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Mastering Manica's Hunting Seasons and Calendar for Prime Trophies
General Hunting Rules and Timings in Manica Manica's official hunting season runs from 1 April to 30 November, aligning with Mozambique's national framework but adjusted locally for ecological factors. The region's mountainous terrain and miombo woodlands create microseasons: western highlands (Chimoio) open later (May) due to cooler temps, while lowland areas (Buzi Valley) start earlier. Unlike Zimbabwe's year-round safari areas, Manica enforces strict closed seasons (Dec-Mar) for breeding. Recent reforms introduced electronic tagging for big game (2022) and standardized leopard quotas (max 3/concession/year). Drought conditions may shorten seasons - verify with DNAC Manica office before booking. Seasonal Hunting and Game Activity The early season (Apr-Jun) offers green cover for stalking eland and sable in woodlands. Peak season (Jul-Sep) brings dry conditions ideal for baiting lions near waterholes. Unique to Manica: migratory elephant herds cross from Zimbabwe (Aug-Oct) requiring special tracking permits. Small game (guinea fowl, francolin) hunting is permitted May-November but least productive during August winds. The Manica Mountain Challenge (September) tests marksmanship on driven buffalo hunts across 3 concessions. Bans and Restrictions Absolute protection covers wild dogs, cheetahs, and pangolins. Female elephants/lions with calves are off-limits year-round. The Gorongosa buffer zone enforces additional restrictions May-October for wildebeest migration. Temporary bans occur when fire risk is extreme (September heatwaves). All hunters must carry species identification cards - misidentification fines start at $2,000. Licensing and Permits Non-residents require: 1) Mozambique Professional Hunter License (obtainable through outfitters), 2) Concession-specific permit, 3) CITES export permits for leopard/elephant (apply 120 days pre-hunt). Recommended operators: Ndzou Safaris (sable specialists) or Buzi Hunting Camps (buffalo). Fees: $4,500+ for elephant, $800 for plains game packages. Penalties for Violations Poaching carries 3-10 year prison sentences plus $20,000+ fines. ANAC conducts DNA testing on suspicious trophies. Night hunting without thermal scope permits results in equipment confiscation. Report violations to +258 82 303 0600 (Manica Conservation Hotline). Tactical Tips for Manica's Hunting Seasons Pack elevation-adjustable scopes for mountain terrain; .338 Lapua recommended for long-range shots in open grasslands. Use termite mound vantage points for glassing sable herds. Avoid the Espungabera border zone where military patrols restrict access. Local trackers read bee-eater bird alarms to locate leopard kills. Manica offers several unique hunting-related events that cater to serious sportsmen. The premier event is the Manica Mountain Challenge held each September, where professional hunters compete in timed tracking scenarios for buffalo and leopard across three different concessions, testing both marksmanship and bushcraft skills. During July, several outfitters organize Traditional Tracking Weeks, where Makonde tribesmen demonstrate ancestral hunting techniques for elephant and sable antelope - though modern hunters observe these methods rather than participate. The region hosts the Miombo Woodland Bowhunting Seminar in August, focusing on stalking techniques specific to Manica's dense vegetation, with practical field exercises on suni and bushbuck. For conservation-minded hunters, the Manica Wildlife Forum in Chimoio (October) brings together DNAC officials, PHs, and biologists to discuss quota adjustments and anti-poaching strategies, including live demonstrations of animal aging techniques. Smaller lodges frequently arrange full moon predator hunts (May-November) under special night permits, using thermal optics for hyena and leopard. Note that all events require advance booking through licensed operators due to Mozambique's strict hunting regulations, and participants must carry valid licenses even for observational activities. The Zambezi Valley Hunters' Meet (November) marks the season's end with trophy scoring and traditional celebrations, though hunting during this event is restricted to pre-tagged problem animals.
Yassin Fernando
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