UPLAND BIRDS
Some of the more common upland birds found are as follows: Helmeted Guineafowl, Natal Spurfowl, Crested Francolin and the Swainson's Spurfowl. Typically these hunts are either done as a driven shoot or in the classic “walk up” fashion.
WATERFOWL
Some of the more common waterfowl birds found are as follows: Yellow Billed Ducks, Red Billed Teals, South African Shelduck, Spur-winged Goose and Egyptian Goose. Most of these species are shot from blinds built on the edge of ponds, lakes, marshes and along rivers or open grain fields over decoys.
DOVE & PIGEON
Some of the more common Dove and Pigeon species are as follows: the Cape Turtle Dove, Laughing Dove and Rock Pigeon. They can provide hours of good fun and some seriously challenging shooting.
South Africa is a haven for the avid wing shooter and provides the bird enthusiast with a variety of terrains and species to hunt.
At Bayly Sippel Safaris we offer our enthusiastic bird hunters a selection of Waterfowl species, driven or walked up Guinea Fowl and francolin, as well as an abundance of Pigeons and Doves over sunflower or corn fields.
The best time of year to hunt these species and experience good numbers is in the early season (March - May). This is to ensure you are there whilst the crops are ready for harvest or are in the process of being harvested. Early mornings can be very busy, whilst midday can be expected to slow down, only to pick up again in the late afternoon. This allows for a busy day of shooting in which your barrels should stay hot!
What is the best time to hunt?
For all our bird hunts in South Africa we recommend bringing a 12-gauge shotgun. We will of course supply shells at your request. Shotgun hire is also a possibility and shell rates will be charged as per the listed rates at the time of booking.
What weapons should I use?
Generally the season varies depending on the game bird species with the predominant season falling between March and September.
Dove and Pigeon: Feb to May
Duck and Geese: May to September
Guineafowl and Francolin: June to September