NextHunt Review – Fair Game Bow Hunting
The NextHunt team visited the Fair Game Bow Hunting camp near Rust te Winter, where we were welcomed by hosts Hanno and Vanessa van Schoor. Less than an hour’s drive (80km) from Menlyn, even including a scenic drive through the Dinokeng Nature Reserve, impressed us that such a nice bushveld hunting opportunity could be so close to Pretoria.
A farmer and avid bow hunter himself, Hanno took us on a drive through the farm. Having received 10mm rain in the past few days, everything was lush and green. We drove past herds of proud young impala bowrams showing off their new found glorious horns. We spotted a pair of steenbuck not too far from one of the pit blinds as well as plenty of blesbuck. It was evident that the animals we’re scared of humans as we passed a few herds within bow hunting range, before they ran off.
The hides are in good condition and provides good cover for any bow hunter. The pit blinds have soil as flooring to minimise noise.
We arrived at the camp, which was clean and neat. When they don’t have hunters, everything is packed away safely in the container, which doubles for a kitchen when camp is set up. There is no electricity, but you will always have warm water and gas to cook, says Hanno. The slaughtering poles are behind the container which was a nice touch, so the hunter can be part of the whole process and learn in the process. A nice touch is that they have a crossbow for hire, so even the most novice or aspiring hunter can try their hand at hunting without having to own their own gear.
The roads are well laid out and well kept, making it easy to navigate and walk to and from hides when you’ve had enough for the day. It is also ideal for cycling when you want to do your own game drive.
Fair Game bow-hunting is basic, but provides everything you need for an enjoyable bow hunt. We look forward to having our first bow hunting weekend at Hanno and Vanessa’s and can with confidence list Fair Game as a NextHunt Recommended hunting farm.
– January 2021 –
