ing, Hunting Seasons, Associations, Regulations and Traditions. Landscape and Ecosystems for Hunting in Botswana Ghanzi District covers 117,910 km² of western Botswana's Kalahari region, featuring vast sandveld plains, acacia woodlands, and fossil river valleys. The semi-arid landscape supports exceptional wildlife densities around artificial water points maintained by hunting concessions. Key hunting zones include the Ghanzi Ridge and northern cattle ranches, where the mix of Kalahari appleleaf and camelthorn trees provides ideal cover for game species. Profile of Hunters in Ghanzi District Ghanzi District sees about 300-400 licensed hunters yearly. Most (65%) are foreigners - mainly Americans and Europeans. Local pros make up 25%, with 10% being community hunters. All international hunters must use licensed guides. The area has 12 official hunting operators. Key Characteristics of Hunting in Ghanzi District Tracking-Centric: 90% of hunts conducted on foot with San guides. Trophy Quality: Produces Botswana's record kudu (58 2/8") and gemsbok (43"). Logistical Challenges: Requires 4WD support to cover 50-100km daily between hunting zones. Game Species and Hunting Styles in Ghanzi District Trophy Hunting: Focus on premier species - greater kudu (50"+ horns common), gemsbok (20% of all trophies), and Cape eland (strict 15-animal quota). Predator Hunting: Limited to leopard (5 tags/year via auction). Brown hyena protected since 2021. Small Game: Abundant springbok (year-round) and warthog (popular secondary trophy). Methods: Combination of spot-and-stalk and traditional tracking. Baiting permitted for leopards under strict supervision. Seasonal Regulations for Hunting in Ghanzi District General Season: 1 April - 30 September (dry season). Leopard: 1 May - 30 June only. Emergency Closures: Implemented when rainfall <200mm/year. No Hunting: October-March (wet season breeding period). Hunter Societies and Regional Clubs Ghanzi Hunting Operators Association: Sets ethical standards for 12 member outfitters. Kalahari Conservation Trust: Manages 3 community hunting concessions (4,200 km² total). Botswana Professional Hunters Association: Certifies all guides operating in the district. Legal Framework for Hunting Licenses: Government-issued permits mandatory; leopard tags allocated via annual auction ($20,000+ reserve price); non-citizens must book through licensed outfitters. Firearms: Temporary import permits required (max 3 rifles); minimum .375 caliber for dangerous game; ammunition limits apply (100 rounds per caliber). Prohibitions: No hunting within 40km of veterinary fences; banned species include brown hyena and wild dog; leopard quota strictly limited to 5 animals/year. Customs and Hunting Rites San Tracking: Bushmen guides use traditional spoor interpretation methods. First Kill Ritual: Mandatory "thanksgiving" ceremony for new hunters. Trophy Preparation: Field salting following CITES export protocols. Unique Aspects and Curiosities Moonlight Hunting: "Blue Wildebeest Moon" phenomenon makes the game nocturnal. Conservation Impact: Hunting concessions protect 22,000 km² from poaching. Record Prices: 2023 leopard tag sold for $38,000 USD at government auction.