Hunting in Northern: Understanding Hunting Calendar, Legal Permits and Restrictions, Local Hunting Traditions

Hunting Seasons and Legal Framework in the Northern Region The Northern Region observes a strict hunting season from 1st November to 31st March, timed with the dry Harmattan winds that drive wildlife to the White Volta and Oti river basins. The Wildlife Division coordinates with traditional chiefs to adjust dates based on shea nut harvest cycles and transboundary animal movements from Burkina Faso 5. Unique to this region are sacred grove hunting bans (covering 15% of hunting zones) and community-enforced buffer zones around ancestral shrines. Since 2022, all hunters must use non-toxic ammunition and submit tusk/horn measurements for harvested antelope within 72 hours via the Northern Wildlife App. Game-Specific Seasons and Peak Activity Prime time for roan antelope and buffalo runs December-January when herds migrate from Burkina Faso’s arid zones. February-March offers exceptional guinea fowl hunting as they flock near dawadawa trees. The region hosts the Dagbon Royal Hunt (January), where hunters compete using traditional bows and poisoned arrows, and the Mole Waterhole Challenge (February), combining conservation with hippo population control. Avoid April-October when flooding renders 70% of hunting areas inaccessible and most species breed. Protected Species and Cultural Restrictions in the Northern Region Absolute bans protect elephants, pangolins, and white vultures (considered royal birds). Special earth priest decrees prohibit hunting within 5km of sacred baobabs during lunar cycles. The entire region closes April-October, with additional weekly bans every Thursday in Mole National Park buffer zones. Since 2023, all antelope hunts require horn measurements (minimum 18cm for roan) to protect juveniles. Licensing Process and Traditional Requirements Foreign hunters need a Sahel Zone Permit (≈$2,500 for 30 days) through operators like Northern Frontier Safaris, submitting ancestral land clearance certificates and desert survival training proof. Local hunters require earth priest approval and must pass oral exams on Dagomba hunting traditions. The Northern Trackers Guild provides mandatory Dagbani-speaking guides trained in transboundary wildlife patterns. Penalties for Violations in the Northern Region Cultural offenses incur fines up to 100,000 GHS (≈$8,300) plus 40 days community service at shrines, with elephant poaching punishable by 10 years imprisonment. Wildlife officers conduct joint patrols with Burkina Faso forces along the White Volta, using thermal drones to detect poachers . Tactical Recommendations For savanna game, .300 Win Mag rifles are ideal for roan antelope, while 12-gauge shotguns work best for guinea fowl in grassland clearings. Heat-reflective gear is essential in the Gambaga escarpment. Hunt dry riverbeds at dawn when animals seek residual moisture. The Dagomba silent stalk—using termite mounds as blinds—proves most effective here . Cultural Hunting Events in the Northern Region The Firestick Festival (December) revives ancient flame-herding techniques for hares, while the Lunar Hyena Hunt (February) licenses nighttime culling of crop-raiders. The White Volta Conservation Derby (March) pairs foreign hunters with local farmers to manage buffalo populations.