Voorsit: Looking Ahead
A method as old as hunting itself…
EV ERYS EASON ,G AME is hunted in South Africa by way of voorsit, the Afrikaans reference to a system whereby game is driven into the predetermined shooting arc of hunters sitting hidden in the veld. Thi s met hod is generally used in the more open terrain types such as in the Karoo, Free State, Northern Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape where traditional walk-andstalk methods are difficult or when a group of hunters must be accommodated.
My first voorsit was on a farm near Luckhoff in the southern Free State. I was one of a group who were individually placed at preselected positions on low ridges and rocky koppies. We used natural cover to remain hidden and our quarry was limited to blesbuck rams and black wildebeest bulls. Farm labourers on horseback and on foot drove the animals into the areas where the hunters were positioned.
This is an ideal method for landowners wanting to accommodate a large
away. As I was still settling in, my rifle was propped up against a branch. This ram was the last game animal I saw that day... I learned my lesson, and on several hunts since then I’ve taken game within 30 minutes of my arrival at the spot, simply by getting ready without delay.
On voorsit hunts, allocating a specific arc of fire to each hunter is essential to ensure shots are not fired in the direction of others in the party. Any animal outside of your allocated shooting area is strictly off-limits.
A RANGEFINDER IS a great help. As soon as possible after you’ve settled in, determine the distances to certain objects such as bushes, trees and rocks within your arc of fire. This enables you to ascertain when approaching animals are within your practical shooting range; it obviates time wasted trying to range them on the move, and also renders hold-over judgement quick and easy. As most voorsit hunts take place in open country, it’s a good idea to zero your rifle at an appropriate distance, say, 150 or 200m, rather than the usual 100m ‘bushveld’ range.
Voorsit also provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and study nature up close, or simply to relax. I know of hunters who read while waiting – looking up every few seconds to scan the surroundings. I have taken beautiful photos of springbuck, duiker and steenbuck, insects and birds while waiting. Often, you can hear a herd approaching before it comes into view, giving you ample opportunity to be ready over your shooting sticks.
On occasion, I’ve had game halt a mere 40 or 50m from my position. Unfortunately, these close encounters often involved herds of closely bunched animals, rendering a shot too risky due to the possibility of over-penetration wounding a second animal. However, this makes for exciting moments long remembered.
DON’T BE TEMPTED to stretch your shots beyond your proven ability. A steady, comfortable shooting position can lure you into thinking a springbuck at 325m is doable, but if he takes a step forward just as you squeeze the trigger, you’ll have a gutshot animal disappearing over the horizon while you are not permitted to vacate your position. Likewise, I do not recommend head shots, as the margin for error is too small; the slightest movement of the animal’s head as you fire can result in a shot through the jaw or muzzle. A wounded animal must be called in, bringing the entire party’s hunt to a close while a follow-up is carried out – you will not be popular. Stay within distances at which you are fully confident of clean, sure kills.
On arrival at the farm, determine the landowner’s requirements regarding field-dressing. Most meat hunters want to bleed and gut their game immediately upon shooting it, and to drag it under shade. Some landowners allow this if it falls reasonably close to your shooting position, but not if it falls 200m out, as this could put you at risk. Others prefer all gutting to be done at the slaughterhouse.
Radio communication with the organiser/s of the hunt is important in case something goes wrong. We all enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted hunt, away from it all, but if there is no cellphone reception, a radio can save lives in the event of an emergency. Also, if the landowner wants to move you to a better position, he can give you a heads-up to start packing up for the move.
Over the years, voorsit hunting has afforded me quality time with my sons, creating unique opportunities to teach them about nature and animal behaviour. During the last day of a week-long family hunt near Bray in the Molopo, my eldest and I waited at a spot with a good view of the surrounding area which was known to be frequented by warthogs. A herd of kudu cows appeared about 200m from our position, and it was soon apparent that they were grazing slowly in the direction of a nearby cattle trough for a late afternoon drink. We remained motionless and during the next hour, the cows grazed to within 30m of us, finally followed by a magnificent bull. In the final moments, the bull stood about 20m away staring directly at us for about 15 seconds (it felt like 15 minutes), before instinctively fleeing. By that time, we’d had plenty of opportunity to quietly discuss shot placements at various angles and distances.
Many consider a flat-shooting cartridge as the only choice for voorsit hunting. In my opinion, almost any calibre will serve, as long as you’re willing to wait for the animal to get within range of the limitations set by your cartridge, bullet weight and your shooting skills.
Over the years, voorsit hunting has afforded me quality time with my sons, creating unique opportunities to teach them about nature and animal behaviour