Free Ranging Game Question

[cbmcgee34]

Hey all,

Relatively greenhorn Africa hunter here (one trip under my belt in the eastern cape). I have a question, is there any kind of game that fences completely don't effect whatsoever? I realize that the massive swaths of high fence acreage on South African ranches are basically free range, but I still like the idea that the game can escape if needed. Would love to hear yall's take.

 

[JimP]

Most of the high fences in SA are to keep poachers out, not game.

I doubt that most of the animals in the main farms that I have hunted have ever seen the high fence, the farms are that large.

 

[wesheltonj]

There are some low fence operations in RSA & Namibia. I would not concern myself with high fences unless the property is small.

Every year, I watch the white-tail jump a high fence (8 feet) into an irrigated pasture and Exotics jump high fences to graze on the other side. I can assure you 8 foot fence is nothing for a Kudu.

 

[375Fox]

Yes, but it’s a complex answer. Typically many try to downplay the fence. A landowner isn’t going to invest in different species and better genetics if they can simply jump over the fence at will. They are going to build and maintain the fence for the species they want to control. For example, If good quality kudu are widespread in the area then the landowner doesn’t have a reason to hold them in. If the landowner added big bulls for trophies and better genetics compared to neighbors he does. The only trophy species I’d really consider able to reliably pass through fences would be warthogs, bushpigs, bushbuck, small antelope. A big eland bull will jump a high fence if they want. A lot of species can be held in by a well maintained low fence but could be considered free range with a less intensive low fence or higher wires they can crawl under. A kudu will jump any low or medium fence with ease, but a blue wildebeest can’t. If you want to hunt a certain way talk to outfitters about how you want to hunt certain regions should stand out. However, some are fully honest and many aren’t because competition is high. High fences and readily available game creates the opportunity to tell half truths for better marketing. The fences are used to hold game in and establish private ownership and most game does not have the ability to move freely by design. Go to a place like Limpopo where nearly every farm big and small is high fenced and look at the differences in impala genetics (as an easy example) from one farm to the next then look at the grass from one farm to the next and grass along side road during a drought.

 

[318AE]

Bushbuck are really hard to keep in, especially along the riverine thickets….

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Fences don't mean much to warthogs. I'm told waterbuck bulls will tear up high fence if they have a mind to get through. Giraffe can also destroy them. Kudu can jump 8' fences. Leopards climb over them (it's why some game fences are electrified at top. For those in North Anerica who haven't experienced Africa, the game fences do not contain barbed wire. That could damage the capes of trophy game. Instead, the high fences are numerous strands of straight wire often only inches apart. Very high maintenance.

 

[Tbitty]

Hey all,

Relatively greenhorn Africa hunter here (one trip under my belt in the eastern cape). I have a question, is there any kind of game that fences completely don't effect whatsoever? I realize that the massive swaths of high fence acreage on South African ranches are basically free range, but I still like the idea that the game can escape if needed. Would love to hear yall's take.

Specific to your question, Baboons and Warthogs are game animals notoriously impervious to fences.
As others have noted, many more animals like Eland or Kudu, can jump fences easily, though most times they won't unless necessary or driven to do so. And some others like bushbuck and small animals may go under/through the fence.

I think the best advice I can give is for the hunter to decide what's critical to themselves to enjoy the hunt. Price, land size, fences, trophy age/size/look, and any other factors you can think of, then find an outfit that suits your preferences.

 

[mark-hunter]

I have a question, is there any kind of game that fences completely don't effect whatsoever?

Leopard, baboon.
Warthog digs a hole under the fence, and other smaller animals follow him. Jackal, for example.
Elephants go through the fence as they wish

 

[375Fox]

Fences don't mean much to warthogs. I'm told waterbuck bulls will tear up high fence if they have a mind to get through. Giraffe can also destroy them. Kudu can jump 8' fences. Leopards climb over them (it's why some game fences are electrified at top. For those in North Anerica who haven't experienced Africa, the game fences do not contain barbed wire. That could damage the capes of trophy game. Instead, the high fences are numerous strands of straight wire often only inches apart. Very high maintenance.

I’ve seen a number of fences with barbed wire at top. I’d assume both for game and people. It also adds some height.

 

[mark-hunter]

I've seen goats in small fence, very tall. With razor wire on top.
I asked, 'Why do you keep goats in a fence with razor wire?'
A guy told me, to keep baboons out! Baboons kill and take my goats!

 

[BryceM]

Elephants and rhinos can be fenced, but not with regular wire strand. Baboons just climb it. Warthogs go under. Kudus can jump high fence easily enough when pushed or even when looking for love. Eland and gemsbok get through. Giraffe will usually stay inside, but if pushed or wounded can knock over most high fence. Small game doesn’t care (birds, etc). I’ve heard it said that “Nobody really owns a kudu.”

 

[Pablo]

20 years ago in the Thabazimbi area, my PH and I witnessed 2 young kudu bulls fold up and go through a high fence. It was an amazing thing to see.

 

[Safari Dave]

Warthog
Baboon
Leopard


I saw a gemsbok run through a high fence like it wasn't even there.