1 Module # 2 Component # 3!" # $ %# & " Trophy Hunting: Grand Slams and Inner Circles The awards and incentives SCI offers are in the form of trophy competitions and official awards to individual members. 1 Trophies are judged according to various criteria depending on the species (for example; length and thickness of horns, width of boss, or circumference at the base of the horn). An official SCI scoring system is in place (The SCI Methods of Measurement) by which trophies are awarded a certain number of points according to these criteria by certified measuring officers. Persons who qualify as an SCI measurer must pass an official examination and certification procedure to prove their efficiency in scoring accurately. 2 Trophies with the highest scores are entered into the SCI annual record book, which records the highest scoring trophies shot over the years. 3 The awards system serves to stimulate a competitive spirit for trophies and promotes increased trophy hunting worldwide, whilst honouring members for their hunting achievements. #'(()*+,-+( "!. -!#/0!#/ "/ & & 0 "1!#/'(()*'21 0 3'((+*'2"!#! '(,4*+("!#/'(()*+"
2 Twenty-six categories of trophy competitions are divided into two general types: Grand Slams and Inner Circles (there are eleven grand slams and nineteen inner circles). 4 Examples of a Grand Slam are: $5 # % 6 7 $ % $ 0 $$ 8..$ $$ 9 $$ : %! : -: " % 8 % : # 8 # 2( Examples of Inner Circles include:! # % 8 %!% : 8 %! %;6% <7% %! %8 / : /6% 8.% % In order to achieve every possible award, a hunter will have collected 499 trophies. '(,=*)=2-)=>" #/!6 "
3 A Top Ten Award is given to hunters whose trophies are big enough to make it into the top ten of the SCI Record book in any category. Awards are offered at five levels from lowest to highest (copper, bronze, silver, gold and diamond) depending on the number of trophies needed to qualify for the next level. There is also a Pinnacle of Achievement Award, with four levels of pinnacles. In order to reach the first pinnacle, any six of twenty-five inner circles or grand slams must be achieved (taking at least 20 trophies, in other words having killed at least 20 animals of trophy size); to reach the last pinnacle three of sixteen inner circles or grand slams at the gold level and one at the diamond level must be achieved (29 trophies taken/animals killed). In honour of their achievement, the member receives an award, trophy or special engraved ring at the Annual SCI Convention. 5 The scoring system used by the SCI has in the past been suspected of directly contributing to a potential decrease in the gene pool (and therefore trophy quality) in certain species. One example of this is the case of Cape Buffalo and Wildebeest, where the points awarded for SCI buffalo trophies is biased towards the shooting of males in their breeding prime. 6 This is because the highest points are given for younger males due to the combined circumference, curve, width, and length of their horns and boss. This is in contrast to the Rowland Ward system of scoring, which is biased towards older bulls past their breeding prime. This is one example where the trophy scheme and system record book entries may have a direct negative impact on biodiversity. To counteract this potential negative trend, SCI has a Trophy Quality Monitoring project in place, which aims to discern, over a period of time, potential decreases in trophy quality in certain species from specific areas. If any decrease is noticeable, it aims to study the causes of the decline, and establish whether the decline is related to the ecological (and economic) health of the population, and also if the decline is related to trophy hunting. If trophy quality is seen as consistently declining over a period of time, collaborative consultation efforts will be undertaken to address the issue. 7!#/'(() *)'" <2??' 2??'" <2??' 2??'1!#/@!" "*""A"
4 The Trophy Hunter Trophy hunting is regarded as being the most exemplary form of ethical hunting, as the qualities deemed necessary in the ethical hunter are regarded as finding their ultimate expression in the make-up of the trophy hunter. 8 The demands imposed on the trophy hunter are much greater because he selectively targets the finest specimens, which he has to work harder to get. It is argued that to consistently accomplish a successful trophy hunt requires the greatest skill levels (for example, in marksmanship and tracking), patience, knowledge (about the animal and its habitat, game laws, and firearms), stamina, strength, and ingenuity. Because trophy hunting is an expensive activity and an international trophy hunting trip can cost a small fortune, the people who partake in it are generally people who have the ability to afford it. Generally speaking, trophy hunters are therefore people who hunt primarily for the trophy, are generally successful and wealthy, and their status and wealth are also often signs that they exhibit exemplary human qualities that helped them to attain their status and wealth, which is regarded as a further indication that trophy hunting is a worthy activity. The general claim by trophy hunters is that they only target old specimens (normally males of the species) which are past their breeding prime and have had the opportunity of passing on their genes through mating. By hunting only old trophy animals (which, by virtue of their age, are supposed to have the largest and therefore most desirable in terms of record points horns, tusks, skulls, manes, etc.), it is argued that minimal interference is caused to the natural population, as trophy animals no longer have a meaningful contribution to make as far as the survival of the species is concerned it is assumed that they have already fulfilled their biological function and what is more, have led a long life of good quality. In certain species, the social structure of the animals also necessitates that the dominant male(s) leave the herd or pride once they have been deposed by younger, stronger, and more virile competitors. In other species, where males do not characteristically form part of a breeding herd, but live in bachelor groups, the disturbance caused to the general population by the shooting of one of these males, is also considered as being minimal. In the case of lions or buffalo, it is generally considered that once they have been ousted from the security afforded by a pride or herd, they are more susceptible to being attacked by other predators (i.e. hyaenas, leopards or other lions), and that their life will thus generally be shortened. In these cases, trophy hunters argue that shooting one of these animals does not negatively affect the ecosystem or population, or drastically impact on the quality or length of that animal s life, as they would most probably die an agonising death at the hands of another animal, or through starvation and disease. B '((2*'(-2>''2-''>"
5 It is therefore preferable that they die quickly and relatively painlessly from a quick clean kill that a skilled, ethical trophy hunter is able to provide. What s more, the positive utility gained from the animal s quick death, following a long healthy life, outweighs the negative, namely through the financial benefits to the park, ecosystem, or people, that revenue from the hunt is able to provide; from meat from the carcass; as well as the fact that a more painful and lingering death, that nature would have provided, is avoided. These can be considered as the main arguments that are consistently put forward by SCI and its members in defence of trophy hunting. The essential aspects are the notion of the ethical hunter, of the role hunting plays in conservation, and of the trophy hunter as manifesting the exemplary qualities that characterise ethical hunting.
6 Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) The Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA), established in 1978, is the official mouthpiece of the professional hunting industry in South Africa, and is closely affiliated to SCI. 9 The main aims of PHASA, outlined below, are: To foster the conservation of South Africa s wildlife and flora resources To support proper wildlife management and utilization To assist and promote ethical hunting in South Africa To promote and market hunting in South Africa To promote high quality service and ethical standards among members. 10 PHASA established a Wildlife Conservation Fund in 1999, to assist PHASA and the professional hunting industry in its efforts to promote and maintain the wise consumptive use of the natural resources of South Africa. 11 The fund is voluntarily supported by a levy implemented on each animal hunted by an overseas client (amount of US $10 or 10). The objectives of the Fund are to: Secure the future of professional hunting Fund projects and support key issues vitally important to the professional hunting industry Fund accredited research projects Assist with the funding of provincial nature conservation representatives in their task of regulating the professional hunting industry. 12 In addition PHASA has a Trophy Medal Programme based on the SCI measurement system as a way to acknowledge the client s success in the form of a medal/certificate, which is issued according to the size of the trophy. 13 PHASA is therefore closely affiliated to SCI in purpose, objective, and procedure. Whilst most of the hunting organisations in South Africa as well as professional hunters and outfitters are in turn affiliated to PHASA in some way (i.e. ECGMA 14 and CHASA), 15! 8!#/ # 6 B!" " B!2??4" B!2??4" B!2??4" B!2??4" #82??4" #8 # 8 #B! # B&! "
7 PHASA nevertheless remains a completely independent body and is an effective representative in voicing the interests of hunting in a South African context. East Cape Game Management Association (ECGMA) The East Cape Game Management Association (ECGMA) is also closely affiliated to SCI and PHASA, and was a founding member of the Confederation of Hunters Associations of South Africa (CHASA). 16 Its primary objective is the conservation of the natural resources of the Eastern Cape, based on the principles of private enterprise, achieved amongst others, through conservation through utilisation. The ECGMA is mentioned briefly primarily because it represents an area, the Eastern Cape, where a significantly large percentage of the annual trophy hunting in SA takes place, and thus has an important influence as far as the trophy hunting industry is concerned. Confederation of Hunters Associations of South Africa (CHASA) CHASA is the umbrella body of all the hunting clubs and organisations in South Africa, 17 and is mentioned here as an acknowledgement of their status as one of the main role players in South Africa, and as the informal voice of the 200 000 South African hunters who do not belong to hunters associations. 18 As their position and agenda regarding hunting is identical to that of PHASA, I feel that it is enough to recognise them as such without repeating their stance on hunting. #82??4" C '((+*'+" 2??'*@""A"
8 The Cost of Trophy Hunting Hunting Fees (Trophy & Daily Rate) In South Africa 2005 Species Highest US $ Highest Lowest Average Individual 2004 Live Sale Average African Wild Cat $750 R 5,062.50 R 1,012.50 R 2,733.75 R 1,073.25 Baboon $330 R 2,227.50 No data R 729.00 No data Blesbok $1,563 R 10,550.25 R 830.25 R 2,490.75 R 796.50 Blesbok, white $1,790 R 12,082.50 R 1,660.50 R 4,677.75 R 1,201.50 Bontebok $3,500 R 23,625.00 R 5,400.00 R 9,895.50 R 9,956.25 Buffalo, Cape $18,750 R 126,562.50 R 40,500.00 R 74,682.00 R 159,354.00 Bushbuck $1,290 R 8,707.50 R 1,890.00 R 4,900.50 R 2,598.75 Bushpig $950 R 6,412.50 R 675.00 R 2,686.50 R 2,889.00 Caracal $1,500 R 10,125.00 R 202.50 R 3,678.75 No data Civet $1,000 R 6,750.00 R 337.50 R 2,781.00 No data Crocodile $6,000 R 40,500.00 R 16,875.00 R 25,110.00 No data Duiker, Blue $1,500 R 10,125.00 R 2,835.00 R 5,946.75 R 3,962.25 Duiker, Grey $575 R 3,881.25 R 472.50 R 1,761.75 R 2,342.25 Duiker, Red $2,500 R 16,875.00 R 4,050.00 R 6,675.75 R 4,279.50 Eland, Cape $3,500 R 23,625.00 R 6,412.50 R 12,312.00 R 4,698.00 Eland, Livingston $3,750 R 25,312.50 R 12,150.00 R 17,043.75 R 10,908.00 Fallow Deer $1,000 R 6,750.00 R 1,248.75 R 3,847.50 No data Gemsbok $1,875 R 12,656.25 R 3,969.00 R 6,966.00 R 3,766.50 Genet $750 R 5,062.50 R 337.50 R 1,431.00 No data Giraffe $4,500 R 30,375.00 R 11,137.50 R 18,947.25 R 14,917.50 Grysbok, Cape $1,500 R 10,125.00 R 2,025.00 R 5,440.50 R 1,518.75 Grysbok, Sharpe's $1,800 R 12,150.00 R 3,375.00 R 6,554.25 No data Hartebeest, Cape $1,790 R 12,082.50 R 3,375.00 R 6,257.25 R 3,597.75 Hippopotamus $6,500 R 43,875.00 R 16,875.00 R 36,065.25 R 33,851.25 Honey badger $550 R 3,712.50 R 337.50 R 2,484.00 No data Hyaena, Brown $2,750 R 18,562.50 R 1,687.50 R 6,412.50 No data Hyaena, Spotted $2,500 R 16,875.00 R 641.25 R 5,582.25 R 533.25 Impala $675 R 4,556.25 R 985.50 R 2,207.25 R 681.75 Jackal, Black-backed $350 R 2,362.50 R 135.00 R 614.25 No data Klipspringer $1,500 R 10,125.00 R 2,025.00 R 5,528.25 R 4,104.00 Kudu $3,475 R 23,456.25 R 3,631.50 R 8,673.75 R 2,173.50 Lechwe, Kafue $4,500 R 30,375.00 R 12,825.00 R 23,172.75 No data Lechwe, Red $4,500 R 30,375.00 R 9,450.00 R 18,117.00 R 14,998.50
9 Hunting Fees (Trophy & Daily Rate) In South Africa 2005 Species Highest US $ Highest Lowest Average Individual 2004 Live Sale Average Leopard $12,500 R 84,375.00 R 16,875.00 R 35,700.75 No data Lion $29,500 R 199,125.00 R 101,250.00 R 159,610.50 No data Monkey, Blue $350 R 2,362.50 R 135.00 R 499.50 No data Nyala $3,500 R 23,625.00 R 6,750.00 R 15,140.25 R 6,959.25 Oribi $3,500 R 23,625.00 R 3,375.00 R 8,046.00 R 5,352.75 Ostrich $1,500 R 10,125.00 R 337.50 R 3,746.25 R 1,275.75 Porcupine $250 R 1,687.50 No data R 830.25 No data Reedbuck, Common $1,590 R 10,732.50 R 2,227.50 R 5,521.50 R 4,731.75 Reedbuck, Mountain $1,590 R 10,732.50 R 776.25 R 3,948.75 R 1,363.50 Rhebok, Vaal $1,990 R 13,432.50 R 3,375.00 R 6,574.50 R 4,637.25 Rhino, White $46,154 R 311,539.50 R 168,750.00 R 237,552.75 R 120,696.75 Roan $11,350 R 76,612.50 R 60,750.00 R 67,250.25 R 160,056.00 Sable $12,000 R 81,000.00 R 27,000.00 R 51,799.50 R 65,961.00 Scimitar Horned Oryx $9,000 R 60,750.00 R 16,875.00 R 35,775.00 R 15,342.75 Serval $1,750 R 11,812.50 R 1,350.00 R 4,097.25 No data Springbuck, Black $1,200 R 8,100.00 R 1,248.75 R 3,975.75 R 978.75 Springbuck, Kalahari $675 R 4,556.25 R 621.00 R 2,268.00 R 560.25 Springbuck, White $1,500 R 10,125.00 R 2,700.00 R 5,629.50 R 3,017.25 Springhare $150 R 1,012.50 R 168.75 R 418.50 No data Steenbok $750 R 5,062.50 R 607.50 R 1,910.25 R 1,397.25 Suni, Livingstone's $3,500 R 23,625.00 R 4,387.50 R 8,937.00 No data Tsessebe $6,000 R 40,500.00 R 5,062.50 R 17,637.75 R 20,472.75 Warthog $600 R 4,050.00 R 540.00 R 2,018.25 R 769.50 Waterbuck, Common $2,800 R 18,900.00 R 2,497.50 R 11,279.25 R 5,339.25 Wildebeest, Black $1,790 R 12,082.50 R 3,118.50 R 6,439.50 R 1,923.75 Wildebeest, Blue $1,790 R 12,082.50 R 2,801.25 R 5,960.25 R 1,748.25 Zebra, Burchell's $1,890 R 12,757.50 R 3,577.50 R 6,905.25 R 4,914.00 Zebra, Cape Mntn. $5,000 R 33,750.00 R 33,750.00 R 33,750.00 No data Zebra, Hartmann's $6,550 R 44,212.50 R 4,644.00 R 15,167.25 R 19,217.25 Daily Rate Plains G. $600 R 4,050.00 R 675.00 R 2,430.00 No data Daily Rate Big Five $1,650 R 11,137.50 R 2,700.00 R 4,522.50 No data Daily Rate Observer $308 R 2,079.00 R 438.75 R 1,100.25 No data Source: African Indaba Source: African Indaba Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue # 4 July 2005 This Newsletter recommends that the above Table should only be interpreted in conjunction with the Newsletter which can be found at: http://indaba.emessaging.co.za/african_indaba_vol_3_4.pdf
10 Conclusion Thus, from a pro-hunting perspective, SCI is the most active and influential nongovernmental organisation in the hunting debate. Its influence in Africa is considerable, as many of the trophy hunters who hunt in Africa, besides those from America, are most likely either members of SCI, or affiliated to SCI, including hunters from Europe, Asia and other continents around the globe. 19 SCI is also closely affiliated to many other prominent pro-hunting groups and conservation organisations. To recap, the main arguments put forward by the SCI in favour of hunting and trophy hunting are: 1) that trophy hunting contributes to biodiversity conservation and the principles of sustainable utilisation as identified by the CBD; 2) that hunting emphasises the evolutionary status of humans and allows us to return to an authentic state of participation and interaction with nature; 3) that trophy hunting is an economically viable land use option for remote communities where photographic safaris and lodge based tourism is not an option; 4) that hunting serves to cultivate certain moral virtues and brings benefits to the individuals and communities that practice it; 5) that hunting is normal and natural; and 6) that hunting holds considerable cultural value that cannot be discounted. The SCI regards hunters as playing a vital role in increasing awareness about conservation issues. There is however a moral distinction made in SCI circles between true hunters and other types of hunters on the basis of ethical behaviour, respect for nature, fellow hunters and the animals they hunt, as well as depth of knowledge and awareness about conservation issues. Hunters who do not respect ethical standards and codes of hunting are not considered true hunters ; nor are those who do not have a deep respect for and understanding of nature and conservation respectively.! /$ '((( =+D'+?-2??! 0'((("! ++D4,(,"/ : 8 8 +)",D '2")D42)="/!#/!#/ ""!#/$ # "
11 The views of PHASA, ECGMA, and CHASA regarding the role of hunting in conservation can be regarded as closely aligned with the views expressed by SCI, and in many cases the official positions of the groups are similar if not identical. Also, having a sound grasp of the views and rational arguments as put forward by SCI and many of its members in defence of trophy hunting and the hunting way of life, is imperative to having an understanding of what hunting means to individuals. The historical and contextual emergence of these beliefs and arguments will be explored further in Module # 6.