Are there minimum regulations for bow hunting in South Africa?

buck wild

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On another site I visit regularly, a member is going to SA for the first time. She plans to bow hunt and is concerned about meeting any minimum regulations. I jumped in and gave her the AfricaHunting.com spiel as noted here: http://www.africahunting.com/threads/south-africa-hunting-information.14223. This basically references there are minimum ratings in general for different types and class of animal as you can read. In my experience, no one has ever been asked to demonstrate these minimums to any game enforcement officer etc, and that as long as you could shoot straight in front of your PH, there didn't appear to be any issues as long as the PH was OK with your set up. Another member pipped in saying these minimums were bogus (I've asked for his source and am waiting). So is there a correct answer ? And maybe the PH IS the governing authority as part of their licensing etc.??
Anything on it Jerome ? Can you point to a reg somewhere ?
thanks
 
First of all she is not hunting in the US, so she needs to quit trying to apply the same rules to other countries. (I know it is hard to wrap our minds around it but that is the reality)

No one is coming to check her bow. I sincerely doubt there is anyone who would know how except an experienced bow shop operator or bow hunting PH.


The same hunting rules do not exist.
In some provinces in RSA Bow's for hunting are illegal.

KZN Ordinance:
48 Prohibited methods of and time for hunting of game
(f) by means of a bow and arrow or crossbow and bolt,

unless he is the holder of a permit issued to him by the Board and subject to such conditions as the Board may impose in such permit.


So, they issue a permit you can hunt.
A CAE or CAE's and the PH Register form components of her "hunting license" in effect.

Is she concerned about hunting out of season?
They have seasons in South Africa, depending on provinces and there are proclamations each year specifying the details.
These however, are irrelevant for the majority of hunters as they are 95% plus of the time hunting on a property that has a CAE. (Certificate of Adequate Enclosure)

The CAE also changes everything about your hunt, be that bow hunting, time of day, caliber, etc., etc., etc.
It allows enormous latitude. Most of the rules that apply to "open seasons" on "open farms" do not apply.

Anyone asked to see the CAE for the property they are hunting on? Most hunters do not even know what it is.
Anyone asked for the contract giving written permission to hunt? This is the Outfitters job and the PH should know it exists. No regular hunter ever sees it or asks. (Well, some folks like me ask.)


There were minimums prescribed for Big Game hunting with original research being done by the KZN Wildlife Dept) and there are outright bans on using a bow to hunt big game in some provinces in RSA after some idiots showed up and wounded some Big Game with inadequate equipment. ie. Rhino, etc.

You are legally required to follow your PH's instructions.
95. Hunting of game by clients

(1) A client shall not hunt game unless-
(a) the hunt has been organised by a hunting-outfitter, and


EnviroLeg cc KWAZULU-NATAL Prov. p 49
(b) he is escorted by a professional hunter.

(2) A professional hunter shall take all steps necessary to ensure that his client does not hunt contrary to the provisions of this ordinance and may for this purpose issue any lawful instruction to such client.
(3) A client shall obey every instruction issued by a professional hunter in terms of subsection (2).



COMMON SENSE is the rule.

These are guidelines. (I have not read every regulation and ordinance in every province in RSA.
One regulation somewhere may prescribe a minimum but I have not found it, ever.)

africabowhunter.gif
Minimum Equipment Requirements for Bow hunting in South Africa
- Big Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 80 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 700 grain
(Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo)

- Medium Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 70 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 550 grain
(Kudu, Eland, Oryx / Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, etc.)

- Small Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 40 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 400 grain
(Warthog, Nyala, Springbok, Impala, Blesbok, Duiker, Steenbok, Ostrich, Caracal, Black-Backed Jackal, Game Birds, etc.)


I'll give you a North American comparison:
Big Game - Ask yourself if you would shoot at an Alaskan Brown bear wearing armour with the equipment you intend to use.

Medium Game - Ask yourself if you would shoot a Moose/Elk with the equipment you intend to use.

Small game- Ask yourself if you would hunt a Whitetail/Mule Deer with the equipment you intend to use.


If someone just has to look up the laws and track it down. Search "Ordinances" in the various provinces you will visit. Then call the provinces Nature Conservation office and ask for the regulations. After you become completely frustrated and have wasted large amounts of time and cash on phone calls and waiting on hold, revert back to COMMON SENSE. :)
 
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She is not confusing any US law on this deal- she came across the every section at AH.com that seems to indicate there is some requirement. As such she became concerned what she would have to do to meet these "requirements".

AH.com section does state, as you noted and me also:


africabowhunter.gif
Minimum Equipment Requirements for Bow hunting in South Africa
- Big Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 80 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 700 grain
(Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo)

- Medium Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 70 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 550 grain
(Kudu, Eland, Oryx / Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, etc.)

- Small Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 40 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 400 grain
(Warthog, Nyala, Springbok, Impala, Blesbok, Duiker, Steenbok, Ostrich, Caracal, Black-Backed Jackal, Game Birds, etc.)


I can see where she would get impression there is a requirement, as I would probably read that the same way. Brick- I agree with what you are saying and think you are also inferring the above noted are only guidelines. If so, she is just being a diligent hunter, researching before she goes and trying to be legal. Can't fault her for that :) I assume Jerome put that section together so maybe he has some insight. If indeed they are merely guidelines, then I respectfully suggest the AH section be clarified to reduce any confusion for those researching the net for info.
On a side note, I did try to read local ordinances recently posted by Jerome and found that a mind numbing 15 minutes I'll never get back :D

And maybe this is the ultimate answer as you provided :
"The CAE also changes everything about your hunt, be that bow hunting, time of day, caliber, etc., etc., etc.
It allows enormous latitude. Most of the rules that apply to "open seasons" on "open farms" do not apply."
A lot of the rules and regulations are not in effect under these circumstances.
 
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Wording is everything.
Requirement, Guideline, etc.

The CAE is the game changer on anything in RSA. Let common sense prevail and you'll all be fine.

Also, the PH being legally responsible for your direction and safety is rather large part of the deal too. It is always the fall back position. Sometimes it causes problems when people trust the PH Outfitter and they turn out to be poachers in drag, conning the unsuspecting hunter.

Admire the diligence and no disrespect intended.

............
On a side note, I did try to read local ordinances recently posted by Jerome and found that a mind numbing 15 minutes I'll never get back :D
....... .

Sharing those Ordinances was me trying to torture your guys and get some pay back. :)

It is time you will never get back. Trust me. I have read so many versions of so many laws and regulations my head spins. Not all of them, my mind goes numb too.
 
Let common sense prevail and you'll all be fine.
This could not be more true. Great info as always @BRICKBURN!

@buck wild I think it is very important for hunters to do their own research however I would also recommend this hunter to contact their Professional Hunter(s) and/or Hunting Outfitter(s) to find out about the requirements that they are after.

There are several Provincial Nature Conservation Departments with each their own legislation to control the hunting, outfitting and professional hunting industries in South Africa. Professional Hunters/Hunting Outfitters must be licensed in each province where they operate. It is important that the client checks to make sure that the operator is licensed in the province where the proposed hunt is to take place. The professional hunter is the person who physically guides a client in the hunting area in order to hunt an animal to obtain a trophy. The Professional Hunter sees to it that his client does not hunt contrary to the provisions of the law.
 
Sometimes it takes me a while to sort through the cob webs and find things in the recesses.
(By the way Norms and Standards were still under review last I heard, hence earlier comment about the law)
This is a great guideline.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2004 (ACT NO. 10 OF 2004)
No.34326 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 27 MAY 2011
NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR HUNTING METHODS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Permissible bows for bow hunting
6. The following are acceptable types of bows for bow hunting-
( a) longbow;
(b) recurve bow; and
(c) compound bow.

Minimum requirements for bow hunting
7. 1) The minimum requirements to hunt specific categories of wild or allen animals by means of
bow and arrow are the following-

a) For wild or alien animals of a small size. including gamebirds, small carnivores, hares, hyraxes,
rabbits and pygmy antelope, the-
i) kinetic energy should not be less that 30ft/lbs; and
ii) arrow weight should not be less than 300 grains;

(b) For wild or alien animals of medium size, including reedbuck, impala, blesbuck, warthog, bushpig,
springbuck and nyala, the-
i) kinetic energy should not be less that 50ft/lbs; and
ii) arrow weight should not be less than 380 grains;

(c) For wild or allen animals of large size, including wildebeest kudu, gemsbuck, zebra, waterbuck,
sable and hartebeest, the-
i) kinetic energy should not be less that 60ft/lbs; and
ii) arrow weight should not be less than 415 grains;

(d) Cape buffalo, the-
i) kinetic energy should not be less that 80 ft/lbs; and
ii) arrow weight should not be less than 750 grains; and

(e) Giraffe, the-
i) kinetic energy should not be less that 90ft/lbs; and
ii) arrow weight should not be less than 750 grains.

(2) In addition. to the requirements contemplated in sub-paragraph (1) the following conditions
apply with regards to the use of mechanical broad heads-
( a) for species contemplated In sub-paragraphs (1)(a), (1)(b) and (1)(c), 5% additional kinetic energy is
required;
(b) broad heads must have at least two cutting edges; and
(c) the minimum permitted arrow length is 50cm.
 
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Another good guide I found and used..


bow mass1.jpg
bow mass 2.jpg
 
Done and dusted. :)
 
Thanks Brickburn- you are the best !! At least I can show the one guy saying it's all bogus some facts !!! Doubt that'll change his mind though :D
 
That chart in my opinion has very heavy draw weights for recommendations. Nyala # 70 pound minimum? Black Wildebeest #70 minimum ? My wife took zebra, blue wildebeest and Kudu with a #50 bow with only 25.5 draw length and got pass throughs on all.
 
I agree jeff that was a guy guessing at weights needed with no idea of what the new bows do as far as getting the energy to the arrow. There is not a plains game animal over there that with the right arrow you need over a 70lb bow. Big 5 you may need more but I am not sure you would need over 8olb for any of them either with the right arrow and broadhead.

There is no way I would tell anyone to look at that last chart as a guide for going bow hunting in South Africa. If I did I would not be using mine this year as I have mine set at 65lbs now with a 450 grain arrow. My common sense tells me I can take anything I am hunting this trip with no problem and that also could be an eland if I see the right one.

Ask the ph if he is ok with want your taking and all should be well.
 
That chart in my opinion has very heavy draw weights for recommendations. Nyala # 70 pound minimum? Black Wildebeest #70 minimum ? My wife took zebra, blue wildebeest and Kudu with a #50 bow with only 25.5 draw length and got pass throughs on all.

I took it as KE, not draw weight of the bow.
It's just a guide. :)
When these charts are created I think they always plan for the worst case scenario. Heavy bone, crappy angle.
Like I said. COMMON SENSE. Use it, shoot your bow and have some fun.
 
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........... At least I can show the one guy saying it's all bogus some facts !!! Doubt that'll change his mind though :D


Does this come to mind?

:A Bang Head:

It sure does for me most days.
 
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That chart in my opinion has very heavy draw weights for recommendations. Nyala # 70 pound minimum? Black Wildebeest #70 minimum ? My wife took zebra, blue wildebeest and Kudu with a #50 bow with only 25.5 draw length and got pass throughs on all.

Without a doubt.

What was her KE?
 
It says just above the chart Recommended Draw Weight, not KE. I don't have the formula in from of me as I am at work, but 480 grain arrow at 198 fps and a quality cut on contact head and a bow tuned to bullet hole perfectly. It has more energy than my #60 pound recurve and I've cleanly taken elk, moose, caribou, kudu waterbuck, blue wildebeest and many smaller big game with it. Shot placement and the right broadhead for lower KE setups makes the difference.
 
It says just above the chart Recommended Draw Weight,.........
It most certainly does.

Shot placement and the right broadhead for lower KE setups makes the difference.

Every day of the week. With rifles and bows.

It is only a guide I used to relate to African game. Not a gospel. It was created some years ago, before before anyone was talking about KE. When the initial research was done everyone was on about Draw Weight. Soon to be replaced by FPS worshipers. Currently we have a focus to KE.
Things change, knowledge is gained.

Use the information as you see fit. I modified it to meet my needs and the current state of affairs. :)
 
............ Big 5 you may need more but I am not sure you would need over 8olb for any of them either with the right arrow and broadhead.
.............


After reading everything available on penetration tests on African Buffalo, not gelatin. (The actual studies that were done to allow bow hunting to occur at all in South Africa). Then reading every other bit of research and the voodoo logic many posted or published, I designed my arrows on that research and purchased limbs to increase my draw weight (84lbs) and to create the KE required (100+) to get the job done:

Extreme FOC, Double edge single blade broad head cut on contact, narrow carbon shafts with weighted tubes, with a larger diameter inserts that arrow shaft, etc, etc.
The set up was certainly adequate.
Personally, for a poor angle shot I think I was under powered after having been there and done that.

Aaron Neilson is going through the process right now of choosing a set up and there have been some long discussions about it here and elsewhere. http://www.africahunting.com/threads/penetration-test-german-kinetics-220-grain-broadhead.5663/
He is going for a much larger arrow than I had and I am looking forward to the seeing the result of his Hippo hunt. "Total arrow weight, including head (315 grain Nanook and Ashby) is roughly 1,100 grains."

Technology has changed a lot. Bows of different designs are producing incredible results that do not match old information and designs when draw weight alone was king.

 
After reading everything available on penetration tests on African Buffalo, not gelatin. (The actual studies that were done to allow bow hunting to occur at all in South Africa). Then reading every other bit of research and the voodoo logic many posted or published, I designed my arrows on that research and purchased limbs to increase my draw weight (84lbs) and to create the KE required (100+) to get the job done:

Extreme FOC, Double edge single blade broad head cut on contact, narrow carbon shafts with weighted tubes, with a larger diameter inserts that arrow shaft, etc, etc.
The set up was certainly adequate.
Personally, for a poor angle shot I think I was under powered after having been there and done that.

Aaron Neilson is going through the process right now of choosing a set up and there have been some long discussions about it here and elsewhere. http://www.africahunting.com/threads/penetration-test-german-kinetics-220-grain-broadhead.5663/
He is going for a much larger arrow than I had and I am looking forward to the seeing the result of his Hippo hunt. "Total arrow weight, including head (315 grain Nanook and Ashby) is roughly 1,100 grains."

Technology has changed a lot. Bows of different designs are producing incredible results that do not match old information and designs when draw weight alone was king.


So you did not get the results you thought with your set up or was it because of the angle. I myself would just pass on a bad angle as that makes the shot not a good one to take. I do not remember how far your arrow went in to the buff but you did get it. Not sure 5lbs less draw weight or another 6lbs of draw weight makes the results any better.

Common sense on what shot you take is what archery is all about. The draw weight now a days is one of the least important parts any more in my thinking.
 

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