Navigating Free Range, High Fence, Low Fence, etc...

[mark-hunter]

There is no requirement hunting in South Africa be done behind a high fence, but it does give the landowner ownership of animals on land and control of hunting and year round season. Low fence hunting is more restrictive. Shorter seasons and permits required. There are also low fence conservancies formed that give the landowners more control similar to high fence.

I am mainly guided by the following regulation, and in my limited understanding it is: no fence - no hunting on private land.
I admit there could be differences in some provinces, or possibly in some national parks, but I am not aware of actual options. One of the exemptions is hunting areas bordering Kruger np, separated by a river. I will gladly learn about any other eventual exemptions without fences in South Africa, should you have actual suggestions.

So here it is.

>>>>>
South Africa Game Theft Act of 1991 is the main law that deals with wildlife ownership in South Africa.

In a fundamental departure from most modern states where wildlife is owned and managed by the State, South Africa allows individual ownership and management of wildlife provided the land owner receives a Certificate of Adequate Enclosure (CAE).

High fencing is therefore a legal requirement in order to retain ownership of the game.

The requirements for enclosure are legally defined and vary depending on the type of animals considered.

Each Province has it owns regulation but there is a lot of commonality between the regulations. For example, the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) enacted in 2008 an Operational Guidelines of the Chief Directorate of Environmental Affairs 2008: Certificate of Adequate Enclosure & Dangerous Game Fencing Specifications. The Western Cape has a 2014 Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (see attached).

In the 2014 Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province animals are distributed in six classes and some sub classes, with different enclosure requirements.

For example:

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 9)

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 10)

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 11)

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 12)

See attached the entire Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province. As stated above each province has its own document but they are all substantially the same, although with some minor differences.

 

[375Fox]

I am mainly guided by the following regulation, and in my limited understanding it is: no fence - no hunting on private land.
I admit there could be differences in some provinces, or possibly in some national parks, but I am not aware of actual options. One of the exemptions is hunting areas bordering Kruger np, separated by a river. I will gladly learn about any other eventual exemptions without fences in South Africa, should you have actual suggestions.

So here it is.

>>>>>
South Africa Game Theft Act of 1991 is the main law that deals with wildlife ownership in South Africa.

In a fundamental departure from most modern states where wildlife is owned and managed by the State, South Africa allows individual ownership and management of wildlife provided the land owner receives a Certificate of Adequate Enclosure (CAE).

High fencing is therefore a legal requirement in order to retain ownership of the game.

The requirements for enclosure are legally defined and vary depending on the type of animals considered.

Each Province has it owns regulation but there is a lot of commonality between the regulations. For example, the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) enacted in 2008 an Operational Guidelines of the Chief Directorate of Environmental Affairs 2008: Certificate of Adequate Enclosure & Dangerous Game Fencing Specifications. The Western Cape has a 2014 Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (see attached).

In the 2014 Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province animals are distributed in six classes and some sub classes, with different enclosure requirements.

For example:
View attachment 704611

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 9)
View attachment 704612

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 10)

View attachment 704613


Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 11)

View attachment 704614

Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province (p. 12)

See attached the entire Policy on Fencing and Enclosure of Game, Predators and Dangerous Animals in the Western Cape Province. As stated above each province has its own document but they are all substantially the same, although with some minor differences.

I am not an expert on the subject, but that’s about ownership of game not hunting. High fences can give the landowner complete control of game inside their fence that meets the criteria allowing them to hunt year round and according to their own management plan and sell live game. Low fence means you will have to obtain government permits and hunt during their seasons if not designated conservancy. It’s more restrictive but legal. Also not all species are controlled. Some are always open season. You can look at crusader safaris website. They are a South African outfitter that specializes in hunting low fence areas. Nick Bowker (sponsor) advertises low fence areas in eastern cape. You can message Marius at KMG (sponsor) for low fence opportunities he can offer during the free range season in eastern cape June and July. Here is another offer from a sponsor in Limpopo.

Thread 'Free Range Mountain Hunting In Limpopo!'

Nov 5, 2024

Good day AH,

We are very excited to offer this package/hunt to you all here on AH. We are going to allow only one of these packages to be booked for 2024. This hunt will take place in the Soutpansberg mountain range. We will be hunting 100% free range game with our focus being on hunting during the Kudu rut. There is the serious possibility of running into a monster up in the hills as we never know what we may find. In 2023 went to the mountains to scout with one of our good clients and friends who is also a member of AH to test out this hunt. In just 3 days we were able to hunt a...

• BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS
• 2025 bayly sippel safaris bushbuck genet klipspringer hunting kudu hunt red duiker hunting white tailed mongoose
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Deals & offers

• 
• 

 

[375Ruger416]

My first African hunt was with Kowa’s Safari’s in Namibia. They hunt on 400,000 acres with widely spaced low fences and high fences along the main road to prevent traffic accidents. Imagine hitting an eland at night…. I highly recommend them and they are also a forum sponsor. I have a hunt report on here somewhere.

In fact, I am going back with wife, my children and my parents for a 5 day plains game hunt followed by a tour of Namibia and Botswana ending in Victoria falls. They have a wonderful operation and are great people. I could happily hunt with them every year for the rest of my life though I do have the urge to see other places. Lots of other good forum sponsors in Namibia.

 

[Rare Breed]

Thanks my friends. To the OP look at the actual experience you have received from their own hunts versus just opinion. My last advice is be careful painting with a broad brush. I have had great SA hunts with fences but very large areas and my last three very large non fenced areas but heavy villager presence with all that carries with it. As long as it is not a put & take outfitter you should enjoy the experience. If it is your very first hunt it is hard to beat either @game4Africa or @Fronteer Safaris both on Eastern cape for your first safari