By Barbara Crown
The issue of rhino vitamin-dart "hunts" in
South Africa continues to concern hunters interested in this species, as evidenced by two recent articles published in
Safari Times, Safari Club International's monthly membership publication. The articles addressed member concerns about the legality of "green" and vita-dart rhino hunts. Continuing subscribers will recall my
January 2011 warning that new regulations had effectively barred the tranquilizing of rhinos for non-medical or non-conservation purposes, making green hunts illegal for that species. I also told you about the vita-dart opportunity then newly introduced by Irvin Tam of
Tam Safaris (011-27-48-881-1498). Tam's method, which (as I predicted in 2011) is now used by numerous operators, involves a client shooting the rhino with a dart full of vitamins or other necessary medication. The rhino is only tranquilized by a veterinarian, and, again, only if medically necessary (to draw blood for tests or to treat an injury, for example) or for conservation (such as micro-chipping or relocating the animal). It is a legal activity, requiring a TOPS (Threatened Or Protected Species) permit issued by provincial wildlife authorities......
