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Australia: Hunting debate extended to horses, roos

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 07:56:07 -0200

FROM an invasion of kangaroos to wild horses running rampant, the hunting debate fires on.

Claims of 14,000 wild horses running rampant through the Kosciuszko National Park are being disputed, with a community meeting to be held in Tumut on June 19 in a bid to determine just how many are in the park.

Experienced horseman Alan Lanyon, who is hosting the meeting, said the numbers didn’t add up.

He said he was aware of some unsavoury treatment to horses and the campaign to cull was being run by tugging at the heartstrings.

“It’s an old green tactic of overstating and pulling on the guilt,” Mr Lanyon said

“It’s a bit like a bushfire, people have caught onto this issue.”

Several kangaroos have also been spotted invading the Tumut CBD and the influx has been seen as a positive development at the golf club.

But, according to The Tumut and Adelong Times, there have been several reports of kangaroos shot with rifles or arrows and even beheaded on the outskirts of town.

Police in the town aren’t currently investigating any particular matter, but residents were being reminded that to torture or kill a kangaroo without a permit is illegal and anyone caught doing so would be prosecuted.

Across the border, the ACT government plans to cull 1455 eastern grey kangaroos from seven sites across the territory, the lowest number for an annual cull in years, according to The Canberra Times.

The government won’t begin the cull until at least Wednesday, after a legal stoush with protesters was delayed to allow the warring parties to obtain more evidence.

The Southern Riverina Hunting Club showcased photos after a fox drive in the Jerilderie-Conargo area last month which resulted in 160 foxes being killed.

The cull potentially saved 54,000 native animals a year including the stone curlew, plains wanderer and superb parrot.

More information about the Tumut meeting can be obtained by contacting Mr Lanyon on 0429 030 148 .

New Zealand: Wife had 'horrible gut feeling' before husband left for hunting trip where he lost his life

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:08:30 -0200

Jennifer Beck gave her husband two kisses as he left for a hunting trip last Friday, because she had a "horrible gut feeling" something would go wrong.

On Monday, her worst fears were confirmed when two police officers arrived at her door to tell her he had died in a tragic accident.

I gave him two kisses instead of one when he left at 5am to go hunting. I just had this horrible gut feeling he shouldn't go, but he didn't listen to me.

Michael Beck, 49, was killed after falling from a cable while trying to cross the Acheron River near Hanmer Springs in New Zealand.

Beck had known what they were going to tell her when she saw the "outline of the police" through the door.

"I was reading The Press' story online about a hunter missing in Hanmer Springs and I somehow knew it was Mike."

She was glad she had given her husband a "proper goodbye".

"I gave him two kisses instead of one when he left at 5am to go hunting. I just had this horrible gut feeling he shouldn't go, but he didn't listen to me," she said.

"We were just talking last week about how we didn't want the other one to die first. We said we couldn't leave each other. It didn't even last six days."

The Becks, originally from Portland in Oregon, were high school sweethearts and married 28 years ago. They have six children - Jeremy, Stephanie, Michelle, Jeffrey, Jessica and Sarah.

"He has been the most attentive and loving husband and dad ever since."

In 2006 the family moved from the United States to Christchurch, where Beck worked in construction. Recently, he had been helping to fix earthquake-damaged homes.

"We loved the scenery and the people here and made a lot of friends. We just became New Zealand citizens last June. It's so sad, Mike didn't quite make a year," his wife said.

"He used to say he would live a very long life because of the slower lifestyle here. I guess that's ironic now."

Beck had been on a geese hunting trip over the long weekend when the accident happened. He had been trying to cross the Acheron River when he fell 10 to 18 metres onto rocks below.

Police were alerted to the incident about 1pm yesterday and were now doing an autopsy to see if there had been any medical reasons behind the fall.

"He said he might be home on Sunday because of the rain but if we didn't hear from him not to worry because he was just catching more geese for the dog. When he died he'd already got 12 for us."

Beck had been an "avid outdoorsman", especially fond of fishing and hunting.

His daughter Stephanie Cerpa, 23, said her dad died "doing what he loved".

"It's just like him to make a grand exit. To all of us six kids he was the coolest guy we ever knew. He was always so adventurous, he would do anything that was fast or crazy."

Cerpa married four months ago and her grandparents flew in from the US for the occasion.

"It's so nice to have those memories of him and the whole family together. I will treasure that forever."

The family were "still in shock" about the accident.

"To us, dad was invincible. It's sad that someone like him had to go so young, but only the good die young. He was the best dad we could have ever asked for," Cerpa said.

Beck was a "devout Christian" and his funeral will be next weekend at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Cashmere.

Cerpa said her Dad was the "foundation that held the family together".

"It will be hard without him for all of us."

But Jennifer Beck said it was family that was getting her through.

"I am so glad to have my six treasures that Michael left me with. We will forever miss Mike."

Fairfax NZ News

http://www.smh.com.au/world/wife-had- ... -life-20130604-2nn1m.html

Zimbabwe ministers battle over conservancy hunting permits

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:01:47 -0200

Two ministers have clashed over a recent decision to ban white operators in Zimbabwe's Save Valley Conservancy from attaining hunting licences.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi and Natural Resources Minister Francis Nhema have clashed over the latter's decision not to grant hunting permits to white operators at the Save Valley Conservancy in favour of mainly Zanu-PF members, the Mail & Guardian has learnt.

The dispute has resulted in the white operators appealing to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) whose general assembly would be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in August. The UNWTO is yet to respond to the appeal.

The Save Valley Conservancy, which spans 3 200km2 in south-eastern Zimbabwe, is an association of more than 20 private properties that were unaffected by the chaotic land reform exercise.

Save initially appeared to have been spared because one of its main founding partners is the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, a wholly state-owned entity, and it also incorporated the Bikita Rural District Council, where it is based, and was 32% owned by black partners.

But upheavals started last year when Nhema handed hunting licences to nearly 30 Zanu-PF and army officials, whom the legitimate owners do not recognise.

The new beneficiaries say that the founding owners cannot lay claim to the wildlife as this was not paid for and they have already received full benefit and should have recouped their costs during the time they operated there.

Challenging the high court's decision
Those who were issued the hunting licences include war veterans leader Joseph Chinotimba, Major General Gibson Mashingaidze, Major General Engelbert Rugeje, Masvingo Resident Minister and Governor Titus Maluleke, Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chair Lovemore Matuke, Deputy Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, Zanu-PF's central committee member Enock Porusingazi, as well as Zanu-PF MPs Alois Baloyi, Abraham Sithole, Samson Mukanduri and Noel Mandebvu, who are now being referred to as the "Masvingo group".

Last month, the white conservationists approached the high court to move for the decision to deny them licences to be overturned because they are the lawful owners of the conservancy, but the court ruled that it was not an urgent matter. They took the matter to a higher court on appeal, where it is still pending.

In an interview this week, Nhema dismissed the group's claim on the conservancy.

"They are not the owners. We asked them to follow the channel and bring the original owners and register. The other thing is that they went to court and lost, so I am also abiding by the court's decision."

However, Mzembi has a different view.

In a separate interview, he said the matter was hurting tourism. "I can confirm that the issue is untenably injuring the tourism sector as hunting is one of the key tourism consumptive activities. Secondly, it does not assist our cause image-wise as we advance towards hosting the UNWTO summit."

At Nhema's mercy
Mzembi said the government in December resolved that the aggrieved party be issued with permits as efforts to find a lasting solution to the dispute are under way, and he was surprised that Nhema was not abiding by that decision.

"I am at the mercy of what he [Nhema] is doing, and I can't keep quiet because it is hurting tourism. It was resolved in December last year that the permits be issued."

Nhema's decision to parcel out the hunting businesses has also been opposed by Parliament.

In a report, the parliamentary committee on natural resources condemned the occupation of the conservancy by Zanu-PF leaders and military chiefs, saying the process lacked transparency.

The report said the selection of those who would be involved in that venture should have been based on a demonstration of interest and experience in wildlife conservation, a capacity for business development and an ability to contribute to the asset base, among other things.

The MPs had also recommended that conservancies must not be parcelled out to individuals, but rather in the spirit of indigenisation, the natural resources ministry needs to award leases through share transfers, joint ventures and community trusts, positions that have all been disregarded in the latest scheme.

"It is the committee's finding that the allocation of indigenous beneficiaries … was not based on business principles," said the report.

http://mg.co.za/article/2013-06-14-00 ... nservancy-hunting-permits

Saudi mulls armed drones to curb wildlife hunting

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:59:21 -0200

Saudi Arabia is considering using drones to curb unauthorised hunting in its wildlife reserves, it has been reported.

English language paper Arab News said that the head of the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) had called an urgent board meeting in Riyadh as the organisation seeks pilots capable of controlling such craft.

Prince Bandar bin Saud said that the SWA had been given state approval to arm the drones. “Our staff has been training with weapons for two years,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that individuals were only permitted to acquire wild animals such as leopards and lions via royal decree. Prince Bandar said that violations of wildlife laws had fallen in recent years, but were still in their “dozens”, with some rare species smuggled in via Yemen.

The report in Arab News did not indicate when the drones would start operation, how many there would be, or where they would be deployed.

A news report earlier this year claimed that young cheetahs were on sale at markets in neighbouring Qatar for $10,000, despite local laws against keeping wild animals as pets.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi- ... dlife-hunting-505144.html

Australia: Hunting festival attracts hundreds

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:49:35 -0200

The organisers of the inaugural HuntFest that was held in the New South Wales Eurobodalla over the weekend say it was a very successful event.

It is estimated that 1200 people attended the event at Narooma.

But the festival was not without controversy, with a petition lodged last month for council to reconsider its approval.

The President of the South Coast Hunting Club, Dan Field says he has a clear message to those who tried to stop the event.

“I say to the critics that they should have come down themselves and had a look at actually what went down there.

“To see the amount of family groups that came through today was very positive and a lot of people came down themselves to see what it was all about and were pleasantly surprised about what they heard and what they saw,” he said.

Mr Field says the event exceeded their expectations.

“We will run it every year for the next four years, we have a five year licence with Eurobodalla Council and we will be running it for another four HuntFests.

“If it is still successful, we'll ask for another licence,” he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-10 ... eds/4743282?§ion=news

Australia: Walsh says duck hunting has a future in Victoria

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:18:54 -0200

Victoria's Agriculture and Food Securities Minister says this year's duck season has been a successful one.

The season ended yesterday, with hunters reporting decent duck numbers on the state's wetlands over past few months.

However, the Coalition Against Duck Shooting says it wants to see more protection of protected species after more than 150 birds were illegally killed at Boort in March.

Minister Peter Walsh says despite that incident, the season has been relatively safe for protesters and shooters alike.

"Except for some incidents with protesters and obviously an issue at Box Swap in Boort, which is still subject to a police investigation, I think the season's gone very well," he said.

"I most definitely think duck shooting has a future.

"It is a legal pursuit and the overwhelming majority of people that pursue it do the right thing.

"As with lots of things, sometimes there's a very small minority of people that does the wrong thing and that's why we have laws and the full force of the law will be held against those people if the police can actually track down who it was."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-11 ... ria/4745544?§ion=news

Indonesian fisherman fights off crocodile

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:46:37 -0200

AN Indonesian fisherman fought off an attack by a huge crocodile that dragged him out of his boat on Borneo island but needed 80 stitches to patch up his mutilated arm, an official said Friday.

Fandi, who goes by one name, was refuelling his small wooden boat in the Sebangau river, Central Kalimantan province, when the reptile leapt up and dragged him into the water, said local government official Herman.

"He fought with the crocodile, punching it in the eyes several times and kicking it in the head, and forced the animal to release his arm," said Herman, who also goes one name.

The 41-year-old was treated at a nearby hospital following the attack on Sunday and needed 80 stitches on his arm, added Herman.

He added that it was the third crocodile attack in the area since January.

The huge Indonesian archipelago is home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including several species of crocodile, and attacks on humans are not uncommon.

Last month, a crocodile devoured a fisherman on the eastern island of Timor, but left his head floating in the water where it was discovered by his distraught family.

http://www.news.com.au/world-news/ind ... ry-fndir2ev-1226659662040

Zimbabwe: Lions, Buffaloes Wreak Havoc in Buhera

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:42:18 -0200

Buhera — Villagers in Buhera South under Chief Chamutsa have bemoaned massive killing of their livestock by lions escaping from Devuli Game Park, after the fence was vandalised by poachers.

Speaking to Standardcommunity last week Gunura Primary School head, Tenson Sibiya confirmed that scores of livestock had been devoured by lions in the past few months.

He however, could not give exact figures of cattle, donkeys and goats that have been eaten so far.

The most affected villages included Chikova, Gunura, Chinyamatikiti, Zindoga and Kufakwatedzi, areas which are near the park.

"It is now easy for animals to intrude into the villages because the fence was vandalised by poachers. Buffaloes and lions are coming into the neighbouring communities," said Sibiya. "Some villagers have been seeing a lioness with three cubs recently. The lioness makes sure that it comes into the villages almost every night killing cattle or goats to feed its cubs."

One villager, Norwell Mhandu claimed that he has attended a funeral of a man who was attacked and killed by a buffalo while herding cattle.

"In Chikova [village], a buffalo killed a man who was herding his cattle early this year. I even attended the funeral.

"Officials from the park managed to drive back the buffaloes into the game park. However, more still needs to be done to get rid of the lions," he said.

Mhandu said villagers were now living in fear of the lions and buffaloes.

"Poachers are cutting the fence and although the park authorities have been trying by all means to maintain it, the cutting is excessive, so the animals end up escaping and getting into villages," he said.

Sibiya said game rangers have been trying their best to drive away the predators but to no avail.

"We now have a curfew this side. We no longer walk at night or early in the morning," Sibiya said, "I think if the fence is electrified, poachers will not be able to intrude or cut the fence at the same time the fence will scare away animals from going out."

Early this year, three lions wreaked havoc in Kariba killing two people on separate occasions. They were later shot by officials from National Parks.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201306020092.html

Uganda: Two Fishermen Drown During Clash 'With Hippos'

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:34:53 -0200

A would-be fishing trip turned tragic for two Kasese youth on Sunday night when they drowned as their fishing boat capsized in an alleged clash with hippopotamuses.

The incident occurred on Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kasese district police commander (DPC) Michael Musani Sabila identified the two young men as Peter Masereka, 19, of Kyanya, Maliba sub-county and 22-year-old Paulo Muhindo of Rusese, Bwera sub-county.

Their bodies were found floating on the lake's waters Monday afternoon.

The recovery of the bodies started from an operation led by the in-charge of Kahendero Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger post, Corporal Michael Amuriat, using an engine boat.

The DPC said the pre-dawn incidence could have likely occurred at around 2.00am local time (EAT), some three kilometres inside Lake George from Kahendero fish-landing village in Muhokya sub-county.

According to authorities, the nature of damage on the boat involved indicated that there was a clash with the animals.

DPC Musani said the incident occurred when the duo's boat reportedly collided with hippos, which must have then reacted by fighting back, judging from the damaged boat.

"According to information we have, the area is a breeding place for hippos. We suspect that the hippos must have hit back, especially to protect their young," the police commander said on Monday.

Three other fishermen have died in the same area this year, he said.

According to Kahendero residents and the LC1 chairman, Mambo Mugisha, the area of where the incident took place is a such a favorite breeding spot for hippos that it has been named kigomborora, (more like sub-county headquarters).

Muhokya LC3 chairperson, Ernest Kasole, said that the deceased fishermen were new in the area, and had fished for about two months.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201306110074.html

Australia: Big game hunting in Oz outback

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:03:37 -0200

BIG game hunting in the Australian outback could become a tourist attraction under a scheme to allow the shooting of camels, water buffalo and other animals.

Feral animals would be shot and killed by game hunters travelling to the Australian outback under a "conservation hunting" plan by the Shooters and Fishers Party, which is preparing to field candidates around the country in the federal election.

Up to one million feral camels - the largest herd on earth - run wild in Central Australia, roaming through parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

First imported to Australia in the 1800s from India, the Middle East and Afghanistan as a cheap and hardy means of transport, the camel population has skyrocketed.

Mainly single-humped Dromedaries, with a few double-humped species, the camels are a hazard to land owners when they storm camps and settlements in search of water.

The Central Land Council said last month that although thousands of feral animals including dinkies and camels were dying due to a lack of food and water and a cull was necessary, the destruction of water holes by the large animals was having an impact on native species which relied on the same drinking sources.

Periodic culls of the camels take place, but Mr Borsak said a scheme of "conservation hunting" of feral animals should gain the approval of ecologists because they competed with native animals for traditional food sources.

Camels can travel up to 70 kms a day and are known to drink large amounts of water, devastate aquatic ecosystems with dung and destroy infrastructure such as fences and tanks.

The Shooters and Fishers Party will announce its list of candidates in the next month.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/nati ... ry-fni0xqrb-1226661874823