SA HUNTERS: MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

The SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (commonly known as SA Hunters) represents the interests of wildlife custodians, game ranchers, conservationists, responsible hunters, sport shooters, and firearm owners.

It was established in 1949 to promote responsible hunting and conservation of game species and their habitats. Since then, it has grown to become the largest hunting and conservation association in southern Africa and the biggest single organisation representing the wildlife sector, with a paid-up membership of more than 42 000 members in 81 branches across South Africa.

The SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association encourages an integrated and sensible approach to biodiversity and conservation, mindful of its role as a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainable rural development. To this effect, the Association conducts relevant research, develops models, and facilitates processes and programmes in support of sustainable conservation, responsible wildlife utilisation, and integrated rural economic development programmes to the benefit of people and wildlife.

SPECIFIC BENEFITS FOR EXTENSIVE WILDLIFE AREAS 1. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

• SA Hunters has representation on

the following forums:

- The national Wildlife Management Forum established by the Minister of Environmental Affairs to facilitate engagement between government and national organisations in the wildlife sector – dealing with international and national policy, legislation and wildlife-related programmes, including amongst others, CITES quotas, TOPS, Leopard and Rhino Norms and Standards, Game Meat Regulations. - Provincial Wildlife Forums – dealing with provincial wildlife matters, including legislation, proclamations and permits.

- The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – the biggest international conservation organisation, currently responding on 128 motions that have been tabled for the World Congress to be held in June 2020, France.

- The national Wildlife Poison Prevention Working Group and Lead Task Team – developing strategies to reduce

the prevalence and impact of wildlife poisoning incidents. - Species-specific national working groups and platforms on lion, vultures, cycads, rhino, threatened succulents and ground hornbills.

- African Wildlife Consultative Forum – international platform for conservation and hunting organisations in Africa to collaborate on responsible and sustainable wildlife utilisation.

- OPHAA (Operators and Professional Hunting Associations of Africa) – concerned with promoting legal and responsible fair-chase hunting in Africa.

• The SAHGCA participates in the following national initiatives:

- Development of a green certification system for the wildlife sector.

- Growing the wildlife economy of South Africa. - Development of wildlife economy nodes (a concept developed by the Organisation that is now adopted as a national strategy to grow the wildlife economy in SA). - Development of the National Elephant Conservation Strategy.

- BIOFIN – a government initiative working on the financing of biodiversity and development of incentives for conservation contribution, including looking at the role of game farmers and extensive wildlife areas under management of the private sector.

- SA Tourism Grading Council – engagement specifically with regards to promoting responsible hunting destinations.

- Ministerial high-level panel to review policies, legislation and practices related to elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros.

- SA Hunters filed a High Court review application against the Department of Agriculture and its Registrar of Animal Improvement due to their lack of consultation with affected parties before listing certain wildlife species as landrace breeds under the Animal Improvement Act. 2. RESPONSIBLE FIREARM OWNERSHIP AND USE

(FOR INDIVIDUALS, WILDLIFE SECURITY, HUNTING AND FIELD GUIDING).

• Accredited with the SAPS as a hunting, sport shooting and professional hunting association, which authorises it to grant and administer dedicated hunter status, dedicated sport shooter status and professional hunter status. • Have and will continue to represent the rights of members to own firearms. • Support with firearm licensing matters.

• Endorsements for firearm license applications issued within 24 hours.

• Dedicated status issued within 48 hours after completion of the appropriate training and receipt of properly completed application and supporting documentation.

• Partnership with the Southern African Wildlife College that offers training for approaching and hunting dangerous game. OTHER BENEFITS

• Memorandums of understanding (MoU) and partnerships with government and other conservation organisations to promote conservation. • Conservation programmes throughout South Africa. • Youth development initiatives.

• Online access to issue and print permits for transportation of wild pig meat in collaboration with Veterinary Services.

• Co-ownership of HuntEx (the biggest hunting, game and outdoor exhibition in Africa). • Co-ownership of two magazines – SA JAGTER/HUNTER and Man Magnum.

• Due to the size of SA Hunters, it has leverage to negotiate discounts on purchases for a number of products from identified suppliers, including any new Toyota vehicles through MyBonus membership and benefits. • SA Hunters also has agreements with a range of different suppliers to make certain products available to members at defined discounted prices. • Easy online access for members to manage their personal profiles (shooting scores, achievements, activity log, etc.) at SAHGCA via the web or our Android/Apple App. • Dedicated full-time personnel in conservation, hunting, training and development, branch and member aspects, and a firearms help-line. SERVICES AT BRANCH LEVEL

• Monthly meetings at branch level, as well as social activities for the youth.

• The Association has access to more than 90 certified shooting ranges all over South Africa where members have the opportunity to practice and improve their proficiency in firearm use and shot placement. • Monthly shooting days to practice shooting skills with competitions at branch, regional and national level. • All branches offer dedicated hunter and sport shooter training towards achieving dedicated status, which is a requirement in terms of the Firearms Control Act for anyone wishing to own more than four firearms.

TRAININGFORRANGEOFFICERS.

• Each branch with its own culture where like-minded members meet and enjoy branch activities

• Shooting competitions at: • Branch level; • regional level (81 branches divided in 15 regions) with the aim for participants to qualify for national competitions in hunting-based and sport shooting competitions; • national level and • international level in certain shooting disciplines.

* Please contact SA Hunters at 012-808-9300 or 0861-724-868 for membership enquiries, e-mail admin@sahunt.co.za or visit their website www.sahunter.co.za for more information. f