The Free State Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs will host the 29th Annual Game Auction from the 11th until 12th April 2014 at the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve.
The Game Auction is a part of the game management plan which manages game population. Currently the department has livestock of 26 815 animals in 14 reserves. With the absence of predators in the reserves, game auction remains the most viable method of controlling game population.
During this two-day event, a total of 865 animals will be sold to the highest bidder. On the first day, 88 hunting packages will be auctioned off at 14h00. The packages consist of 47 trophy hunts, 41non trophy package including 7 buffalos, 2 sables and 4 Cape Mountain Zebras. The hunt will take place on 8 of the 14 different Nature Reserves. On the second day from 11h00, 866 live games of 16 different species including 41 free disease Buffalos and 12 Cape Mountains Zebra will be sold. All sales will be per catalogue.
Towards the transformation of the game industry, the Department has so far donated 328 head of game with the value of R2, 6 million to 19 Black game farmers and trained 30 black professional hunters. The Free State Game ranching industry is currently the 2nd fastest growing game farming industry in South Africa.
According to Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, some 9000 trophy hunters come to South Africa each year contributing an estimated R1, 2 billion a year. Reasons making South Africa a preferred hunting destination include the variety and quality of game on offer; value for money; the professionalism and service levels of the outfitters including local professional hunters; convenience and above all safety.
The average length of stay at a hunting destination is 10 nights with an average of three additional nights dedicated to traditional tourist sightseeing. This makes foreign hunting an important component of South Africa’s international tourism mix.
The game auction is a family affair, with something for everybody. There will be a marathon and bicycle race on Saturday 8h00 as well as numerous vendor stalls, beer garden, different food outlets and lots of music. The communities of nearby towns of Mamahabane and Meloding are invited to the game auction to experience the carnival atmosphere at Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve.
Issued by: Free State Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
For more information contact:
Kgotso Tau Tel: 051 400 9544/082 833 9595 Email: tauk@detea.fs.gov.za
