Pelea - June Edition 2019

PELEA Official Publication of the East Cape Game Management Association Amptelike Publikasie van die Oos-Kaap Wildbestuurgenootskap JUNE / JUNIE 2019 The story of cactus biocontrol in South Africa Vetinary Report

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PELEA Official Publication of the East Cape Game Management Association Amptelike Publikasie van die Oos-Kaap Wildbestuurgenootskap OFFICE / KANTOOR From the Chair 4 Tel: +27 (0)41 933 1394 Office News 6 Fax: +27 (0)86 544 7978 Algoa hunting club 8 ECGMA AHC Wingshooters 10 P.O. Box 2987 Cradock hunting club 13 Riebeeckhoogte CHASA 15 Veterinary portfolio 18 6231 WRSA 21 Who has been hunting 22 E-mail: [email protected] Cactus biocontrol in South Africa 28 CEO Noorsveld Jag –en skietklub The Co-Op Agri Info day 34 Stappie Staphorst – 082 567 5199 The art of tracking 35 Giraffe 36 OFFICE SECRETARY Recipe—EC Kasegriller 38 39 Natalie van der Mescht – 060 528 9984 https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Cape- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE / UITVOERENDE KOMITEE Game-Management-Association-ECGMA Chairman / Voorsitter – Neil Dodds Vice Chairman / Ondervoorsitter—Johann Rautenbach 3 Finances / Finansies – Piet Swart Game Ranching / Wildboere – Neil Dodds Legal Matters – Frikkie Coetzee Professional Hunting / Beroepsjag – Stappie Staphorst (Acting) Recreational Hunting / Ontspanningsjag – Johann Rautenbach Social Media – Shaun Thompson Training / Opleiding – Leigh-Ann Kant Veterinary Matters – Dr. Leon de Bruyn TAK VOORSITTERS / BRANCH CHAIRMEN Algoa Hunting Club – Rudi Beets 082 734 9707 Cradock Hunting Club – Barend de Klerk 083 781 4888 Glen Connor Hunting Club – Arthur Rudman 083 280 1335 Kei Barrel & Bow Hunting Club – Gary Harvey 083 452 0883 Noorsveld Jag & Skiet Klub – Sam Rudman 082 826 3418

F C U Srom the hair / it die toel It has been a busy year for the office and ECGMA in general and I would like to highlight a few. PELEA: Once again the office and particularly Natalie has excelled in producing two outstanding magazines. The articles have been interesting, thought provoking and informative. Without the advertisers contribution the PELEA would not be possible. We trust that you have got mileage from the advertising and look forward to a long association with you as we endeavor to improve with every issue. To the contributor’s of these articles and our advertisers I cannot thank you enough. SECSICOM: Dié forum het deur verskeie vergaderings vanjaar bewys hy is sy sout werd. Dit is by hierdie vergaderings waar alle rolspelers in die wildbedryf kwessies kan bespreek en debatteer wat verband hou aan die verskillende sektore. Ons is gelukkig in die Oos-Kaap om ‘n werkende verhouding met die Departement te hê en ons vertrou dat ons insette opgeneem word om ‘n goeie wildbedryf te verseker. Ons waardering aan die voorsitter, Tim van Heerden, wat se insig en stimulerende leierskap blyk om die beste uit die forumlede navore te bring. Natalie het goed ingeskakel as die sekretaresse en, soos ons daaraan gewoond geraak het, doen sy die werk effektief en met ‘n bekwame hand. Baie dankie weereens! Dank ook aan die Departementele offisiële en lede wat die forum bywoon. ‘n Groot positiewe uit die laaste translokasie vergadering is die feit dat verouderde wetgewing aan die hersien is, wat ‘n betekenisvolle gevolg op Oos-Kaapse spesies sal hê. JAG KLUBS: Dit is op dié vlak waar die krag van ons ledetalle lê. Jou reg om wetlik bewapen te wees en die vryheid te hê om te jag begin op klubvlak. Stappie en Natalie het verskeie klubvergaderings bygewoon deur die jaar en sal voortgaan om dit te doen. Stappie verteenwoordig ons by die CHASA raadvergaderings en dis op nasionale vlak dat insette gemaak word met betrekking tot vuurwapenwetgewings, wildbedryfforums en vele ander veeleisende kwessies. Ons dank aan die voorsitter en komitees van die takke vir die belangrike en goeie werk wat op voetsoolvlak van OKWBG gedoen word, en ons moedig almal aan om die organisasie te ondersteun wat ons regte beskerm. GAME RANCHER and WRSA: The wildlife sector in the Eastern Cape has matured to the extent that high profile auctions are taking place and certainly attracting buyers from all over the country. Although the auction turnover was down from 2017, there was still vibrant trading reaching approximately 65 million. WRSA EC continues to serve its members and our province to increase its statue as major role player in the wildlife industry. Although growth in terms of new game farm development has slowed there is still new investment in our province. The fact that we are malaria free area has a huge advantage for us and needs to be marketed accordingly. The drought has had a huge impact in stifling this growth and although there have been rains there are still dry areas that are desperate and other farms needing good follow up rains. I am sure that when normal conditions prevail this trend will gather momentum again. This is all positive for land owners, but we are still under pressure from proposed legislation, comments made by politicians, mining, fracking, predators, deteriorating municipal structures and roads. The positives far outweigh the negatives and ECGMA will, wherever it has a mandate to, continue to participate and make a contribution. KIRKWOOD GAME AUCTION: ECGMA has for the past three years been involved in the KWA under some difficult market conditions. The 2018 auction was under the circumstances a good one with most lots selling well. Once again we are involved in the 2019 auction and we need to find quality animals to auction, market and make sure the buyers are there as well! The trading conditions for breeding animals is tough with low demand and as a result prices are under pressure. Hunting, be it local or international trophy remains the backbone of the industry and auctions must adapt to supply this demand. Our appreciation to Wildsfees for entrusting us with this responsibility of making the Wildsfees auction one the Eastern Cape can be proud of! FUTURE: We look forward to being the leading role player in the wildlife and hunting sectors of our Province, by providing the necessary service that is required from you our members. Neil Dodds ECGMA Chairman / OKWBG Voorsitter Cover Photo Giraffe Photo by: Loodt Buchner 4

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Postal Address P.O. Box 2987 Riebeeckhoogte 6231 A word from the CEO Dankie aan almal wat bygedrae het tot die inhoud van hierdie PELEA. Die toename in bydrae’s van ons lede is verblydend. A b i g w o r d o f t h a n k s t o o u r a d v e r ti s e r s . I t i s g r e a t t o s e e s o m e n e w o n e s a n d w e c a l l o n o u r m e m b e r s t o s h o w o u r a p p r e c i a ti o n a n d o u r support for them accordingly. D i e n e g e ti w i t e i t r o n d o m v u u r w a p e n b e s i t , h a g e n d i e w i l d l e w e i n d u s t r i e word al hoe groter en met jou lidmaatskap aan n vereniging soos OKWBG/ECGMA help jy om die reg en vooreg van hierdie kwellende kwessie te beveg. T h e r e a r e m a n y p e o p l e o u t t h e r e t h a t a r e s ti l l n o t e d u c a t e d r e g a r d i n g t h e a b o v e m a tt e r s , a n d i t i s y o u r d u t y a s a g a m e f a r m e r / fi r e a r m o w n - er / hunter to inform and educate your fellow man about these press- ing issues. T h e s i t u a ti o n w i t h e x p i r e d fi r e a r m l i c e n s e s r e m a i n s t h e s a m e . I t d o e s n o t h a v e t o b e h a n d e d i n a n d t h e p o l i c e a r e n o t a l l o w e d t o c o n fi s c a t e it. It however should be stored in a safe and cannot be carried around. T h a n k y o u a n d w e l l d o n e t o N a t a l i e f o r m a n a g i n g t h e o ffi c e w h e n I h a d m y k n e e o p e r a ti o n . I w i s h a l l o u r m e m b e r s a n d e x c i ti n g a n d s u c c e s s f u l h u n ti n g s e a s o n ! Stappie ‘A Guide to the AnGo-Boer WAr’ An update and revision of the 2000 first publication of this successful book. Available in September this year. Full of information, photos, maps and images relating to the 1899—1902 war. Included in the book are Accommodation, Tour Guides and Facilities for the tourist and visitors in the areas of conflict. Order your copy now at pre-release price of R250,00. Contact: Tony Nunn at [email protected] 6

ECGMA would like to extend a special word of welcome to the following members who have joined us from 01 November 2018 to 31 May 2019 BEKKER CORNELIUS P KEMP ALFRED C SMITH FRANK E BLIGNAULT JEAN-PIERRE KOEN REYNIER A SMUTS WILLEM T CRADOCK ROALD J MOSS ALLAN N STADLER WILLEM DW JNR DAVIDGE CHRISTOPHER M MOSS CLINTON C STERNBERG DEVAN W A DU PLOOY ABRAM C MULLER DYLAN SWANEPOEL WERNER FERREIRA LAMBERTUS PETZER ANDRE VAN NIEKERK CLIFTON J GROENEWALD GRETHE PRINGLE BENJAMIN M VOCKERODT JUSTIN IMMELMAN PHILIP L RAUTENBACH ARNO Trophy Winner DEDICATED HUNTERS Black Wildebeest Chris Ruytenberg 27 9/16” As per the Central Firearms Registrar Blesbok Jesse Jones 17 1/8” (CFR) regulations, DEDICATED Blue Wildebeest Steven Neuper 22 7/8” HUNTER STATUS is retained by Bush Buck Chappie Vosloo 13 1/4” adhering to the following: Bush Pig Cornel Coetzee 4 7/8” Duiker Jesse Jones 4 3/16” 1. The dedicated member must Eland Chappie Vosloo 26 5/8” maintain his/her membership Fallow Deer Steven Neuper 31 15/16” with his/her nationally Impala Reinhardt Fourie 24 7/16” accredited hunting Kudu Johan Coetzee 45 7/8” association (ECGMA). Mountain Reedbuck Craig Luckman 6 3/4” Springbuck Ryno Coetzee 13 7/16” 2. Submit a dedicated hunter activity Steenbuck Jesse Jones 4 9/16” report. This must consist of a Vlakvark / Warthog Paul Smith 11 1/2” minimum of 3 hunting related activities such as ECGMA Junior—Best 3 Animals in E.C. Robbie Millar meetings, shooting competitions Junior—Best 3 Animals in Africa Robbie Millar and hunting outings. Senior Trophy Chris Ruytenberg Please do not regard this in a negative Tracker of the Year Temba light but we are required by law to forward names of dedicated hunters in default to the CFR or face the possibility to lose our accreditation with the CFR. 7

CHAIRMANS Hi to all our members. REPORT After a two year break, it is good to be back in the hot seat again. I am blessed to have a very competent EXCO working with me and that makes my job much easier. Clubs in general are all feeling the economic pinch – we are definitely seeing this in the number of members attending our meetings. Despite this, we are still doing well and staying afloat. We have a great number of sponsors contributing to our club evenings and this makes a massive difference. A big thank you must go out to all of them. In January we had our usual administrative meeting with members paying subs and getting their hunting permits – generally having a good time and socialising. In February we hosted Niekie Erasmus from Black Water Ops who gave us insight into what they do to prevent poaching and improve farm security. They also gave an awesome demonstration showing the capabilities of their fantastic dogs. It was indeed very entertaining. I used the March meeting to remind our members just exactly what happens to their subs and discussed some of the work done by our EXCO and ECGMA. We also had a very lively auction of some items from our storeroom and this proved to be a big success. We used the April meeting as a product promo opportunity and thanks goes out to Marius Maritz (knifemaker) and Dawid (Gunshack) for their contributions and Dawid for donating some attendance draw prizes. Jaques van Eck from Falcon Academy gave us a talk on ‘selfdefense and awareness’ at the May meeting and members received this well. We also announced the Big Draw for 2019 – 1st prize: Bluewildebeest and Impala hunt, 2 nights and fully catered. 2nd prize: Lamb carcass. 3rd prize: Impala carcass. Tickets are sold at R100/ticket and we re-introduced the ‘free ticket system’. The draw will take place at the Family Day. On all the club evenings we had our usual attendance draws and R5 draws – thanks to all for your support. 8

Ons het besluit om die jaar aandag aan die klubhuis te gee en verbeteringe aan te bring. Ons wil die gebou verf, het alreeds die kombuis gewas en skoongemaak en dan ook die ‘container’ reggepak. Ons doel die jaar is ook om lede se betrokkenheid by die klub te verbeter en hul in te trek by projekte. Die EXCO beplan ‘n gholfdag as fondsinsamelings projek en ek is baie opgewonde hieroor. Hou dop! Lew en sy span by die kleiduif skiet was weereens baie aktief en so ook was Riaan en sy helpers by die skietbaan. Die Boer en Brit Skiet is weereens deur die Boere gewen en geluk aan Rudi Beets wat die topskut was op die dag. Stappies het sy knie laat opereer en ons is bly hy is terug op die been en sien uit na sy insette op ons vergaderings. Natalie verdien weereens ‘n baie groot dankie vir al haar werk in die kantoor en haar bereidwilligheid en vriendelikheid. ‘n Reuse dankie aan almal wat gehelp het op klubaande, pryse geborg het, sprekers gereel het, help skoonmaak het en die klubaktiwiteite ondersteun het. Dit word waardeer en raakgesien. The season is upon us and I want to wish all our members a good, safe hunting season. Lets live out our passion responsibly and remember that we are being watched by the anti-hunting groups. Always act ethical and promote our sport by ‘doing it the right way’! Yours in safe hunting. Cornel Coetzee Tel: 041 581 4306 Cell: 072 262 4139 155 MAIN ROAD P.O. BOX 5998 WALMER WALMER PORT ELIZABETH PORT ELIZABETH 6056 6056 9

I f you have ever joined us on our monthly shoots every first Saturday of the month you will know that we are all about enjoying our afternoons busting clays until the sun goes down followed with a warm fire and great chats between the members. With this being said there is so much that happens behind the scenes to make sure the club can operate and give the members a great shoot, We have had many difficulties in the past year and working hard to keep it all running smoothly. Our Trap machine has been an endless struggle so we have had to go back to the good old faithful western white flyer which has a down side as it is a labour intensive machine. We have set her up an had a very successful shoot where we had a spring buck carcass for prizes. On the sporting side Chad has made a very easy and simple way of connecting the machines with one remote centre so we can change the range in many different formats and not redesign every time, we are looking very forward for the members to see this as it will make the sporting shoots go much faster. Our future goal is to get funds for a proper automated trap machine to take the load off the labour intensive machine. With that we will be able to have two ranges running at every shoot which will keep the members busy and the days on the range a little shorter. Thank you for all the support and hope to see you on the range soon. LLEW IRELAND AHC WINGSHOOTERS CHAIRMAN 10

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AAN: LIDVERENIGINGS 2019 JUNIOR JAGTER / MENTOR JAGFOTO-GELUKKIGE TREKKING Dit is een van CHASA se strategiese prioriteite om meer aandag te skenk aan die werwing van junior jagters asook om hulle betrokkenheid in verenigingsaktiwiteite te bevorder. Gevolglik het die Raad van CHASA besluit om die Junior Jagter/ Mentor Jagfoto-gelukkige Trekking weer in 2019 aan te bied. Dit behels die volgende:  Jagfotos van ‘n junior jagter en sy mentor moet aan CHASA se kantoor gestuur word. Fotos wat in die 2019 jagseisoen geneem is, sal kwalifiseer indien moontlik. ‘n Foto sonder die Mentor is ook aanvaarbaar.  Die foto moet egter vergesel word van ‘n brief van die grondeienaar wat die plek en die datum van die jag bevestig.  Die kwaliteit van die foto sal nie as kriteria geld nie en die wenner sal deur ‘n gelukkige trekking aangewys word.  Die prys behels ‘n jaguitstappie wat deur CHASA in oorleg met die betrokke lidvereniging geborg word.  Die sluitingsdatum vir die instuur van fotos is 20 Augustus 2019.  Die trekking sal plaasvind tydens die September 2019 Raadsvergadering.  Die mentor mag nie die bok vir die Junior skiet nie. TO: MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS 2019 JUNIOR HUNTER / MENTOR HUNTING COMPETITION It is one of CHASA’s strategic aims to give more attention to the canvassing of junior hunters as well as to promote their involvement in association activities. Subsequently the Board of CHASA resolved that the Junior Hunter /Mentor Hunting Photo Lucky Draw will be repeated in 2019. This will comprise of the following:  Hunting photos of the junior hunter and his mentor is possible must be forwarded to the CHASA Office. Photos taken in the 2019 hunting season will qualify. A photo without the mentor will also be acceptable.  The photo must however be accompanied by a letter from the land owner confirming the place and date of the hunt.  The quality of the photo shall not form the criteria to qualify and the winner will be determined by means of a lucky draw.  The prize is an organised hunt which will be sponsored by CHASA in conjunction with the relevant member association.  To closing date for the photo entries is 20 August 2019.  The draw will take place during the September 2019 Board Meeting.  The mentor must not shoot the buck for the Junior. CHASA TEL: 041 922 5600 / [email protected] 15

Firearm News There has been little new news in the firearm ownership situation lately, but it is appropriate that we bring you up to date with some issues and remind you of a few others Expired Licences The status quo remains in that the interim order obtained by GOSA in Jul 2018 against SAPS prevents them confiscating firearms purely on the basis that the licence has expired. Therefore, no SAPS official is able to take any action against you should you be in possession of a firearm for which the licence has expired, nor may they confiscate such firearms. Just be aware that this does not extend to other legal reasons which SAPS may have which allow them to confiscate a firearm. The actual carrying and use of such expired firearms could well, by extension, also be deemed legal but members are still advised to reduce this to the essential minimum in order to avoid unnecessary problems. The CHASA stance regarding those who have their original “Green Licence” is that these remain a legal form of ownership based on the relevant 2009 interim court order, and we believe this to be so even if the owner entered into the new “White Licence” regime. SAPS seem to take the view that having entered the “White Licence” system nullifies the “Green Licence” altogether. This has not been tested in court yet, however. It is important to remember that both the above scenarios are the result of interim court orders. Although the 2009 case is not likely to return to court any time soon, if at all, the GOSA matter is still relatively active. SAPS had noted by email an intent to appeal this order, but have failed to act in time in prosecuting that appeal. Should they re-start this process the court could possibly condone the lateness. CHASA will keep members informed of any new developments. Legislation Amendments Members will recall a draft amendment to the Firearms Control Act which surfaced last year and was totally draconian in nature. It removed self-defence as a reason to possess firearms, greatly restricted both occasional and dedicated classes of ownership and had many other highly restrictive clauses. It appears that this was a “wishful thinking” exercise by elements who had infiltrated the drafting authorities and were influencing them unchallenged. Fortunately, the leaking of that draft resulted in some rapid back-tracking at the time, with some government parties distancing themselves altogether. Nevertheless, the intent is quite clear and it is essential that we regain our rightful place in contributing to any legislative processes. CHASA has, together with other stakeholders in the firearm ownership space, now taken steps to firmly entrench ourselves at the relevant table/s. Cooperation among the many different firearm advocacy organisations was reignited by this process and we are consulting with one another constantly now. 16

Service and Activities at Central Firearm Registry (CFR) We have noted some disturbing, irrational and erratic decisions and actions out of CFR in recent times. Certain classes of firearms are being refused at a higher rate, but still with some applicants, using exactly the same criteria, succeeding with their application. There has also been a slight increase in refusals of some appeals. Service itself is also erratic with some procedures occurring in acceptable time frames, while others bog down and no solution seems possible to get it attended to. Of particular concern are recent instructions to vary what previously had been normal and acceptable processes, and in particular, totally against what the law states. The changing of barrels is a major concern, as this has apparently been completely outlawed, in spite of the fact that it is clearly accommodated for in law! Also, the previously normal administrative function of applying for a temporary export permit at your local DFO now requires the CFR to handle it making the time-frame completely ridiculous when arranging trips to travel for hunting or competitions outside of South Africa. Members are encouraged to report any untoward situations at SAPS/CFR to your association management. Keep proper records and duplicates of all applications made! Dealer SAPS350 Change of Ownership Forms There remains some serious problems at SAPS in capturing these forms. The head of FLASH Unit, General Mamotheti has supplied one specific email address to receive these, while the head of CFR, Brig Mabule has supplied other addresses. Dealers report that the information seems to “mysteriously disappear” off the SAPS system, and emails get deleted without being read. You may be required by your local DFO to include the SAPS350 from your dealer when applying for a licence. This is NOT the fault of dealers and patience is encouraged in this regard. Stephen Palos Chief Executive Officer 17

Veterinary Portfolio Report inter 2019 With the hunting and game capture season it is important to remember that there are dangers far smaller than, but just as deadly as, a wounded buffalo lurking out there in the bush and the veld. Zoonoses are diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. Well known examples that can be contracted from domestic livestock are Tuberculosis (TB) and Brucellosis (Malta Fever). Bovine TB is very similar to human TB and can be transmitted particularly via the milk. Bovine Brucellosis (Contagious Abortion or CA) is also transmitted via the milk as well as especially aborted foetuses and placental membranes infected with Brucella abortus. Humans can also contract Brucellosis from goats infected with Brucella mellitensis. Buffalo in the Kruger National Park have been infected with Bovine TB and Brucellosis so one must take care when handling tissues from buffalo hunted close to KNP. Buffalo elsewhere in the country are supposed to be free of TB and CA but there have been outbreaks of TB in Limpopo and CA in Limpopo and the Free State so one can never be too careful. Any material from a buffalo abortion must be handled with extreme care, particularly in high risk areas. Brucella mellitensis has infected many Sable Antelope in the North West and Karoo. This appears to originate from Zambian Sable that were imported into the country (legally or illegally!) Beware of tissue from Sable with swollen joints as they may be infectious. In recent years Sable antelope have also been found with tapeworm cysts in various organs. Other wildlife and domestic species often have cysts or measles in the meat. These cysticerci can be destroyed by freezing. Cheetah and other wild carnivores often have Echinococcus tapeworm segments in their fur which can be very dangerous if ingested by humans so proper hygiene must be observed during and after handling predators. Rabies is a terrifying invariably fatal zoonosis that is present in many parts of our country. Rabies virus originates from bats but now circulates in the feral dog population in especially KZN and the former Transkei as well as mongooses and meerkats in the central regions of SA. These hosts then transmit the virus through their saliva to other mammalian species when they attack them in the final deranged stage of the disease. One must take extreme care when encountering wild animals that are abnormally tame or aggressive. This is definitely a case of shoot first and ask questions later. Avoid contact with the saliva of any suspicious animals. Rabies is a controlled disease so suspect cases must be reported to a State Vet. A diagnosis can be only be confirmed by examining stained smears of the hippocampus section of the brain under a microscope. People working in high risk areas should be vaccinated for rabies twice a month apart with boosters at least every five years. There are a few arthropod borne zoonoses that are of concern in certain areas of our country. Malaria from mosquitoes and Sleeping Sickness from tsetse fly are two protozoal diseases that occur and used to occur respectively in the more sub-tropical North-Eastern areas of our country. Sleeping Sickness also still prevalent in certain tropical African countries North of us so insect repellent is a must if walking in the bushveld of those affected areas. Rift Valley Fever is a severe haemorrhagic epidemic disease that causes deaths and abortions in many mammals in certain years after heavy rainfall. Humans can contract this deadly disease from body fluids of affected animals. It is best not to open carcasses that are suspected to have Rift Valley Fever and Vets have to take extreme care to avoid contamination when performing post mortems on suspected cases. 18

At the moment certain areas of the Eastern Cape are experiencing an outbreak of African Horse Sickness which is another virus that is spread by midges after above average late summer rainfall. While horse Sickness is not a zoonosis I would like to advise horse owners in affected areas to apply insect repellent to their equines in the afternoons. Dogs can contract Horse sickness from eating infected horse meat but it is safe to feed carcasses of mortalities to Lion. There are a few tick borne diseases that one must be aware of. Tick Bite Fever or Rickettsiosis is the most common. It you have been in the veld and develop fever, headaches, swollen lymph glands and painful joints a week or two later it is advisable to consult your Physician and inform him/her that you have been exposed to ticks. Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever is a more obscure but very nasty viral disease that is spread from Hyalomma ticks common in the Karoo but then is highly contagious between humans. Abattoir workers seem to be at risk so care must again be taken if a hunted animal has haemorrhagic fluids inside on slaughtering or eminating from body orifices. Once again insect repellent is a good idea when going into the veld. If you are fortunate enough to go hunting in the USA you must watch out for the tick borne diseases Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme disease is also present in Europe, Asia and Australia. Another haemorrhagic zoonosis of particular concern in and around KNP is Anthrax which is bacterial septicaemic disease that often occurs in epidemics in Kruger. The bacteria lives in alkaline soils and is often exposed after heavy rains. It is then ingested by grazers and causes a fatal septicaemia. It is spread when the carcass is opened by scavengers and the bacteria forms many spores when the body fluids are exposed to oxygen. Flies and vultures carry the spores to leaves and water sources. Carnivores contract the disease from eating the tissues and humans can contact a skin form of Anthrax from contact with tissues or enteric form from eating the meat. Vets and other animal health workers are supposed to check a peripheral blood smear first for Anthrax bacteria before opening a suspect carcass and exposing themselves and others to the bacteria and spores. In our profession we always joke that Vets must attempt to avoid joining the “Anthrax Club” which you enter by opening and Anthrax carcass. All domestic ruminants by law should be vaccinated annually against Anthrax to prevent outbreaks elsewhere in the country. In summary: it is best to familiarise yourself with which diseases are present your area, keep your wits about you and apply plenty of bug spray where necessary. Happy Hunting Kind regards Dr Leon de Bruyn BVSc Veterinary Portfolio ECGMA Kowie Vet Clinic President-Elect South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) 19

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Proudly Eastern Cape — TA M S A FA R I S T he Tam family’s African Dream, and venture into the wildlife industry, started to become a reality in 1995 when Irvin purchased the farm Spekboomberg in the heart of the Eastern Cape. Today this award-winning family business offers hunters a unique opportunity to have the ultimate hunting experience on its lands that stretches over an area of 60000 acres with over 40 species on offer including three of the BIG-5, Lion, Rhino, and Buffalo. An abundance of Black and White Rhino, Sable, Roan, and a large variety of all the Plains Game and African Exotics are also on offer to entice the hunter. Their philosophy of continual protection of their natural resources, and future livelihood, ensuring that the future generations will enjoy their precious, sustainable heritage on the land that is loved and protected, is clearly visible in all their endeavours. Irvin and Therese Tam with their sons, Peter and Stephen, are the proud owners of Tam Safaris. Together they are a tremendous dynamic and innovative team living out their passion and vision for the outdoors and wildlife, while reaching out their hands and hearts to the community of Cradock through the Amy Bell Charitable Trust, founded by them. They have an immense inspiring impact on their clients and the people of Cradock alike, and are true pioneers within the wildlife industry. Apart from being Hunting Outfitters, Tam Safaris is also involved in Breeding of wildlife and also manufacture and produce beautiful and exotic leather products specialising in Ostrich, crocodile and python ladies’ handbags. They are also one of the few hunting operations that are accredited with a dip-and-pack facility for the preparation of hunters’ trophies for export. The Tam family see their operation as a business run by the family and they all work hard for each other and assist in all aspects of the business. Irvin sees his wife, Therese, his sons and their spouses, Henriette Grobbelaar, Nita Stickling and other staff, trackers, skinners and farm labourers, that have been with the company for many years, as part of the family that proudly runs Tam Safaris. The dedication and passion of the Tam family has been recognized and celebrated by the following awards that were bestowed on them in recent years: Dallas Safari Club – Outfitter of the year 2016, Houston Safari Club – Professional Hunter of the Year 2018, WRSA Eastern Cape - Wildlife Rancher of the year 2018 and WRSA – Biodiversity and Social Responsibly Game Ranchers of the Year 2018. 21

Reinhardt Fourie met ‘n Springbok Stephen Smith with an Impala Richmond Area Southwell Area Tikka 30-06, 180 gr Calibre: 7x 64mm Jacques Smith met ‘n Rooibok Ram Ripple Brits with an Impala Jansenville Area Between Bedford & Cookhouse Area Sako 30-06, 150 gr Sako .260 Rem, 140 gr Adriaan Wasserman met ‘n Takbok Tarkastad Area .300 Win Mag, 180 gr Ian Kleyn with a Waterbuck Kgalagadi District Botswana SAKO .270, 150 gr 22

Riaan Taljaard met ’n Takbok Bedford Area Tikka 30-06, 140 gr Firearm Training ad? Juan van Niekerk with a Mountain Reedbuck Cathcart Area Musgrave 30-06 Buks Coetzee with a Warthog Bedford Area 7x64 mm, 162 gr Hornady SST Simoné Coetzee with a Fallow Deer Winterberg Area 7x64 mm, 162 gr Hornady SST Liezel Coetzee with a Kudu Middleton Area 7 x 64mm with 162 gr Hornady SST JFK Botha met ’n Springbok 23 Severn area in Noordkaap .270 Pope

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Andri Fox met ’n Buffel Mahimbi Mozambieck .470 NE, 500 gr Aframe Johan van Niekerk met ’n Blouwildebees Rietfontein Area Sako .308, 150 gr Clifton van Niekerk met ’n Blouwildebees Lee Enfield .303, 180 gr Rob Millar with a Rooi Hartebees Overston Area .30-06 Basil Arseniou with a Blesbok Sterkstroom Area Sauer .243, 90 gr Accubond ballistic tips 25

PJ Celliers met ‘n Eland Kimberley Area .30-06, 180 gr PMP Punt James Beale with an Impala Ram Longhill Game Reserve Tikka .308 James Hackney with an Eland Bull Venterstad Area .30-06 Springfield Loodt Buchner with a Mountain Goat hunted n British Columbia Patrick Lotter with a Kudu Bull Grootfontein Area, Namibia Musgrave .308 26

Barend de Klerk with two Warthog Cradock Area Howa 6.5 x 55mm, 140 gr Hornady A-Max Christopher McGrath with a Warthog Zuurberg Area Musgrave .308 Jonty Dobrowsky with a Springbuck Golden Valley Area Sako .222 27

The story of cactus biocontrol in South Africa Sweet prickly-pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a plant with some amazing qualities. The fruit are sweet and delicious; and the pads, which are also called cladodes, make good fodder for livestock. The fresh, young pads are highly nutritious, and are eaten as a vegetable called napolitas in Central and South America. These beneficial qualities have resulted in the sweet pickly-pear being transported and grown all over the world. The natural home of sweet prickly-pear is the America’s but the plant is now grown anywhere in the world where the weather is hot and dry enough for the plant to thrive. Sweet prickly-pear was first brought to South Africa in the 17th century and was very useful to famers, who relied on the drought resistant cactus to provide fodder for livestock during dry periods. These days, many farmers still utilise sweet prickly-pear for fodder, and during the fruiting season there is a substantial informal industry that has developed to collect and sell the fruit from wild populations. Economic assessments have shown that the industry around harvesting and selling prickly-pear fruits provides an important financial boost to low income households in the Eastern Cape Province during fruiting months. There are also many farmers who grow the spineless variety of the plant as a fodder and fruit crop. Although the plant is beneficial, it is an alien in South Africa, and like many other alien plants, the sweet prickly -pear became invasive. An invasive plant is a plant that has negative consequences because it has become overabundant over a wide distribution. The sweet prickly-pear grew so well in the South African climate that dense infestations formed over large areas. Farmers in some areas found that the extremely dense infestations on their land made it difficult to utilise the land for grazing or other farming activities. Both large and small livestock avoid areas with dense cactus infestations, so the land is not utilised, and livestock that is forced into infested areas can be badly harmed by the sharp barbed spines of the plant. Access to water sources was sometimes completely blocked, forcing farmers to cut paths through the infestations to allow their livestock to drink. By the 1930’s there was over 900 000ha of land in South Africa that was densely infested with sweet prickly-pear, mainly in the Karoo regions in both Western and Eastern Cape. Something had to be done to solve this massive problem because the indigenous biodiversity and the whole agricultural sector in South Africa were suffering. 28

The sweet prickly-pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, was introduced to South Africa from its indigenous distribution in America because it is a useful plant for fodder and fruit. Unfortunately, the plant became so abundant that farmers were finding it impossible to use their land and the indigenous plants and animals of South Africa were suffering. Something had to be done to stop the spread of prickly-pear and to reduce the dense thickets of the plant that were blocking-up farms. The first attempts to control sweet prickly-pear involved physical removals. Plants were chopped down by farm labourers or dug up using heavy machinery. The infestations of the plant proved very difficult to control by these methods. There were simply too many plants and the plants were too labour intensive to remove. Chemical control was then attempted, and while prickly-pear can be killed using stem-injections of herbicides, it was extremely difficult to get to the stems of plants in thick infestations, and large infestations could not be controlled. Herbicides were also very expensive and large quantities were needed for the vast infestations. Some farmers became desperate, attempting to burn the prickly-pear. Physical removals and herbicides helped to control some small, isolated patches of prickly-pear, but large infestations could not be controlled. There was always some prickly-pear left over, and as soon as control efforts were stopped, these few plants would quickly grow into infestations that were just as dense as they were before. No matter what the farmers tried, the prickly-pear infestations got more and more dense and continued to spread to new areas. By the 1930’s, farmers were desperate for an effective control method and, for the first time, biological control was considered. Biological control of invasive alien cactus species was not new to South Africa. In 1913, scientists had released a biological control agent to control another cactus species, Opuntia monacantha, that had also become problematic. After the release of this agent, which was a type of cochineal insect, nearly all the Opuntia monacantha was killed, and by the 1930’s only a few isolated plants remained. Cochineal insects are small insects that look like white fluff and feed on cactus plants. They have evolved a close relationship with the plants that they feed on, and most are restricted to feeding on just a few different cactus species. They cannot feed on any other plant, and without the right type of cactus, the insects will die. The successful control of this species suggested that another species of cochineal insect might also be an effective control agent for the sweet-prickly pear. In 1938, a cochineal insect for the sweet prickly-pear was released. This cochineal insect can only feed on a few closely related prickly-pear species, none of which are indigenous to South Africa, and many of which were also problematic weeds in the country. It was therefore a safer and more environmentally friendly control method than physical removals or the use of herbicides, because it is host specific, and therefore not damaging to any other plants or the environment in general. Farmers, landowners and conservationists were hopeful that this cochineal would be the solution to their longstanding prickly- A biological control agent was released in an attempt to control the sweet prickly-pear which had become a problematic and over-abundant plant that was a pest to farmers in South Africa. The agent was extremely successful. With the help of biological control practitioners, it spread throughout the range of the prickly-pear in South Africa. Sweet prickly-pear all over the country became covered in the white, fluffy cochineal, and plants quickly started to die. Dense infestations were broken up into isolated plants and the plant stopped spreading to new sites. Farmers, landowners and conservationists breathed a sigh of relief. Within just 10 years the sweet prickly-pear infestations were reduced by 90%. Only 10% of what was once present in the South Africa remained! 29

Unlike physically removing prickly-pear, or using herbicides, the biological control agent remains in the ecosystem and keeps killing the weed long after teams of labourers have left. Biological control is therefore sustainable, proving a long-term solution to the prickly-pear problem. This means that once the prickly-pear was killed it did not come back. As soon as the prickly-pear started to increase, the biological control agent would increase too, and the prickly-pear population was therefore permanently reduced. Biological control aims to reduce invasive alien plant populations, not too eradicate them completely. There will always be some of the invasive plant left after control. For sweet prickly-pear, the infestations have been reduced dramatically, but there are still lots of plants left. These plants are now providing the same benefits that they were originally brought to South Africa for. Sweet prickly-pear is used for fodder and has delicious fruit, and the plants that remain are still used for these purposes. The negative impacts of the dense infestations are however a problem of the past, infestations are much less dense, allowing farmers to utilise their land again, as well as using the plants for fodder and fruit. The indigenous plants and animals of South Africa are also no longer threatened. The biological control programme against sweet prickly-pear is just one of the successful biological control programmes in South Africa. There are many other problematic plants that are controlled using biological control agents and as new invasive alien plants arrive in the country, scientists are developing new agents to control them. Biological control of weed is a safe, environmentally friendly and effective way of reducing invasive alien plant problems. South Africa’s farmers, as well as its indigenous plants and animals, have benefited significantly from biological control and biological control will continue to play a crucial role in the management of invasive alien plants in future pear problem. Dr. Iain Paterson Senior Researcher Centre for Biological Control Zoology & Entomology Dept Rhodes University, Grahamstown [email protected] 30

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bied aan “My Wors is die Beste” & Skiet Kompetisie 14 September 2019 om 10h00 By Jansenville Skietbaan  Inskrywing vir 10 skote - R100 en sluit spit braai in  Junior skietkompetisie (onder 18 jaar) - R100 en sluit spitbraai in  Wors braai kompetisie inskrywing - R50 per persoon (Selfgemaakte wors)  Spit braai vir nie kompetisie deelnemers R80, kinders onder 13 jaar R50  Wors braai kompetisie begin om 18h00  Prysuitdeling sal om 20:00 plaasvind Bring u gesin en kom geniet die dag saam ons. U moet u eie drink goed en glase verskaf. Ons verskaf die braai geriewe vir die wors kompetisie. NAVRAE: 34 Sam 082 826 3418 Sulise 082 456 3784 [email protected]

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When was the last time you tracked a wounded kudu bull for more than two hours? When last did you have to rely on sign to find the animal that you just shot? Tracking is an ancient art and a skill that is dying. Too many hunters rely on the guide provided by the farm to locate their animal, instead of following the bloodspoor themselves. We have become spoilt and are losing important bushskills. Hunting should not only be about pulling the trigger, but about being able to read sign, tracks and following a bloodspoor. Many animals are lost each year by hunters not going to check on a “missed” shot and not looking for sign at the spot where the animal was standing. Always go and look, even if you are sure you missed! Temba I have been fortunate to have one of the best trackers by my side for the past ten years at Longhill Private Reserve -Temba Makele. We have followed up on many wounded animals through the years and probably have a 95% success rate on finding our quarry. I think I can track with some of the best, but on many occasions I had to bow down to Temba’s amazing ability to keep following a single track for hours on end, often with little to no blood. Every now and then a single drop of blood would confirm that we are still on the right spoor. Working as a team, we often achieved the almost impossible. Tracking is an art that is difficult to teach someone – it is mostly learned through experience. It is often passed on from generation to generation and the gift to anticipate the wounded animals next move, almost becomes second nature. You have to track to learn how to track! We have all been paired with the guide that walks around in oversized army boots, smokes and smells of the previous night’ party! These guys do not boost the image of the hunting industry and the landowners must also endeavour to raise the standard of service that they provide to the hunter. I have nominated Temba twice for the ECGMA’s ‘Tracker of the Year’ award, because I think that often a great tracker does not get enough recognition for their efforts. He won on both occasions. I want to take this opportunity to thank Temba for the past ten years of being right beside me and always willing to assist and not give up. Take the time to be taught some bushskills and sharpen your own abilities to be able to enjoy your hunting trip to the fullest. Hamba kakuhle, Temba my friend. C. Coetzee 36

Test your knowledge 1. Does the hippopotamus eat fish? 2. Does the giraffe have horns on its head? 3. How many canine or eye-teeth are there in the mouth of a lion? 4. Name two animals where hairslip is a big risk? 5. What is a herd of rhino referred to as? 6. Could a caracal catch a large impala ewe? 7. What species of bird has only two toes on each foot? 8. Is the mole snake poisonous? 9. What speed can a charging elephant reach in KPH? 10. What is the largest species of wild pigeon found in South Africa? 11. Are young puff-adders poisonous? 12. Where are the teats of a female elephant situated? 13. What is the best bait to attract bushpig? 14. What is the largest specie of antelope found in South Africa? 15. How many toes are there on the black-back jackal’s feet? 37 1. No 2. No 3. Four 4.Klipsringer & Nyala 5. A crash 6. Yes 7. Ostrich 8. Nee 9. 40 10. African Olive Pigeon 11. Yes 12. Net agter en tussen die voorbene 13. Rotten Meat 14. Eland 15. Four

Featured Animal MAIN CHARACTERISTICS Giraffes are the world’s tallest mammals with their towering legs and long necks. A giraffe’s legs alone are taller than many humans (about 6 feet). With these long legs a giraffe can run up to speeds of 55 km/h. An adult giraffe stands between 4,3m to 5,7m tall, with males being taller than females. Giraffe’s spend most on their lives standing up; they even sleep and give birth standing up. A giraffe’s spots are much like human fingerprints, no two individual giraffe’s have exactly the same pattern. Both female and male giraffe’s have two distinct, hair covered horns called ossicones. Male giraffe’s use their horns to sometimes fight with other males. Whilst it was thought that giraffes did not make any sounds, this is now known to be untrue as giraffes bellow, snort, hiss and make flute-like sounds, as well as low pitch noises beyond the range of human hearing. HABITAT & DIET Giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands or open woodlands. Giraffes prefer areas enriched with acacia growth (a genus of shrubs and trees). Most giraffes live either in East Africa or in Angola and Zambia in south western Africa. Until the middle of the 20th century giraffes were also commonly found in West Africa, south of the Sahara. Giraffes live in habitats where the available food varies throughout the year. During the dry season, giraffes eat evergreen leaves, however, once the rainy season begins, they switch to new leaves and stems that sprout on deciduous trees. Also, twigs and branches are pulled into the mouth of the giraffe with their long and dextrous tongues. In the wild giraffes can eat up to 66 kilograms of food daily. When there is a choice, male and female giraffes feed in different ways. Males concentrate on leaves from the highest branches, while the females arch their necks to eat closer to the ground. Because of this characteristic behaviour, a giraffe can be identified as either male or female from a long distance away simply by its stance while eating. Male giraffes are also more inclined to wander into dense woodland, a habitat that females generally avoid. Giraffes drink large quantities of water and as a result, they can spend long periods of time in dry, arid areas. When searching for more food they will venture into areas with denser foliage. The giraffe has tough lips to ensure there is no damage to their mouths when chewing at trees and twigs such as thorns. BREEDING The Giraffe breeding season can occur at any time during the year. However, births in the wild usually happen during the dry season and births in captivity can happen all year round. Giraffes reach sexual maturity in captivity at around 3 – 4 years old, however, in the wild, males do not usually breed until they are 6 – 7 years old. In contrast to the male breeding age, females must be physically larger to carry offspring. When male giraffes are ready to breed, they begin the ritual combat over mates. Giraffes are non- territorial and a 38 successful male giraffe will mate with receptive female giraffes whenever and wherever it finds them. Gestation period is usually 13 – 15 months and when a pregnant female giraffe is ready to give birth, she makes her way to a calving area that she will use throughout her life. The moment of birth is dramatic, with the mother giraffe standing on all fours and the calf tumbling onto the ground. Remarkably, the calf is rarely injured by its fall.

Juanita Anker E.C. KASEGRILLER Port Elizabeth: Admin Cnr of Quick St and North Rd, North end, Tel: 041 045 0435 INGREDIENTS 1.5 kg Meat 90/10 1.5 kg Meat 80/20 4.5 kg Fatty Meat 50/50 1 kg Cheese (Cheddar) 0.35 kg EC Kasegriller NF Pack 1.5 kg Ice Water Please note, the pack consists of 3 x 0.35kg packs. Each making the above recipe. METHOD 39 Meat 90/10 1.5 kg This is very lean meat ( venision or warthog or mix both) Mince 2 x through the 4.5mm plate or finer if possible. Add the “red salt” in the pack to this and mix in. allow to stand for 15 minutes. Add to the wet spice and mix well. +- 10 minutes of continuous mixing until becoming “sticky”. Place aside… Meat 80/20 1.5 kg This is slightly fatty meat, a mixture of warthog and spek is best. (1.2 kg warthog and 0.300 kg spek) Mince 1 x through the 4.5 mm plate. Add to lean meat mixture and mix well again, +- 10 minutes. It should now start forming a very sticky mix call the “dough”. Meat 50/50 4.5kg Mix 2.25 kg warthog with 2.25 spek or use fatty pork, 2.25 kg lean and 2.25kg fatty. Mince 1 x through the 8 mm plate. Add to the mixture and mix well in. +- 10 minutes. Cheese 1.0 kg—Dice 1 kg cheddar or gouda cheese into +- 5 mm cubes. Mix well into the mix but not too much (can be minced through the 6 or 8 mm plate if too big for stuffing nozzle). Fill into a 24 sheep casing or collagen 21 or 23 casing. Smoke or add smoke essence to taste. Cook in steam until 72’C if possible. Not cooking may lead to colour change but not a eating problem. Enjoy grilled, fried or boiled

210mm X 297mm 210mm X 75mm 210mm x 149mm Full Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page R2 200 R700 R1 200 Business Card R250 /Contact: 041 933 1394 E-mail: [email protected] 40

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