The effects of winter on Randfontein is a double-edged sword. It brings with it tough times for farmers and good times for hunters.
The Herald visited NWK Retail in Randfontein that specialises in products and equipment for both farmers and hunters to get some tips for the upcoming winter season for farmers and what is needed for this year’s hunting season.
In terms of farming, Ian Wepener, owner of NWK Retail said this year’s winter looks like it’s going to be a harsh, dry one. He explained that farmers need to start stocking up and already should have started making provision for their animals and crops.
Ian said farmers must ensure stock have enough feed before the winter hits. In addition to the feed, farmers need to ensure that cattle have sufficient licks for the winter time to help them stay strong during the cold. Deworming cattle for the winter is also essential to ensure cattle pull through the winter and leave it as healthy as possible.
Because the winter is expected to be a dry one and as a result of the recent drought experienced, Ian said to store water before the winter and to make sure to have fire fighters on hand for when veld fires break out. Lastly, he urged farmers to keep their fences clean for the cattle.
Hunting
In terms of hunting, Ian who is himself a hunter said the hunting season is coming up in May and that there are many things hunters need to ensure to have before going on a big hunt.
I’m a hunter myself and we sometimes drive out 400km to the bush.
“When you hunt there’s nothing around you. You need to have everything you need with you already,” he said.
Ian gave the Herald a break down on the essentials needed when going on a hunt as the store has a section dedicated to hunting and ammunition. Besides needing a firearm and case, crossbow, or any other means of killing your prey, ammunition is needed. Slaying knives, camouflage clothing, hunting shoes, flashlights, and bug spray are absolute essentials.
According to Select Safaris, a first aid kit, comfortable shoes, hats, and sunblock are also essential when navigating the South African bush and keeping safe out of the sun. Hunting as it stands is a hobby where you can never be prepared enough unless you are a seasoned hunter.
According to the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA), hunting is not just about shooting your prey, there is a code of conduct to be followed which in it clearly states that hunters are to respect the natural resources of the land as well as to respect the hunting laws of the land.
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