Free-range hunting refers to an adventure where a hunter hounds and kills a wild animal for meat and enjoyment. Many African conservancies have packages that tourists can purchase to be part of this memorable adventure.
Bow Hunting Free Range Animals in Conservancies
A few conservancies allow hunters to use a bow and an arrow to hunt down herbivorous wild animals. However, this is common in conservancies with no dangerous predators, like lions and cheetahs.
Big Game Free Range Hunting in South Africa
Countries such as Mozambique support African big game hunting to control the population of wild animals, such as buffalos, elephants and lions. Generally, the hunters use guns to hunt as these animals are agile and dangerous.
How Does Free Range Hunting Affect Tourism?
It attracts international tourists.
Foreigners derive pleasure from participating in these safaris, as they get to see the Big Five. In the process, the host country gets foreign revenue, which they can use to develop infrastructure or support wildlife conservancies.
Introduces a balance
An increase in the number of predators can lead to the extinction of animals like antelopes. As a result, it can negatively affect tourism as fewer foreigners will troop the country to see wild animals.
Therefore, many countries support controlled hunting safaris, particularly in December or New Year.
Sweet dishes
Free-range hunters take game meat to the conservancy’s hotel for preparation. Therefore, tourists can enjoy well-fried deer, antelope, or buffalo meat.
Backs conservancy efforts
Free-range hunting helps all conservancy owners make money from the fees the tourists fork out. Therefore, they empower them to take better care of all the wild animals to fight illegal poaching.
Is Free Range Hunting Fun for the Tourists?
Sharpshooting
Tourists enjoy watching hunters aim at an animal a few miles from them and hit it. Most of these hunters have vast experience and thus have impeccable shooting skills.
Thrilling views
Travelers also love the picturesque views as they drive through the conservancy with some hunters, particularly during the daytime. The management allows tourists to take pictures or videos to memorialize this adventure.
Fulfillment
Travelers derive a reasonable sense of satisfaction from this adventure as they contribute to conservation efforts.
Closing Thoughts
Hunters must get a permit to participate in free-range hunting in many countries, such as South Africa. Therefore, the government controls these safaris to ensure they do not risk the existence of particular animal species.