Duck hunting in South Africa

South Africa is blessed with 17 indigenous Duck species. Although not highly colourful like the northern hemisphere Ducks they still make an interesting collection and an entertaining waterfowl hunt. 13 of these species are regularly hunted, namely, African Black Duck, Cape Shoveler, Cape Teal, Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Hottentot Teal (Blue-billed Teal), Knob-billed Duck (Comb Duck), Maccoa Duck, Red-billed Duck, South African Shelduck, Southern Pochard, White-backed Duck, White-faced Whistling Duck and Yellow-billed Duck. Ducks can be hunted throughout the country but are mostly concentrated in the central agricultural crop-growing locations across the country where suitable aquatic habitats can be found. Several outfitters offer specialised waterfowl hunting trips. These bird shoots are generally conducted in the early morning and late afternoon along known flight paths. Decoys are often used to improve your hunting success. Mallards also occur in South Africa and are a declared invasive species and should be shot on site as they hybridise with some of the local Duck species like Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Teal and Cape Shoveller Ducks are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required. Bag limits apply according to the nature conservation regulations for the particular province where you are hunting.