Wingshooting Safari

Apart from superb Wildlife trophy hunting, Southern Africa offers some of the world's finest wing shooting. The diverse habitat, ranging from barren windswept mountains, down to sub-tropical low-lying wetlands, provides for the largest variety of gamebirds available in the country. Whether it be for the collector of specific gamebird species, or the avid wing shooter seeking the ultimate bird hunting experience, our premier wing shooting areas provide for all enthusiasts. 

 

Although we outfit wing shooting safaris in neighboring countries, the superb infrastructure, availability of ammunition, and the variety and number of gamebirds makes Southern Africa the ultimate destination. Bird hunting seasons vary from area to area, but generally March through to September are the prime months. The beginning of the season provides for some of the finest hot barrel pigeon shooting in the world. As we utilise some of our trophy hunting concessions for wing shooting, accommodation varies from classic tented camps to exclusive luxurious lodges. This also ensures that during these bird hunts some superb game viewing is on hand. There is nothing quite like sharing a campfire with the roar of lions completing the true African experience.

The variety of bird species available ensure a varied wing shooting experience. In our northern areas, huge flocks of helmeted Guinea Fowl are found - and driven shoots, reminiscent of grouse shoots in Scotland, are the norm. Seven species of Francolin, including the extremely challenging Greywing are found in the vast mountains of the Eastern Cape above 6,000 feet; and are hunted over well trained pointers. Waterfowl, of which there are 12 different species, including the huge Spurwing Goose, are mostly shot from blinds and over decoys. For some really hot barrel shooting, nothing can beat the immense flocks of pigeons and doves shot over sunflower or cornfields.

Wing shooting safaris are tailored to suit each group's specific requirements and can include photographic, sight seeing, and plains game trophy hunting, these can all be added to vary the itinerary and cater for non-hunting companions. Due to the different wing shooting options and species, emphasis is placed on variety rather than quantity. However, early season hunts often see some really big bags.

Each wing shooting group will be provided with a Professional Hunter together with a complete back-up of staff and vehicles. We strongly recommend the use of 12 Guage shotguns, as ammunition is readily available.
Should you prefer to use a 20 Guage, ample prior notice is required for us to provide sufficient ammunition which will be supplied at a cost of Euro/$15 per box.
Although we suggest a minimum of four hunters to plan an effective safari, we do cater for smaller, more exclusive groups. As with all other hunts, you will be met at the commercial airport closest to the hunting area.
Alternatively, a charter flight can be arranged directly into camp. Daily rates are fully inclusive of all meals, drinks, accommodation, transport, guides and full back-up staff.

Wing shooting season starts from March going through to September.

Firearms and Ammunition

We recommend you bring your own Shotguns. (However, shotguns can be hired by prior arrangement.) On entry you will be issued with a temporary import firearm permit. Upon your arrival in camp, you practice with limited clay pigeon shooting. Suitable rifle ranges with solid shooting benches are available. Prior to your departure from home, be sure to practice with your chosen firearms so you are at ease with their features and operation. Approximately 60 rounds of the relevant ammunition is recommended, which includes sighting.

THE BIRDS

A brief history of Clarens

Established in 1912 on two farms Naauwpoort and Liliehoek, Clarens was officially proclaimed a town in 1913 and unlike today Clarens was then a sleepy hollow that consisted of a few sandstone buildings and a general dealers. The road that brings you in to Clarens from Bethlehem passes through Naauwpoort Nek and is probably best know for the battle between Paul Kruger ‘s commando and the Basotho in September of 1865, after the attack and the murder of a small group of Trek Boers from the Transvaal near to present day Harrismith, the Transvaal Republic decided to send Paul Kruger and 400 men to punish those responsible. After pursuing the Basotho from present day Witsieshoek through the Golden gate on the afternoon of the 28th of September it was decided to laager on the North side of Naauwpoort Nek , very close to the present day site of Clarens, around 3am on the 29th under cover of darkness the Basotho under the leadership of Lesoena and Slangaal attacked the sleeping Boers and managed to kill 5 of them in the initial onslaught. The valley was part of Lesotho but after the Basotho wars ended in 1969 it became part of the “conquered territory” like large tracts of land bordering Lesotho.

The land was then sold to those men who had fought in the Basotho wars , some of the farms title deeds date back as far as 1870 and decedents of original owners still live and farm in the valley. Farm names to keep your eye out for as you drive towards Golden Gate, Bethlehem or Fouriesburg are Craigrosse, Clifton, Schaaplaats, Kromdraai, Dunblane, Madrid, De Molen, Bokpoort and Damascus to name a few. On the 16th of December 1895 residents of the Caledon valley came from far and wide to erect a monument where the 5 Burghers had been killed and on the 9th of November 1962 as part of Clarens Jubilee celebrations it was moved to presidents square and unveiled by the then State president Mr. Charles Roberts Swart where it still stands to this day. To honour the contribution that Paul Kruger made to the valley it was decided by the founding fathers in 1912 to name the new village Clarens after the town in Switzerland where Paul Kruger died in 1904. During the second Boer war Surrender hill - 15kms form Clarens on the Fouriesburg road is where General Prinsloo and 4300 Boer men (mostly Free State Burghers) handed themselves over to General Archibald Hunter on the 29th of June 1900. Most of the men including many locals where sent to Prison camps in either Bermuda or Ceylon, although a few where imprisoned on the island of St Helena.

During the war, Boer women and Children hid in caves and lived most of the war hiding from British troops sent to find them, had they been caught they would have been sent to Concentration camps set up by the British in an attempt to the get the Boer soldiers to stop fighting and thereby ending the war, there are many reminders some plain to see others hidden of those times and a drive in the Caledon valley will reveal some of those treasures.