Napha's 2024 initiatives
As the year progresses, the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) continues to uphold its commitment to ethical hunting and conservation. This year, it has a comprehensive calendar of events and courses designed to support its members and the broader hunting community.Continuing the legacy: 'School of Conservation'
According to Napha, the 'School of Conservation' continues the legacy of Volker Grellman and Royston Wright. The association said it remains committed to hosting courses at the training facilities at Okatjeru Game Farm and Bobbejaan Dam Tented Chalets, thanks to the support of Charmaine Wright. This training is vital for young hunters, providing education to become ethical, sustainable hunting guides. Through this initiative, Napha stands firm in its support of the hunting community, ensuring that aspiring hunting professionals are being trained in ethical, sustainable practices.
Courses and training programmes
The association said it offers several essential courses to support the professional development of hunters, such as a housekeeping course, which is scheduled for 15 to 19 July. This five-day course covers effective cleaning routines, kitchen hygiene, maintenance and other hospitality skills, essential for those in the hunting and safari industry.
In collaboration with the tourism ministry, Napha is also creating a theoretical course for previously disadvantaged members, which focuses on trophy, game and legislation. This course will be held in Windhoek from 1 to 10 August, aiming to provide comprehensive education, including meals and accommodation. It is currently looking into securing sponsorship for at least eight candidates, it said, adding that sponsorship is needed to make the course free of charge.
Meanwhile, a hunting guide and professional hunter 10-day preparatory course is planned for 18 to 27 September and 2 to 11 October at Okatjeru Game Farm and Bobbejaan Dam Tented Chalets.
It covers trophy, game and legislation, preparing participants for the theoretical examination required to become a professional hunter and hunting guide.
Napha Young Hunters Committee
The association said during last year's annual general meeting, it created the Young Hunters Committee. Its mission is to create a sense of community among young hunters and encourage their involvement in Napha.
Inspired by the saying "we cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future", the committee has set its goals for the year. These are to bring young hunters together and create a supportive community where members can seek advice and help each other, and to raise awareness of Napha among young people and encourage them to become members that uphold high ethical standards.
One of the highlights for the year will be the young hunters open day on 6 September. This event will feature interesting speakers, a fun shoot and a braai, providing young hunters with the opportunity to network, learn and enjoy some friendly competition.
Celebrating 50 years
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Napha honours a legacy of ethical hunting, conservation and community engagement. The association has played an important role in showcasing Namibia as a top hunting destination and ensuring the sustainability of traditional hunting methods through strong collaboration with the ministry, it said.
“Napha's commitment to high moral standards and conscientious wildlife management has greatly benefitted Namibia’s natural resources. The association’s dedication to ethical hunting practices and conservation has had a positive economic impact on communal conservancies, generating income and local jobs.”
To support the preservation and expansion of the hunting industry and Namibia’s natural heritage, Napha urges everyone to support its new and ongoing projects.
Important dates:
15 to 19 July: Housekeeping course
1 to 10 August: Previously disadvantaged members' course
6 September: Young hunters open day
18 to 27 September: Professional hunter and hunting guide course for the theoretical examination
2 to 11 October: Professional hunter and hunting guide course for the theoretical examination
4 to 5 December: Annual general meeting