Hunting Laws and Seasons in North: General Hunting Rules, Permits, Restrictions & Time-Honored Events

Hunting Seasons and Legal Framework in the North Region The North Region's official hunting season runs from December through May, carefully timed with the dry season when wildlife congregates around permanent water sources. MINFOF (Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife) adjusts exact dates annually based on satellite monitoring of water table levels in the Bénoué River basin. Unlike the Far North's harsher Sahel climate, this transitional savanna zone offers extended hunting windows for buffalo, roan antelope, and western hartebeest. Since 2019, significant reforms have introduced mandatory ear-tagging of all harvested buffalo and electronic permitting systems to combat poaching in the Bénoué National Park buffer zones. The region maintains stricter quotas than neighboring Adamawa, with only 15 lion permits issued annually through lottery. Game-Specific Seasons and Peak Activity Prime time for big game (buffalo, lion) runs January-March when animals frequent the Mayo Rey riverbanks. April-May offers exceptional hartebeest and kob hunting as herds migrate toward Faroo reservoirs. Bird hunters target December-February for guinea fowl and francolin during their seasonal movements. The region hosts the Garoua Buffalo Classic (February), Africa's only buffalo calling competition, while the Lagdo Waterfowl Festival (March) combines traditional fishing with duck hunting. Avoid June-November when flooding renders 60% of hunting areas inaccessible and most species enter breeding cycles. Protected Species and Seasonal Restrictions in the North Region Absolute bans protect elephants, wild dogs, and Derby eland, with minimum horn lengths enforced for roan antelope (22 inches) and western hartebeest (18 inches). Special no-hunt buffers extend 5km around all waterpoints from March-May. The entire region closes June-November, with additional month-long breeding closures in specific sectors like Bouba Ndjida's western plains. Since 2022, all lion hunts require MINFOF observers present at the kill site. Licensing Process and Outfitter Requirements Foreign hunters must obtain a Savanna Zone Permit (≈$2,500 for 30 days) through licensed operators like Bénoué Safaris, submitting notarized passport copies, firearm serial numbers, and GPS deposit fees. Local hunters apply through Garoua MINFOF office, requiring traditional ruler approval for community zones. The North Guides Association provides mandatory Fulani trackers for lion hunts and specialized canoe teams for Lagdo Lake waterfowl hunts. Penalties for Violations in the North Region Poaching carries fines up to 30 million XAF (≈$49,000) and automatic 3-year license suspensions. MINFOF operates undercover buyer operations in Poli and Tcholliré, targeting illegal bushmeat trade. All trophies require MINFOF inspection within 48 hours of harvest - delayed presentation incurs 500,000 XAF (≈$820) daily fines. Tactical Recommendations For savanna game, .416 Rigby or .458 Lott rifles are mandatory for buffalo, while .270 Winchester works best for kob at 150-200m ranges. Heat-resistant ammunition is essential for April-May hunts when temperatures exceed 40°C. Focus on granite outcrops near Bénoué National Park for lion, and floodplain edges along the Mayo Kébi for roan antelope at dawn. Cultural Hunting Events in the North Region The Fulani Cattle-Guard Challenge (January) tests marksmanship against predators threatening livestock, while the Gashaka-Gumti Border Hunt (April) coordinates with Nigerian rangers to manage transboundary wildlife populations. The Sahel-Savanna Symposium (May) in Garoua brings scientists and hunters together to set annual quota recommendations.