Cameroon Hunting – Species, Seasons, and Regulations

person in a wide-brimmed hat and backpack, standing on a hill overlooking a sprawling African savannah landscape under a partly cloudy sky

When it comes to hunting in Cameroon, thereโ€™s an undeniable thrill in experiencing both its breathtaking landscapes and the variety of wildlife roaming across the country. But before packing up your gear, it’s essential to know about Cameroon’s different hunting zones, species availability, seasons, and regulations to make the most of your trip.

Here, Iโ€™ll guide you through what to expect and how to prepare for hunting in Cameroon, covering everything from game laws to travel alerts.

Before Your Trip, Gather All the Necessary Equipment

Preparation can make or break your hunting experience. Cameroonโ€™s climate, geography, and wildlife demand adaptability, so here are some practical tips to keep in mind.

Gear and Equipment

A pair of sturdy brown boots next to spent bullet casings on a forest floor, with a misty woodland background
Proper footwear is essential for outdoor expeditions, providing protection, support, and durability in rugged terrains

The weather varies significantly between regions, so dressing in layers is wise. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended for the hot, humid days, while warmer layers are needed for cool nights. You can find these at https://www.divebombindustries.com.

Sturdy, waterproof boots are essential, particularly for rainforest hunts where the terrain can be wet and muddy.

While outfitters often provide firearms, itโ€™s best to clarify whatโ€™s included. Optics like binoculars and scopes are highly recommended, especially for spotting animals in dense vegetation.

Health and Safety

Cameroon requires certain vaccinations for entry, including yellow fever. Additionally, itโ€™s a good idea to protect yourself against diseases like malaria with preventive medications.

Encounters with non-target species can happen, so always stay alert. Cameroonโ€™s rainforests are home to a variety of animals, including snakes and insects. An outfitter will provide guidance on staying safe around the more hazardous wildlife.

Types of Hunting in Cameroon

Cameroon has two major types of hunting, and each offers a distinct experience. Both regions offer amazing opportunities, but theyโ€™re as different as day and night when it comes to environment, weather, and animal species:

  1. Savanna Hunting โ€“ Up north, youโ€™ll find expansive savannas dotted with bushes and small woodlands. Hunting here usually involves starting from a vehicle, then moving on foot for closer tracking. With its open terrain, the north is ideal for spotting larger game like elephants, buffalos, and roan antelope.
  2. Forest Hunting โ€“ In the southern rainforests, the thick undergrowth and high humidity make for an entirely different experience. Itโ€™s all on foot here, demanding good physical fitness. The forest is home to unique species, including the elusive bongo and sitatunga, making the challenging trek worthwhile.

Travel Alerts and Safety

As of early 2020, there were significant travel advisories in place for Cameroon, particularly for the northern and western regions. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recommends against all travel to Cameroon, while the US Travel Advisory lists a Level 4 Alert for the northern and western regions due to ongoing armed conflict. In other parts of the country, thereโ€™s a Level 2 Alert, mostly because of crime concerns.

Safety is a priority, so if youโ€™re considering a hunting trip to Cameroon, make sure to keep updated on travel advisories and plan your route carefully.

Hunting Seasons in Cameroon

Timing your hunt is essential, as seasons differ based on the type of terrain:

Savanna Hunting Season

Runs from January 1 to April 30, falling during the dry season in the north, where temperatures can range from 18ยฐC to 29ยฐC. Perfect for those who prefer dry, manageable terrain.

Forest Hunting Season

March 1 to June 30, with temperatures between 21ยฐC to 28ยฐC. Expect some rain, which adds a layer of challenge to navigating the dense forests.

The two seasons donโ€™t overlap completely, so youโ€™ll need to decide which terrain and species interest you most before planning your trip.

Hunting Zones and Types

person in camouflage with a rifle, standing in tall grass and looking toward a mountainous horizon under a dramatic evening sky
Dusk and dawn are peak times for animal activity in the wild, making them ideal for wildlife observation and hunting

Cameroon is divided into several hunting zones, each managed under specific regulations:

Here’s a table summarizing the information:

Zone Type Description
National Parks Generally off-limits for hunting, but rich in biodiversity.
ZIC (Zones dโ€™Intรฉrรชt Cynรฉgรฉtique) Trophy fees mostly go to the government.
ZICGC (Zones dโ€™Intรฉrรชt Cynรฉgรฉtique ร  Gestion Communautaire) Trophy fees are split between local communities and the Ministry of Forest & Wildlife, offering direct benefits to the communities.
COZIC Managed zones where a portion of the trophy fees goes to local communities, along with additional funds from the Ministry.

Whatโ€™s Allowed and Whatโ€™s Not

Cameroon enforces strict game laws to protect its wildlife and promote sustainable hunting practices:

  • Daylight hunting only โ€“ Night hunting and artificial lights are prohibited.
  • Species restrictions โ€“ No hunting of female, young, or immature animals.
  • No vehicle hunting โ€“ All shooting must be done on foot.
  • Permit requirements โ€“ Specific animals require additional permits.
  • Lost or wounded animal fees โ€“ Hunters must pay double trophy fees for animals lost or wounded but not retrieved.

There are also strict rules on firearm calibers:

Group Caliber Range Description
Group 3/C Small calibers, max .240 caliber or shotgun Suitable for small game.
Group 2/B Calibers between .240 and .354 Suitable for medium game.
Group 1/A Large calibers, minimum .354 Required for big game, such as elephants and buffalo.

Species and Hunting Licenses

person in camouflage with a rifle faces a large elephant in tall grass, capturing a moment of tension in the African wilderness
Elephants are highly intelligent animals with strong social bonds and are known to exhibit complex emotions, including empathy, grief, and compassion

Cameroon categorizes hunting licenses into three groups, each with specific species:

Group 1 (Large Game)

  • Savanna: Hippopotamus, Savannah Elephant, Giant Eland, etc.
  • Forest: Western Bongo, Forest Elephant, and more.

Group 2 (Medium Game)

  • Savanna: Hartebeest, Hyena, Warthog.
  • Forest: Giant Forest Hog, Red River Hog, etc.

Group 3 (Small Game)

  • Savanna: Baboon, Oribi, Bush Duiker.
  • Forest: Batesโ€™ Pygmy Antelope, African Rock Python.
Each license group permits the hunting of a specific list of animals. Hunters can only purchase one license per group and cannot hunt two of the same species within a single safari.

Required Documents for Licenses

To apply for a hunting license, hunters need to provide:

  • 4 passport-sized photos
  • Passport copy
  • Valid Cameroon visa
  • Firearm permit
  • Health certificate

Preparing these in advance can make the licensing process smoother once in Cameroon.

Export Restrictions

Sculpted lion head in intricate detail, showcasing a fierce and majestic expression
Lions have long symbolized strength, royalty, and bravery across various cultures

When planning for trophies, be aware of export restrictions, as regulations differ by species and region. For instance:

  • Lions โ€“ The EU and Australia restrict or ban lion trophy imports.
  • Hippopotamus โ€“ The EU requires import permits, which are often denied.
  • Elephants โ€“ Imports of elephant trophies are restricted in both the EU and USA.
  • Yellow-backed Duiker โ€“ Hunting of this species is not permitted in Cameroon.

*Checking with local authorities about these restrictions can save you from logistical headaches if you plan to bring trophies home.

In Summary

Hunting in Cameroon is a journey into some of Africaโ€™s most pristine wilderness areas. It requires preparation and respect for the rules, environment, and wildlife. Africa is full of wildlife and mystery facts about its culture and nature that will blow your mind.

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