Black Mamba

[TR.]

I was told by a previous P.H that we could hunt black mambas in S.A no problem. We even spoke to the taxidermist and he said he would mount it. But after doing some research it appears to be highly illegal in all parts of Africa? Can anyone chime in on this as I would love to get one anywhere in africa if legal.

 

[375Fox]

Shooting one and exporting one will likely be two very different things. There are pythons on legal quota in Cameroon and Uganda, but I’ve never heard of officially legally taking a black mamba.

 

[TR.]

I’m not really interested in exporting it, I have a hunting show so the legality is my main concern

 

[EliBarnett]

I was told by a previous P.H that we could hunt black mambas in S.A no problem. We even spoke to the taxidermist and he said he would mount it. But after doing some research it appears to be highly illegal in all parts of Africa? Can anyone chime in on this as I would love to get one anywhere in africa if legal.

I would definitely verify this with the wildlife authority before relying on what a PH or taxidermist says. Snake regulations can vary by country and even by province, and protected species lists and permit requirements can change.


If someone is offering it as a legal hunt, I would ask them to show you the actual permit requirements and which authority issues the permit before booking anything. I would also confirm separately whether the skin or mounted specimen can legally be exported and imported back home.


I would not assume that because a taxidermist is willing to mount one that taking the snake itself is legal. Those are two different issues. If you find a place that can document everything properly, I would be interested to hear what country and outfitter it ends up being.

 

[farmer_john]

I’m not really interested in exporting it, I have a hunting show so the legality is my main concern

Thats cool what is your channel?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Black mamba is not on CITES list and is "of least concern" internationally. Jump through a few hoops and the skins can be imported to US or Canada. I cannot imagine any jurisdiction in Eastern Africa with black mamba populations restricting killing them (except maybe Kenya which doesn't allow hunting anything). There are areas in western Africa where black mamba populations are "suspected" and might be protected. Similar to any other trophy importation, the skins need to be approved as sanitized and proof of where harvested and legality. I wonder if they are even on any RSA trophy fee list?

 

[vati]

It is illegal to kill, capture, or harm wild snakes in South Africa. Snakes are protected under provincial nature conservation ordinances and environmental laws, and killing them without can lead to criminal fines or imprisonment.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Unless there is an immediate threat from a venomous snake. Which is how I think some "get around" it.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

It is illegal to kill, capture, or harm wild snakes in South Africa. Snakes are protected under provincial nature conservation ordinances and environmental laws, and killing them without can lead to criminal fines or imprisonment.

Interesting.

 

[TR.]

It doesn’t have the be SA I am willing to travel anywhere for a mamba. Also will add some big stuff to make it worth while for the outfitter (finishing my dangerous 7). So if anyone thinks they can make this happen please message me.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

And how do you plan on harvesting your mamba? A word of warning: When I was young and much less smart than I am now, I shot the only rattler I've yet encountered while hunting deer in eastern Montana (1964 to 2025). Lucky a piece of flying gravel didn't take out an eye. My ears are still ringing. I think that rattler beat the first astronauts to the moon by a couple of years.

 

[TR.]

And how do you plan on harvesting your mamba? A word of warning: When I was young and much less smart than I am now, I shot the only rattler I've yet encountered while hunting in eastern Montana (1964 to 2025). Lucky a piece of flying gravel didn't take out an eye. My ears are still ringing. I think that rattler beat the first astronauts to the moon by a couple of years.

A shotgun from a truck while overlooking a burning sugar cane field is what crosses my mind

 

[mrbrandonlarson]

a flamethrower is the only acceptable means of harvesting a black mamba!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

A shotgun from a truck while overlooking a burning sugar cane field is what crosses my mind

Ah ... and here I was thinking your show was about risking death. Just kidding. Definitely wear ear protection if you're shooting directly into the ground. Probably a 410 or 28 gauge would be the ticket but you might have trouble finding one of those or ammo over there. Let us know how it works out.

 

[TR.]

Surely someone can figure something out. I have seen probably 20 of them posted on here from a long time ago. But it might be easier to claim those were defensive when it’s not being filmed like mine will be.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

a flamethrower is the only acceptable means of harvesting a black mamba!

Well, that would certainly add some colorful flare to the show. Just one color though.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Surely someone can figure something out. I have seen probably 20 of them posted on there from a long time ago. But it might be easier to claim those were defensive when it’s not being filmed like mine will be.

It's like brown hyena. Not supposed to shoot them but when they start hanging around sheep ... they just seem to disappear. Damn space aliens have an appetite for them.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I suppose it would not be hard to stage a "defensive" kill while supposedly hunting something else. The risk is someone associated with producing the broadcast ratting you out. More than one famous North American influencer has been brought down by disgruntled staff exposing their poaching antics.