Hunting licences and permits
CapeNature is the regulatory authority in the Western Cape for the issuing of permits related to the protection of animals and plants, hunting and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The organisation strives to provide effective, fair and efficient administrative support, and monitor compliance in terms of all relevant environmental legislation, through its Permit Office.
CapeNature has recently published a guide for hunters to ensure all hunting activities in the Western Cape are carried out in compliance with the requirements of the law.
What type of activity requires a licence?
A hunting licence is required to hunt any protected wild animal during any hunting season.
Why do I need a licence?
In terms of section 27 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, a licence is required to hunt any protected wild animal during any hunting season.
It is important to note that hunting licences are only valid for species that are reflected in the annual hunting notice 2023 / annual hunting notice 2024. Other important aspects are reflected in this hunting notice, such as:
- Length of the hunting season
- Area(s) in which that season is applicable
- Daily bag limit
- Other hunting methods allowed
CapeNature has published a guide for hunters in the Western Cape, so that all hunters are able to hunt legally in the province.
How do I go about getting a licence?
You can either submit a completed application form and supporting documents (including proof of payment) to permits.fax@capenature.co.za, or you can apply online through the CapeNature permits portal here.
Payment may be made by depositing the relevant amount into our bank account and producing the proof of payment (i.e. stamped deposit slip, internet banking confirmation etc.) on application.
Banking details: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Nedbank, Current Account, Account no: 1452057117, Branch code: 145209
How long will it take me to get a licence?
It will take one working day to get a licence.
What is the cost of the administration fee?
It will cost R200 per application.
What type of activity requires a permit?
The hunting of wild animals using certain methods, at certain times or in certain places is regarded as prohibited and will require a permit.
Why do I need a permit?
Sections 29 and 33 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance outline a number of hunting methods that are considered to be prohibited. These methods include:
- Hunting with the aid of artificial light
- Hunting on or from a public road
- Hunting by means of any trap
- Hunting at night
- Hunting by means of a bow and arrow
All of these hunting methods are considered to be prohibited in the Western Cape, and a permit is required to use any of them to hunt any wild animal.
It is important to note that researchers who wish to collect any wild animal (including birds and insects) using a trap (which, by definition, includes the use of mist-nets, cages, box-traps, birdlimes, etc) must also apply for a prohibited hunting method permit before collecting any specimens.
There are concessions for scientific research collections (including bird-ringing permits).
How do I go about getting a permit?
You can either submit a completed application form (see the relevant forms below) and supporting documents (including proof of payment) to permits.fax@capenature.co.za, or you can apply online through the CapeNature permits portal here.
In order to facilitate the various permutations for hunting wild animals using a prohibited hunting method, CapeNature has created bespoke application forms for each type of wild animal movement. Please select the application form/permit type appropriate to your activity and method.
How long will it take me to get a permit?
Your permit should be issued within three to 30 working days, depending on the species to be hunted, the method and the purpose.
What is the cost of the administration fee?
It will cost R150 per application.