Wild&Jag; / Game&Hunt; - Maart 2016

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BILTONG HUNTING INDUSTRY The latest report (2015) of TREES (Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society) entitled “National Profile and Economic Impact of Biltong Hunters in South Africa”, which has been partly released, offers valuable perspectives on the value of the industry with regard to conservation, the latest trends, and proactive steps that are required. A very important finding is that society in general, conservation and many facets of the economy are benefiting from the hunting industry to a large extent. On the downside, there are several findings requiring urgent attention. With game ranchers increasingly focusing on foreign hunters, local hunters are coming off second best. Our hunters have a limited budget, forcing them to hunt less under current economic circumstances. Local biltong hunters believe that game ranchers do not fully appreciate their role as providers of an important service. According to the report, it is a big oversight that the needs of local hunters are not sufficiently met. The report also addresses hunters, urging them to be more aware of the image of hunters and of the industry that they portray. Great caution should be exercised when using the social media. Game rangers and hunters are the major role players of the industry, the flag-bearers of economic sustainable utilisation of our wildlife for the benefit of conservation in general. Hopefully this report will bring them closer together.