FREE STATE WING SHOOTING

The Free State Province of South Africa offers some of the finest endemic wing shooting grounds found globally. This hidden gem is usually overseen by many a hunter who frequently visit our beloved country in pursuit of adventure.

 

African Frontier Safaris only offer a limited amount of wing shooting slots each year, within the legal hunting season from 1st May until 31st August. Our efforts in conserving breeding grounds and abiding to bag limits have proven successful to delivering and sustaining healthy numbers of birds in our areas.

 

All hunts are carefully planned and guided by Professional Hunter and Gun Dog Trainer, Todd Luthman. Todd has more than 35 years of experience in the Industry, with an exceptional track record and a reputation that needs no introduction.

 

Terrestrial Gamebirds include:

• Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

• Swainson’s Spurfowl (Pternistes swainsonii)

• Orange River Francolin (Scleroptila levaillantoides)

• Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) 

 

Waterfowl include:

• Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)

• Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)

• Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)

• Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha)

• Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata)

 

The Hunt

During the Open Season, we usually experience dry and cold weather, which narrows down the inhabitable areas for Waterfowl to some well-known spots.

 

Shooting from cover (blinds) in these areas proves to be highly effective, however, mother nature still has the final say and exceptionally wet years may prove to be a bit more difficult than others. Shooting Francolin, Spurfowl, and Quail over well-trained German Pointers, whilst walking through the open fields at first light, remains an old-time classic. The Helmeted Guineafowl has stunned many hunters in the past due to their bulky appearance, but take note, they really are fast. Equipped with a keen sense of hearing and good eyesight, it is advised to approach with caution.

 

Fortunately, guineafowl usually flock in large numbers which definitely increases your odds. Nevertheless, they are great fun to hunt. As for those who are up for some hot barrel action, we are excited to say that nothing even comes close to the high volumes of pigeons and doves shot over our sunflower fields and near the feedlots.

 

Shotguns & Ammunition:

We prefer Over & Under or Side-by-Side shotguns in 12 or 20 Gauge for Terrestrial Game Birds and Waterfowl, the traditional way. For pigeon shooting, semi-auto shotguns are favoured.

 

Importing your personal shotgun is now made easier by our friends at Afton Lodge in Johannesburg, who will take care of everything at a standard rate of US$150 per hunter. Each hunter is allowed to import three firearms.

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For those who choose not to go through the hassle of importing their own firearm, we own a variety of good quality shotguns and rifles to hire for only US$50 per firearm per day. As hunters, we understand that ammunition adds a lot of unnecessary weight whilst travelling. We therefore supply most of the standard ammunition possibly required, with the guarantee that our guests won’t run out.

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Accommodation:

Our Glen Guinea Lodge, owned and operated by the Van Rooyen Family, is situated in the North-Eastern parts of the Free State Province. Dressed in its unique sandstone beauty, and surrounded by wide open spaces, Glen Guinea defines ‘Country Living’.

Our newly renovated rooms combine the luxuries of modern life with the feeling of a traditional upland farm stay. The rooms are cosy, comfortable and of very high standard, each with their own ensuite bathroom.

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The Free State winters are considered to be amongst some of the coldest in the country, which is why each room is fitted with adequate heating amenities. All the rooms are serviced daily, with laundry services available on request. The lounge area is spacious and comfortable, fitted with an indoor fireplace, which provides a heart-warming relief from those icy nights.

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As for our local guests who bring their own four-legged friends. Special measures were put into place to ensure they enjoy a good night’s rest in a first-class kennel after a long day in the field. Each of the roofed kennels is fitted with a heating light and sheltered from the wind. The kennels are neatly and spaciously fenced to make sure you find them exactly where you left them. Just remember to bring your dog’s own bedding and bowls. The kennels are cleaned daily.

 

WING SHOOTING DAILY RATES

• Upland Birds and Waterfowl mixed bag Wing shoot Rates:

• Minimum 6 Nights / 5 hunting days at:

• $750 per person/night 1 gun

• $550 per person/night 2-3 guns

• $450 per person/night 4-6 guns

• Pigeons $350 per gun per night, minimum 4 guns.

• Weapon hire $50 per night.

• Price Excludes Ammunition & 15% Vat/Tax.