TLU demands clarity on hunting regulations

Media Statement - TLU SA demands an explanation about the revised regulations published in the Government Gazette on Tuesday which prohibits interprovincial travel for hunting. The department of environment, forestry and fisheries also put an end to accommodation for hunters with the regulations. “It is utterly reckless and irrational to publish these types of regulations,” says Mr. Louis Meintjes, the president of TLU SA. “This is another economic blow for game farmers who’ve had massive losses because of the regulations during the first week of the lockdown. Our members already accepted deposits and made arrangements for hunters from other provinces who would have hunted with them. The risk for the spread of COVID-19 in remote areas, where people have little contact with each other, is minimal.”

Game farmers had to forfeit the income from international hunters this year and depended on local hunters to have at least some form of revenue during the hunting season. Now they have minimal opportunity to earn an income and keep their farms running. It will have an impact on employment as well. In April Wildlife Ranching South Africa reported that the limitations had negatively impacted 67% of all employers in the game industry. In many rural areas, the local economy depends on hunters and game farmers spending money in the town or district. It keeps the local community alive.

“We urge the department and government to explain why these regulations were revised,” says Mr. Meintjes. “Farmers are already fed up with the impact of the lockdown while government depends on them to continue with food production. The day will come when farmers cannot supply the demand anymore.”