According the Free State MEC for the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) Mr Thabo Meeko, game auctions are a lucrative revenue generating avenue for the province, as the auction generated R12.4 million last year.
The department hosts annual game auctions and this year will be no different and it will be revenue generated for the provincial fiscus. Meeko explained that the game auction serves as a management tool for a game population in various protected areas, managed by the department.
According to the MEC, this auction has been the highlight of the wildlife economy sector calendar for many years and a revenue generator for the provincial government.
“Transforming the game industry is one of the departmental priorities. Hence, we encourage previously disadvantaged communities to participate in such programs. The DESTEA culling team will conduct all the culling for carcass packages,” said the MEC.
DESTEA will this Friday 19 April 2024, host a live game auction and on 20 April 2024 sell 44 hunting and 32 game carcass packages from its nature’s reserves to bidders at Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve.
This year’s auction consists of three categories:
Live Game Auction comprised 498 animals, 13 species, and 93 lots.
Hunting packages and carcass auction–44 hunting packages, 18 trophy hunts (SA and Foreign hunters) *1 Trophy Hunts Concession * 25 Non-Trophy Hunts (SA hunters only
Game carcass packages * 32 Game carcass packages * 3 695 animals * 12 species
The above-mentioned various packages include Blesbok, Black Wildebeest, Buffalo, Ostrich, Cape Mountain Zebras, Springbok, Gemsbok, Blesbok, Eland, Red hartebeest, and Waterbuck.
Prospective buyers can only pay through EFT or card payment; NO cash payment is allowed. Proof of address and ID document are compulsory for registration.
For clarity seeking information, please contact:
* Ms. Gontse Mocwaledi-060 968 3186
* Mr. Dave Hayter: 079 507 8820
* Mr Reuben Saayman: 082 374 4388