Wingshooting in South Africa
When most people think of an African safari, images of kudu, buffalo, and lions spring to mind. But there’s another side to the safari experience that’s every bit as exciting – wingshooting. Our various bird species available for hunting in South Africa offers a fast-paced, social, and highly rewarding challenge for shotgun enthusiasts.
At Bayly Sippel Safaris, bird hunting is often added to plains or big game safaris, giving hunters the chance to experience the thrill of multiple hunting styles in one trip. From early morning duck flights over decoys to afternoons chasing doves or guineafowl, wingshooting adds a unique dimension to your safari.
Seasonal Opportunities
Like all hunting, timing is important and wingshooting is no different. Bird species follow natural rhythms and agricultural cycles, and success comes from planning your safari at the right time.
- Duck & Geese: Best between May and September, when flocks are plentiful and water conditions are right.
- Dove & Pigeon: February to May, coinciding with crop harvests when birds gather in large numbers.
- Upland Birds (guineafowl, francolin, grey-wing partridge): May to September, with grey-wing partridge hunts peaking between May and July.
A day of bird hunting usually follows a natural flow: action-packed mornings, a slower midday, then another burst of activity in the late afternoon. The result is a lively, barrel-warming experience that complements the more methodical pace of plains or dangerous game hunting.
Waterfowl Species
South Africa offers a wide variety of ducks and geese with over 15 different huntable species, many of which are unique to the continent. This makes for some very fun wing shooting. For visiting hunters, these birds not only provide exciting shooting but also make for memorable trophies.
- Yellow-billed Duck – Considered the classic African duck, abundant across wetlands and a staple for wingshooters.
- Red-billed Teal – Fast flyers that test reflexes and reward sharp shooting.
- Egyptian Goose – Aggressive, vocal, and often arriving in noisy flocks, they provide plenty of action.
- Spur-winged Goose – The largest goose in Africa, challenging to decoy and tough to bring down.
- South African Shelduck – A striking bird with bold plumage, highly memorable in both the field and trophy room.
Most waterfowl hunts are conducted from blinds along lakes, marshes, and rivers, or from hides set up in open grain fields. Decoys are used to bring birds within range, creating classic shotgun opportunities.
Other Bird Hunting Options
While ducks and geese steal the spotlight, South Africa is also a paradise for upland birds and pigeons.
- Upland Birds: Helmeted guineafowl, francolin, and the highly prized grey-wing partridge. Guineafowl and francolin are typically hunted in walk-up or driven shoots, while grey-wing hunts take place at higher altitudes with trained pointers – considered by many to be one of the finest upland bird experiences in the world.
- Dove & Pigeon: Cape turtle doves, laughing doves, and rock pigeons offer hours of fast, challenging shooting. Large flocks over sunflowers or cornfields can keep hunters busy from first light until dusk.
Together, these opportunities make South Africa a genuine wingshooting destination, with variety to rival any in the world.
Methods and Equipment
Bird hunting is adaptable, and hunts are tailored to the terrain and species:
- Blinds and Decoys: For ducks and geese, the most common method, providing controlled setups and reliable opportunities.
- Walk-Up Hunts: Used for guineafowl and francolin, often with dogs, adding a traditional upland feel.
- Driven Shoots: A more social style of hunt, with beaters flushing birds towards waiting guns.
For all bird hunts in South Africa, we recommend a 12-gauge shotgun. Hunters are welcome to bring their own firearms, or we can arrange shotgun hire with shells supplied at a feet. It is important to remember that 20-gauge shotguns are less common in South Africa, so plan accordingly.
Because wingshooting often involves a high volume of shooting, being comfortable with your shotgun and confident in mounting and swinging quickly makes a big difference. Many hunters enjoy bird days as a lighter, more social complement to the intensity of big game safaris.
Conservation and Responsible Hunting
Bird hunting in South Africa is regulated by strict seasons and bag limits, ensuring sustainability for future generations. At Bayly Sippel Safaris, all bird hunts are conducted ethically, respecting both the species and the land.
The meat from waterfowl and upland birds is fully utilised – often donated to local workers in the area. If you wish to eat what you have shot the birds will be prepared in our camp kitchens as part of the safari experience. Beyond the table, wingshooting also contributes to conservation through land management fees and supports rural communities by creating employment opportunities.
Duck Hunting FAQs
What is the best time for duck hunting in Africa?
The main season for ducks and geese runs from May to September, when conditions and bird numbers are ideal.
Do I need to bring a shotgun?
You’re welcome to bring your own, but we also offer shotgun hire. A 12-gauge is strongly recommended, and shells can be supplied.
Can bird hunting be combined with big game safaris?
Yes – in fact, most wingshooting is offered as an add-on to plains or dangerous game safaris. It’s an excellent way to diversify your hunting experience and to wind down after a big hunt.
What makes grey-wing partridge hunting special?
These high-altitude hunts with pointers are considered one of the finest upland bird experiences in the world. Fast-flying, challenging, and unforgettable.It is often called the Rolls Royce of game bird hunting!
Final Word
Wing shooting in Africa offers a completely different rhythm to traditional safaris. From the excitement of early morning flights over decoys to the laughter and camaraderie of an afternoon pigeon shoot, it’s a side of Africa that every bird hunting enthusiast should experience.
At Bayly Sippel Safaris, we make it easy to add a bird hunt to your safari, creating memories that combine the majesty of plains and dangerous game with the thrill of wingshooting.
Ready to add wingshooting to your safari? Explore our Bird Hunting Packages or contact us today to plan your duck hunting adventure in South Africa.
