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Trophy Hunting

The variation in topography and vegetation at Ratelfontein will test your hunting skills to the full. Since game ranges from the plains-dwelling Springbok to the Mountain Zebra your hunting experience will be as diverse as it will be exciting, challenging and ultimately rewarding. Species not available on the Ratelfontein Private Game Reserve will be hunted on our other concession areas, such as the Kalahari Desert. We cater for both rifle and bow hunters.

Daily Rates Include

1. Accommodation with full catering and alcoholic beverages for duration of stay.
2. Services of a professional hunter.
3. All field preparation of trophies.
4. Transport of trophies to local taxidermist.

Daily Rates Do Not Include

1. Taxidermist costs.
2. Airfares.
3. Transport to and from Cape Town or Johannesburg (€400) per trip.
4. 14% Value Added Tax (VAT) on daily rates.
5. Insurance and gratuities.

Contact us about our Special Package rates.

Payment

1. All prices are quoted and are payable in Euro.
2. A deposit of 50%, based on the daily rate, confirms the hunt.
3. The balance is due 2 months prior to the commencement of the hunt. Trophy fees are payable at the end of the hunt and include animals wounded and lost.
4. No refund of the deposit will be made to the client if notice of cancellation is received less than three months prior to the commencement of the Hunting Safari, unless the Safari can be rebooked.
5. If the Safari is cancelled more than three months prior to the scheduled Safari, the deposit will be refunded less a 15% administration fee.
6. All charges are subject to change.
7. All payments are made in cash or by traveller's cheques.
8. Ratelfontein Private Game Reserve reserves the right to change conditions, prices and terms without prior notice.
9. While every effort is made to safeguard you and your property, no liability or responsibility is accepted for any accident, injury, illness or any loss of property during your stay.

Tracking

Our leading Professional Hunter and Hunting Outfitter, Jan Westdyk, will guide you on your quest for your African trophies. Registered as a PH throughout South Africa and Namibia, Jan knows the land well. With patience, skill and intimate knowledge of your sought after trophy, you will be lead to success. Hunting is mostly done by walking and stalking. Vehicles and horses may be used to assist in the hunt when necessary.

Trophy Recovery and Preparation

All field preparation of your trophies will be performed under the supervision of a Professional Hunter, and he will ensure that they reach their destinations in the condition that you would expect.

For more information on taxidermy, visit:

• www.taxidermyafrica.com
• www.karootaxidermy.com

Clothing

Temperatures vary from –5°C to 10°C in winter and 15°C to 35°C in summer.

Hunting takes place all year round. Between November and March, the area becomes fairly hot, so light clothing can be worn during the day, and a light jacket at night. Thunderstorms sometimes take place during this period. From April to October, the nights and early mornings are cold, which requires warmer clothing and gloves.

As much of the day will be spent walking through the open Karoo, it is essential that you bring a pair of well-worn boots, a hat and sunscreen. Sunglasses and a good pair of binoculars are also highly advisable.

While camouflage clothing is an advantage, it is not a necessity.

Facilities

Ratelfontein is blessed with an abundance of bird life, ranging from the Cory Bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world, to the little fly catchers. The reserve is also home to the swift Peregrine Falcon and the majestic Black Eagle.

Visit Facilities»

Hunter's Gallery

• Trophy Gallery Trophies at Ratelfontein
• Yastrzhembskiy Hunt
• Spies Hunt 26/03/2008
• Erickson Safari 19/11/2007
• Spanish Hunting Safari 02/08/2007
• Father & Son Hunt 29/07/2007
• Steve Scott Productions 12/06/2007
• Hagedorn Hunt 08/05/2007
• Mobley & Hyce Safari 30/04/2007
• Howard & Danos Hunt 24/03/2007

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Firearms

For the open plains of the Karoo, the “flatter” shooting calibers, like the 270 Winchester, 25–06 Remington, 300 H & H/ Win. Mag, 7mm Remington Magnum and the like are recommended. This also applies to some of our other, more open concession areas, like the Kalahari. For hunting in the thickets, calibers like the 30–06 Springfiled and 375 H & H class will more than suffice.

On the open plains, we use telescopic sights with a 6x magnification, as the shooting range varies between 100 and 250 yards. In the more densely vegetated areas, a 4x magnification is all that is necessary, as the brush significantly reduces the shooting range.

Bow Hunting

The Karoo will test the bowhunter's patience and skill to the limit.

Our bow hides offer excellent results but it is also possible to make use of natural cover only and still be successful.

Each hunt will be tailored to suit the trophy preferences of the hunter and are planned to pit the skills and endurance of the bowhunter against the senses and instincts of the animals.

For game up to the size of Kudu or Gemsbok, bows with draw weights up to a maximum of 60-70lb are ideal.

Enough arrows for practicing and hunting should be brought along and a spare bow is recommended.

Accommodation

Bringing comfort to the veld only enhances your African hunting experience. Relax and recuperate in our luxurious and fully-equipped hunting lodge. Up to fourteen guests can be accommodated in the lodge, which consists of the Manor House and surrounding cottages.

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