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Hunting Calendar in Greater Accra: The Thrill of Hunting Events and Traditions, Legislation & General Hunting Rules and Permits
Hunting Seasons and Legal Framework in the Greater Accra Region
The Greater Accra Region operates a highly restricted hunting season from November 1 to January 31, the shortest in Ghana due to urban encroachment and protected coastal wetlands. The Wildlife Division coordinates with Metropolitan Assemblies to adjust dates based on migratory bird patterns, often closing early when rare species are spotted in the Sakumo Lagoon Ramsar Site. Unique to this region are urban edge permits required within 10km of Accra's boundary and night hunting bans extending 24km from Kotoka Airport. Since 2023, all hunters must use suppressed firearms and thermal imaging scopes must be registered with the Airport Security Force.
Game-Specific Seasons and Peak Activity
The brief November window offers prime hunting for grasscutters in the Densu Delta grasslands, while December-January provides limited opportunities for harvest mice in abandoned farmlands. The region hosts the Accra Waterfowl Conservation Hunt (January), where licensed hunters help control invasive Egyptian geese populations, and the Teshie Traditional Net Hunt (December), preserving Ga fishing-hunting techniques. Bird hunters target November for spur-winged lapwings before they disperse. All hunting ceases February-October when migratory birds nest and most mammals retreat to protected zones.
Protected Species and Urban Restrictions in the Greater Accra Region
Absolute bans protect all primates, sea turtles, and 93 bird species listed under the Ramsar Convention. Special no-hunt corridors extend 500m either side of major highways and 1km around telecom towers. The entire metro area prohibits hunting within 15km of Independence Square, with additional permanent bans in the Lavender Hill and Korle Lagoon ecological zones. Since 2022, all harvested rodents require veterinary inspection at designated checkpoints.
Licensing Process and Urban Requirements
Foreign hunters need an Urban Fringe Permit (≈$3,000 for 14 days) through the Wildlife Division HQ, submitting police clearance certificates, noise pollution test results, and GPS-tracker deposit fees. Local hunters require chieftaincy approval and must pass ballistics fingerprinting at Burma Camp. The Accra Hunters Collective provides mandatory Ga-speaking escorts for all expeditions.
Penalties for Violations in the Greater Accra Region
Urban hunting offenses incur fines up to 150,000 GHS (≈$12,500) plus automatic firearm confiscation, with airport zone violations punishable by terrorism charges. Wildlife officers conduct undercover operations posing as food vendors in Madina and Ashaiman markets. All hunters must carry biometric ID cards - loss results in immediate permit cancellation.
Tactical Recommendations
For urban-edge game, .22 LR suppressed rifles are mandatory for rodents, while crossbows work best near sensitive areas. Reflective urban camouflage helps near development zones. Hunt stormwater drainage channels at pre-dawn when animals move between green spaces. The Ga silent stalk - using traffic noise for cover - proves essential here.
Conservation Hunting Events in the Greater Accra Region
The Ramsar Wetland Challenge (January) combines invasive species control with traditional hunting, while the Aburi Botanical Gardens Night Patrol (December) licenses problem porcupine removal. The Accra Conservation Hunters Expo showcases urban wildlife management techniques.
Hunting Calendar in Ashanti: The Thrill of Hunting Events and Traditions, Legislation & General Hunting Rules and Permits
Hunting Seasons and Legal Framework in the Ashanti Region
The Ashanti Region observes a strict hunting season from 1st November to 28th February, timed with the dry Harmattan winds that drive game to water sources. The Wildlife Division coordinates with the Asantehene's Traditional Council to set dates, often delaying openings near Kumasi during Akwasidae festival months. Unique to Ashanti are sacred grove hunting bans covering 23% of the region and golden stool buffer zones where firearm use is prohibited year-round. Since 2021, hunters must use GPS-enabled ear tags for all harvested bushbuck and royal antelope, with real-time reporting to the Manhyia Palace Wildlife Office.
Game-Specific Seasons and Peak Activity
Prime time for grasscutters and bay duikers runs December-January when they raid cocoa farms at night. February offers exceptional hunting for giant pouched rats as they migrate from Burkina Faso. The region hosts the Asante Royal Hunt (January), where hunters compete using only traditional Dane guns, and the Lake Bosomtwe Waterfowl Challenge (February), Africa's only duck hunting competition from hand-carved canoes. Bird hunters target November for blue plantain-eaters before their mating season. Avoid March-October when the Adae festivals impose cultural bans and heavy rains flood the Offin River basin.
Protected Species and Cultural Restrictions in the Ashanti Region
Absolute bans protect forest elephants, leopard tortoises, and all primates. Special royal game reserves prohibit hunting of white-tailed deer within 10km of any stool house. The entire region closes March-October, with additional 40-day bans during Asantehene's soul-washing rituals. Since 2022, all grasscutter hunts require traditional brass weights to verify minimum sizes (4.5kg).
Licensing Process and Traditional Requirements
Foreign hunters need a Golden Stool Permit (≈$2,000 for 21 days) through licensed operators like Ashanti Kingdoms Hunt, submitting ancestral clearance certificates from the Manhyia Palace. Local hunters must obtain family lineage verification and pass oral history exams on Asante hunting traditions. The Asante Hunters Guild provides mandatory adinkra-marked trackers trained in royal game preservation methods.
Penalties for Violations in the Ashanti Region
Cultural offenses incur fines up to 100,000 GHS (≈$8,300) plus traditional cleansing ceremonies, with poaching in sacred groves punishable by 6 months' service to stool lands. Wildlife officers conduct gold-weight inspections of bushmeat in Kejetia Market. All hunters must carry sworn affidavits - missing documents trigger immediate deportation for foreigners.
Tactical Recommendations
For forest game, 20-gauge shotguns with #6 shot work best for royal antelope, while .30-30 Winchester is ideal for bushbuck in transitional zones. Kente-patterned camouflage provides optimal concealment near villages. Hunt abandoned gold shafts at dusk when animals seek mineral licks. The Asante drive hunt method - using talking drums to steer game - remains most effective here.
Royal Hunting Events in the Ashanti Region
The Adinkra Game Call Competition (December) tests hunters' ability to mimic animal sounds using traditional horn instruments, while the Golden Stool Night Vigil (January) allows licensed porcupine hunting by torchlight. The Asantehene's Conservation Hunt (February) culls quota-approved grasscutters to fund palace wildlife programs.
Times of Hunting in Zimbabwe, MATETSI SAFARI: Seasons and Dates of Hunting, Region Restrictions and Bans, Tips for Hunters
Rules and Hunting Periods in Matetsi Safari, Regional Specifics
Hunting in Zimbabwe is strictly regulated at both the national and regional levels. In the Matetsi Safari area, located in the northwest of the country along the Zambezi River, hunting follows its own set of rules shaped by the local environment. The main hunting season runs from April to October — a period that coincides with the dry season when wildlife gathers around water sources, making it more accessible.
These dates are regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Wildlife of Zimbabwe. Factors influencing these regulations include the region's tropical dry climate, with sharp temperature differences between day and night, as well as clearly defined rainy (November–March) and dry seasons (April–October). Compared to neighboring regions like Botswana or South Africa, hunting periods in Matetsi differ slightly — for example, Botswana’s season starts later, in May, and ends in September.
Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has introduced stricter wildlife management policies, including tighter controls on trophy quotas and licensing procedures. These reforms aim to preserve endangered species and promote sustainable hunting practices.
Seasonal Hunting, Times for Game in Zimbabwe, Matetsi Safari
In Matetsi Safari, the hunting year is divided into two main seasons: early (April–June) and late (July–October), each offering distinct advantages. During the early season, humidity remains relatively high, but animals still congregate near water sources. By contrast, the late season features extreme dryness, which concentrates game even further.
Different types of game require different timing. Large animals such as buffalo, elephant, kudu, and nyala are best hunted from July to September when vegetation is sparse and visibility improves. Smaller game, including impala and bushbuck, can be found more frequently in April and May while some grass cover remains.
The most productive times for hunting are early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active and approach waterholes. During these hours, chances of a successful hunt and quality trophy collection are highest.
The region also hosts hunting events like the annual “Matetsi Hunting Week,” attracting international hunters and providing opportunities for legal hunts under expert supervision.
Restrictions and Bans in Matetsi Safari
To protect biodiversity, Matetsi Safari enforces strict limits on hunting certain species. Animals such as black rhino, mountain zebra, and various birds listed in the IUCN Red List are fully protected and cannot be hunted.
There are also restrictions based on age and sex. For instance, shooting females with calves or young individuals not yet mature enough to breed is prohibited. Additionally, older, non-dominant males of some species (e.g., elephants) are off-limits to preserve genetic diversity.
Temporary bans apply during breeding seasons, typically occurring during the rainy months (December–February), when hunting is completely suspended across the region. These measures help reduce stress on animal populations and support natural reproduction cycles.
Hunting Permit in the Matetsi Region, Document Requirements
Foreign hunters must obtain a Temporary Hunting Permit through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). Required documents include a valid international hunting license, proof of insurance, and a passport copy.
Most foreign hunters arrange their trips through licensed safari operators and hunting clubs registered in Zimbabwe, such as Matetsi Private Game Reserve or the African Professional Hunters Association (APHA). These organizations handle all logistics, including paperwork, accommodation, and guided hunts.
Each hunter is assigned a professional guide who ensures safety and compliance with local laws. Permits vary depending on the type of game and duration of the hunt — daily, weekly, or seasonal licenses are available.
Penalties for Violating Hunting Seasons, The Cost of Breaking the Law
Violations such as illegal hunting outside permitted dates, using fake permits, or hunting protected species carry serious consequences. Fines can reach up to $5,000 per offense, and repeat violations may result in criminal charges and a lifetime ban from entering Zimbabwe for hunting purposes.
Confiscation of trophies and firearms is common in such cases. Penalties are especially severe for poaching endangered species. Local authorities cooperate closely with international conservation bodies like CITES, ensuring tight enforcement of hunting laws.
Tips for Hunters, Choosing Time, Gear, and Tactics
Timing is crucial for success in Matetsi Safari. As mentioned, the best months are July to September, though specific game species have unique activity patterns. Elephants are often spotted near waterholes, while rhinos prefer open terrain.
Choosing the right gear depends on terrain and conditions. Camouflage clothing, sturdy boots, powerful long-range rifles, and optics with at least 10x magnification are essential. Also, bring insect repellent and sun protection due to the harsh climate.
Tactics vary by target. Stalking and blinds work well for large game like buffalo or elephant, while mobile hunting with dogs or calling techniques are better suited for smaller game and birds. Working with a knowledgeable local guide significantly increases your chances of a successful and legal hunt.
