Hunting Calendar in South: The Thrill of Hunting Events and Traditions, Legislation & General Hunting Rules and Permits

Hunting Seasons and Legal Framework in the South Region The South Region's hunting season officially runs from January to May, carefully timed between the two rainy seasons when dense rainforest trails become marginally passable. MINFOF sets variable closing dates based on annual fruitfall patterns in the Dja and Campo reserves, typically ending earlier (mid-May) than other regions due to early monsoon rains. Unique to this equatorial zone are canopy hunting regulations requiring special permits for arboreal species, with complete bans on hunting within 500m of fruiting trees from February-April. Since 2018, reforms have introduced mandatory camera traps on all permanent hunting blinds and DNA sampling of harvested forest buffalo and bongo to combat illegal wildlife trade. Game-Specific Seasons and Peak Activity Prime time for forest elephants (limited quota) and giant forest hogs peaks February-March when they follow migrating fruit bats to clearing zones. April-May offers exceptional duiker hunting as they venture into secondary growth forests. The region hosts the Lolodorf Bushmeat Alternatives Fair (March), where hunters demonstrate sustainable harvesting techniques, while the Ntem River Challenge (April) tests marksmanship from traditional pirogues. Bird hunters target January-February for Congo peafowl and hornbills before nesting season. Avoid June-December when daily rainfall exceeds 300mm and most animals become inaccessible in flooded forests. Protected Species and Seasonal Restrictions in the South Region Absolute bans protect forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and mandrills, with minimum weight limits for giant forest hogs (100kg). Special cultural bans apply during Baka pygmy honey-gathering seasons (April-May) in the Mintom basin. The entire region closes June-December, with additional moon-phase restrictions prohibiting hunting during new moons when nocturnal species are most vulnerable. Since 2022, all bongo hunts require MINFOF-approved trackers from local indigenous communities. Licensing Process and Outfitter Requirements Foreign hunters must obtain a Rainforest Zone Permit (≈$3,500 for 21 days) through licensed operators like Campo Safari, submitting tropical medicine certificates and satellite phone registration. Local hunters require Baka elder sponsorship for community hunting zones near Mengame Gorilla Sanctuary. The South Region Guides Consortium provides mandatory Pygmy trackers with generational knowledge of elephant migration corridors. Penalties for Violations in the South Region Poaching incurs fines up to 50 million XAF (≈$81,500) plus 10-year hunting bans, with particularly severe penalties for great ape offenses. MINFOF operates armed river patrols along the Ntem and Dja rivers, where illegal gold mining often masks wildlife crimes. All hunters must submit to daily bag inspections - refusal carries immediate permit revocation. Tactical Recommendations For forest game, .375 H&H Magnum with solid bullets is mandatory for buffalo, while .30-06 Springfield works best for duikers in dense undergrowth. Electrochromic camouflage that adapts to changing forest light is recommended. Hunt lichen-covered termite mounds at first light when forest hogs visit to regulate body temperature. Use Baka tree platforms overlooking natural forest clearings for optimal visibility. Cultural Hunting Events in the South Region The Baka Honeyguide Ceremony (January) trains hunters in traditional bird-led honey harvesting, while the Mvini Night Hunt (May) - the region's only authorized nighttime activity - uses torchlight to spotlight forest hogs. The Dja Biosphere Challenge (April) combines conservation work with regulated crop-raider culling.