The Legal Side

Hunting in Namibia is allowed only under the guidance of a registered hunting guide, master hunting guide or professional hunter. All categories of guides can only register with the authorities after passing a theoretical exam and completing a practical proficiency test. The examinations are set by the government. Big game can only be hunted under the guidance of a professional hunter with a registered big game licence. The same applies to bow-hunting. Hunting guides/professional hunters must obtain a bow hunting licence to be able to guide bow-hunters. Hunting guides can only offer hunting on one registered hunting farm. Master hunting guides are allowed to hunt on three registered hunting farms. Professional hunters can hunt anywhere in the country subject to the permission of its owners and legal requirements. Outfitters are not separately licensed and/or registered in Namibia but can only offer hunting under guidance of a professional hunter. Hand-gun hunting is not legal in Namibia. Neither is night time hunting. The law prescribes that hunting be performed from half hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

The Hunting Grounds

Privately-owned hunting farms, guest farms and safari lodges. Hunting establishments can be registered with the authorities only after they have complied with accommodation standards and wildlife requirements. Concessions to hunt on communal land are given to professional hunters by communal leaders, only after the land has been registered as a conservancy. Concessions to hunt on state-owned land are sold to professional hunters by the government.

Quotas

Namibia is a signatory to CITES (The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The government applies for a CITES quota for various animals on a yearly basis.

What Weapon To Use?

Minimum muzzle energy as prescribed by law is as follows:

a) 5.400 joules - Buffalo

b) 2.700 joules - Animals such as eland, kudu, gemsbok, wildebeest, hartebeest etc.

c) 1.350 joules - Springbok and smaller.

For categories b) and c) no solids may be used.

Generally a minimum of 7x64 or 30.06 is advisable for plain game hunt and a 375,H&H or 458. for buffalo and elephant. Prior to the hunt it is imperative that a prospective hunting client obtains detailed information from his operator on which weapon to use for the animals he/she intends to hunt. Hunting rifles, shot guns and bows can be temporarily imported into Namibia. Revolvers, pistols and automatics are not allowed. Permits are issued by the police at the port of entry. Importation of 80 rounds of ammunition per rifle is permitted.

Fauna

The Authorities

Complaints against unethical hunting and/or business practice by operators can be reported to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

The Association can obviously only effectively investigate complaints against registered members.