In this I Am Hunter podcast with professional hunter, Willem Gertenbach, we discuss the truth about hunting in South Africa and what it is really like, and why the western media has got it so wrong. We also discuss trophy hunting controversial and endangered species, land use, wildlife management, and the overall effect hunting has had on conservation and animal populations since 1964.
As a farmer and qualified professional hunter (yes, there’s actually a qualification for that), Willem has an in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s wild game and landscape, and has hunted and guided on nearly every species of plains game animals and the Big 5.
Willem has earned a reputation as an outfitter willing to go the extra mile for his clients, which he certainly did on our first trip with him, when he single-handedly saved our hunting trophies when the shipping company went broke.
Does hunting help or hurt wildlife?
Did you know wildlife populations have increased from 575,000 to more than 24 million since the introduction of privately owned game farms?
If you would like to know more about the benefits hunting has had on wildlife populations in South Africa, check out some of these articles:
How can killing animals save them
How 55 elephants were killed with kindness
Activists fail to save African wildlife
Do trophy hunters kill endangered animals?
Why scientists do not back a hunting ban
What happens to the meat after a trophy hunt
However, one of the best ways to learn the truth about hunting in South Africa is to go there yourself, and witness firsthand the positive benefits hunting has brought to all wildlife. Book at hunt through HuntShack at https://www.huntshack.net/africa
Help support the future of hunting
At I Am Hunter, we are using advocacy and education to change the conversation about hunting from negative to positive, and helping future generations of hunters learn new skills. Join the Tribe and help change minds, grow hunting, build a positive community, and celebrate hunter pride. And in return, get some pretty cool member benefits.