151 HUNTERS SHORTLISTED FOR 2020 HUNTING SEASON
Tourism and Arts Minister Ronald Chitotela has cautioned the 151 hunters who have been selected to participate in the 2020 hunting season to desist from over hunting and pursuing species that are not prescribed on the hunting licenses.
Mr. Chitotela says anyone found engaging in unethical conduct and abrogating the wildlife regulations will be blacklisted and face the law for the offence of poaching.
He has also directed the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains alert and closely monitor the hunting exercise by ensuring compliance with set regulations and protocols governing resident and bonafide hunting.
Mr. Chitotela was speaking in Lusaka during the raffle draw to determine successful applicants for participation in the 2020 resident and bonafide hunting.
This was in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry Permanent Secretary Auxillia Ponga.
One thousand 6 hundred and 83 applicants were shortlisted, while one hundred and 51 packages have been given out with 38 reserves.
Meanwhile, National Parks and Wildlife Director, Chuma Simukonda said the decision to use the raffle draw is meant to ensure transparency in the selection process and urged the hunters to avoid littering.
And Resident Hunting and Conservation Association of Zambia Chairperson Captain David Mwila said the association has no problem with the hunting season running from September to December but that hunters are concerned that the season starts late in the year