.

I have commenced negotiations with long time friends in southern Zim on behalf of myself and my London based hunting buddy for some self guided hunting and pest reduction in 2014. He has hunted CAR, Somalia and most of Europe. I have been to Southern Africa a number of times over the last 28 years for tourism and hunting and hunted most of my native Australia and also in NZ.

I believe this is still possible to do. We are seasoned hunters, hunting for the experience not the trophys and relish the chance to always learn more about our sport and this great world we live in. Even if we come back with nothing more than memories, photos and sore feet, we will be satisfied at 'having a go on our own'.

We have access to private properties (plural) possibly including Buffalo, however we may need help with paperwork to bring in our shotguns/rifles and ammo. Are there any locals (Bulawayo based) on here who are experienced in these matters and would be prepared to offer some help ? Again, we can cover all reasonable costs.

We have heard that the specific programme for unguided huting in the Zambezi valley, where hunts are auctioned, was being monopolised by Zimbo PHs with no concessions. We won't have the logistic capability to follow this up, however we can borrow vehicles and camp staff from our friends.

Any help or advice appreciated.

I didnt know chasse libre was allowed in Zimbabwe.

I've heard from a number or sources that yes, it can be done legally with the right paper work and if you meet the required conditions. Unguided hunting is available in the Zambezi valley but if you don't have the 'kit' it would be very hard to put together.

Naturally 'The Industry' isn't supportive.

I know that in South Africa it would be considered illeagal, as non citizens must by law be accompanied, by a fully qualified PH, I can not imagine that Zimbabwe would be any different... Code4 I will check on the ordinance and let you know... Could be fun..

My best always.

Jaco Strauss said:

I know that in South Africa it would be considered illeagal, as non citizens must by law be accompanied, by a fully qualified PH, I can not imagine that Zimbabwe would be any different... Code4 I will check on the ordinance and let you know... Could be fun..

My best always.

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I think you are on the money Jaco. But there may be someone willing to accompany you guys on a hunt and "let you drive the bus".

Perhaps, someone would be interested. Good luck.

I can't be certain either, but I'm pretty sure that to hunt dangerous game in Zim you must have a licensed Zim PH.

Code 4, your best bet is the auctions for Zambezi valley. You do not need a Zim PH, but you will need what I believe they call a "Class A" hunter, someone with enough DG experience. I know people that still buy there every year, even with the Zim outfitters bidding, but this is not an inexpensive option BTW.

We have a local contact and will be hunting on private land. It seems it is rather easy to get our rifles and ammo into Zimbabwe. If you don't want to export trophys, technically we don't even need a TR2 form. We are hunters, not trophy shooters so the whole situation is different to a commercial transaction.

Once you start exporting trophys or hunting on non-private land the regulations become quite restrictive.

This won't take place till 2014, however I will post a report when it is over. Happy Days.

Thank you to all who replied.

Code4
These are the facts:
* ALL land in Zimbabwe be it campfire, parks, or private requires a quota in order for legal hunting to occur. In the case of private land, if one is not exporting anything then animals can be hunted by the land owner as and when he wishes ( except for a few key species that require approval such as cites animals )
* In order for a non resident or non citizen to hunt legally on any land he will need
- an invitation letter from the land owner/ operators
- a temporary rifle import permit from customs ( the invitation is necessary in order for him to bring his weapons in ).
0 an NP 11
- a TR2 ( even if it states nil shot one has to be completed )
* The only place a non citizen or non resident can hunt legally is the zambezi valley auctions ( and he will still be accompanied by an armed scout ). This is via an auction system.
* The act states that a learner PH or full PH be present on all other safaris be it on private land or parks estate/ campfire.

Any non resident and or non citizen requires an NP 11 form for customs purposes and a TR@ form for any hunt ( even if it is on private land and nothing is for export ), this is so that the reserve bank and national parks can monitor any activities. The Zimbabwean law also states that any foreigner needs to pay in US $ for any accommodation/ activity and this needs to be banked and acquitted within 7 days after the trip be it photographic, hunting for trophies or the pot or any tourist activity.


On another note, should you wish to bid on a valley hunt, there are people that can be of assistance with tent hire/vehicle/ boat hire/ logistics/ staff etc, email me on martin@bulembisafaris.co.zw if you need some more info
Regards

Martin

Thanks Martin.
Nothing like the facts.