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Zambia: All About Hunting and Fishing – News, Forum

Zambia: All About Hunting and Fishing – News, Forum

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Dusk Till Dawn in Lion Country: Prime Hunting Seasons, Events, Tactics for Matabeleland North's Big Game

Hunting Regulations and Seasonal Framework in Matabeleland North The official hunting season in Matabeleland North runs from 1 April to 31 October, strictly regulated by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). Unlike southern regions, this province's Kalahari sandveld ecosystem permits extended leopard hunting until 15 November in designated concessions due to unique predator patterns. The 2023 wildlife reforms introduced mandatory camera trap verification for all lion hunts and reduced elephant quotas by 30% in Hwange buffer zones. Special provisions allow year-round problem animal control for buffalo damaging crops in the Binga district, requiring daily GPS reports to ranger stations. The region's teak forests and fossil riverbeds create micro-seasons, with early season (April-May) optimal for tracking along dry river systems. Game Availability and Peak Hunting Windows Matabeleland North offers three distinct hunting zones: Hwange periphery (elephant/lion), Zambezi valley (buffalo/leopard), and Tsholotsho grasslands (sable/roan). Prime time for elephant is July-September when bulls follow ancient trails to waterholes. The province hosts the Zambezi Lion Conservation Hunt every August, combining trophy hunting with population monitoring. Unlike Matabeleland South, this region permits limited eland hunting (June-August) in specified areas due to migration patterns. Historical data shows sable are most visible in October when they move into open grasslands to feed on fresh shoots after first rains. Protected Species and Hunting Restrictions in Matabeleland North Absolute bans protect rhino, wild dog, and cheetah. Female sable with calves and elephant breeding herds are strictly protected. The 1 November - 31 March closure safeguards breeding seasons, with additional restrictions on kudu hunting during December fawning. Temporary bans were enacted in 2022 for leopard hunting in Hwange corridors after a rabies outbreak. All hunters must use .375 H&H or larger for dangerous game and non-toxic shot within 15km of Zambezi River. The province enforces unique no-night-driving rules in hunting areas to prevent disturbance. Licensing and Operational Requirements Foreign hunters must obtain Matabeleland North Conservation Permits through licensed operators, costing $15,000-$60,000 depending on species. Required documents include: Zimbabwe police firearm endorsement, proof of previous lion hunting experience, and $200,000 medical evacuation coverage. The province mandates two professional guides for all lion hunts and satellite communication devices in remote areas. Unique to this region is the tusk/horn sealing system requiring ZPWMA officials to implant microchips within 6 hours of harvest. Mandatory checkpoints operate at Victoria Falls, Dete, and Binga. Penalty System for Violations Fines reach $150,000 for rhino-related offenses with lifetime hunting bans. In 2021, a Botswana outfitter received permanent license revocation for baiting lions outside season. The province employs mounted anti-poaching units that conduct surprise camp inspections. All vehicles are subject to ammunition registry checks - any mismatch between declared and carried rounds incurs automatic $10,000 fines. The use of electronic callers for leopard hunting is strictly prohibited. Tactical Considerations for Matabeleland North Hunts Hwange elephant hunts require .500 Nitro Express for close-range work in thick mopane. Zambezi buffalo pursuits demand .458 Lott for charging bulls in riverine thickets. Tsholotsho sable hunting calls for 7mm Rem Mag with 160gr bullets for 300-yard shots across open plains. Unique to this region is the anthill observation method - guides use ancient termite mounds as natural vantage points at dawn. Always pack spare rifle scopes - the Kalahari dust damages optics faster than other Zimbabwean regions. The Zambezi Lion Heritage Program (August-September) stands as the province's premier conservation hunting event, where strictly limited lion tags are allocated to fund anti-poaching units and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Participants work alongside wildlife biologists to collar prides and collect DNA samples, with mandatory attendance at daily briefings on population dynamics. The event's unique scoring system rewards ethical shot placement and data contribution equally with trophy quality. For dangerous game enthusiasts, the Binga Buffalo Challenge (July-October) combines traditional tracking with modern conservation, requiring hunters to: Document herd structures through camera traps Collect tick fever samples from harvested bulls Participate in community fencing projects Evening "boss measuring" ceremonies at Manjolo Camp feature traditional Ndebele storytelling and trophy evaluations by ZPWMA-certified scorers. The Kalahari Sable Classic (October) transforms the Tsholotsho grasslands into Africa's most exclusive antelope hunting grounds, featuring: Helicopter-assisted tracking of mature bulls Traditional tracking demonstrations by San bushmen Mandatory grassland regeneration participation All harvested sable undergo horn measurement and genetic sampling for the Zimbabwe Wildlife Database.

Dusk Till Dawn in Lion Country: Prime Hunting Seasons, Events, Tactics for Matabeleland North's Big Game

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Emmanuel Mutonga

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