By Barbara Crown, Editor
Since
Zambia's Minister of Environment Sylvia Masebo cancelled the allocations of 19 hunting blocks for 2013 and shut down hunting for big cats, numerous reports have been printed in the general media and posted on various websites claiming that hunting has been closed in Zambia. That is absolutely incorrect. The minister's announcement, which I shared with you last month, clearly state that hunting for everything other than big cats may continue on blocks that were not up for reallocation and on private, fenced ranches.
While the 19 blocks in limbo may reasonably be considered the best hunting areas in Zambia and lions and leopards are off the table, there are a number of other areas that still offer good hunting for desirable species including sable, Cape buffalo, sitatunga, lechwe, roan and others. Some areas may have limited quantities of game or limited species, but operators holding these concessions should be able to work together or with game ranches to offer more varied opportunities for those who want to hunt Zambia this year. Below is a rundown of what areas are open, who is operating them and what they have to offer. Remember, there is a fee in Zambia to change hunt areas. You'll also want to make sure you understand how transfers will be handled, especially the costs on any charter flights where you may be the only passenger.....
