South African Pigeon Shoot
Shoot · South Africa · 40 followers
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Bloemfontein is the "pigeon capital" of South Africa. You will be entertained by hot-barrelled pigeon and dove shooting over sunflower fields, testing the abilities of most respected guns. Rock pigeons have been referred to as the “most challenging gamebird in the world” by many international sportsmen. Here the seasoned wingshooter’s shooting talents will be tested to the ultimate, while novice shooters will have ample opportunities to hone their shotgun skills and improve their shooting ability. Thousands of pigeons and doves commute, twice daily, between the city and the ripening sunflower fields in the surrounding district. It is here where sportsmen ambush from blinds, these humbling game birds under their flight paths first the incoming flight to the fields and thereafter the outgoing flight from the fields back to their roosts. Pigeon shooting is hot barrel action, and guns can fire 200 to 400 shots per day, even more on a great day. Pigeons may be shot throughout the year, but the best time is from end of March to beginning of June. Days can be spiced up with some opportunistic pursuing of Guineafowl, Francolin and Orange River Partridge during the open season (15 May through Aug). Transportation to the shooting areas will be by means of 4WD vehicles. April & May you can add decoyed Wildfowl to this trip.
Hospitality
The trip price includes meals and lodging in a comfortable Moroccan styled lodge and typical South African cuisine. Snacks and beverages are served during the day. Some alcoholic beverages are included. One night's supper at the local pub (additional to the trip price) to give guns a feel of the local Afrikaner vibe in town.
Topography
The plains of the Freestate is known for its flat topography, and never ending grasslands. The grasslands are interspersed with Sunflower and Maize/Corn fields, some in access of 500 hectares, that attract millions of Pigeons and doves from afar.
Conservation Efforts
Pigeons and doves are considered agricultural pests as they consume and squander a vast percentage of the annual national sunflower crop. The damage the estimated 7 million pigeons just around Bloemfontein cause annually is quantified in eight digit figures, something unimaginable to the uninformed public. By adding value in terms of concession fees paid to landowners and curbing the population increase to some extent, Karoo Wingshooting lessens some of the impact these birds have on sunflower yields. Additionally, excess shot birds are an important protein supplement to the impoverished local communities in the district. For them sharing in the spoils of the day is the only fresh protein their families will receive and is looked upon as a god sent.
About the hosts
Tim van Heerden owns and operates Karoo Wingshooting (PTY) Ltd as a wing shooting only outfit in South Africa. Although based in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, aptly named the "Gem of the Karoo", the company offers game bird shooting in contrastingly different geographical areas all around South Africa, offering a diversely different array of species . Tim is also the driving force behind the Eastern Cape Wing Shooters Forum. He is renowned for his diplomacy, perseverance and attention to detail.
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