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

General Hunting Rules and Timings in the Upper East Region The Upper East Region observes a strict hunting season from November 15th to April 15th, coinciding with the Harmattan period when reduced foliage improves visibility. The Wildlife Division adjusts dates annually based on ecological surveys, particularly monitoring the White-Bellied Bustard population near the Red Volta River. Unlike the more lenient Savannah Region, Upper East enforces a shorter season due to fragile Sahelian ecosystems. Recent reforms (2021) banned all hunting within 10km of Paga Crocodile Pond and introduced mandatory GPS tracking for licensed hunters. Historical shifts include the 2019 prohibition on spotted hyena hunting after population declines. Cross-border differences are notable: Burkina Faso's season starts two weeks earlier, causing temporary game displacement into Ghana. Seasonal Hunting Dynamics and Game Activity Large game like roan antelope and kob are most active December-January when water scarcity forces them to predictable watering holes. Small game hunting (hares, ground squirrels) peaks February-March as crops are harvested, driving rodents into open fields. Bird hunters should target November-December for migratory quail along the Tono Reservoir. The region hosts the Sahel Hunting Challenge every February - a 3-day event testing tracking skills across 50km of arid terrain. Night hunting is completely prohibited, unlike neighboring Upper West Region where limited nocturnal permits exist. Bans and Restrictions for Ethical Hunting in the Upper East Region Absolute protection covers leopards, crocodiles, and all vulture species. A zero-tolerance policy applies to hunting pregnant females, with mandatory womb checks for harvested antelope. The closed season (April 16-November 14) is strictly enforced, with armed patrols along the Burkina border. Special restrictions exist near Tono Irrigation Project lands - only bow hunting permitted within 5km. Firearm limitations include: no semi-automatics, and maximum .308 caliber for non-dangerous game. The 2023 amendment requires hunters to report all kills within 48 hours via the Wildlife Division's SMS system. Licensing and Legal Access for Hunters Non-residents must purchase a Upper East Special Permit ($350) in addition to the national license, available only through authorized agents like Zebra Hunting Safaris. Required documents include: passport copy, yellow fever certificate, and a local guide contract. New in 2024: mandatory ecological impact training (8-hour course) before license issuance. Resident fees remain at ¢500 ($40) but require chiefdom approval letters. Processing takes 3-5 weeks - submit applications by October 1st for season opening. Penalties for Violating Hunting Laws in the Upper East Region Fines are severe: $5,000 minimum for out-of-season hunting, $15,000+ and 3-year ban for protected species violations. Unique to this region: community service penalties (40 hours habitat restoration) for first-time small game offenders. Rangers use drone surveillance near Kulungugu Forest Reserve, with confiscated vehicles often auctioned publicly. Tactical Tips for Seasonal Success Opt for dust-camo patterns matching the Harmattan haze and pack 3L/day water - December temperatures reach 40°C. For kob, set up near seasonal streams at first light. Bring .270 Winchester as ideal caliber - powerful enough for antelope but legal. Traditional snares are illegal - use only approved traps (box types permitted for rodents). Local guides recommend December 10-20 for best antelope movement patterns before waterholes overcrowd. Hunting Events in the Upper East Region The Navrongo Bushmeat Festival (January) features rare Sahelian cooking techniques and hide tanning workshops. March brings the Borderlands Bow Hunt - a 10-team competition along the Ghana-Burkina frontier. Licensed outfitters offer pre-season scouting packages (October) including game census participation for conservation credits.