Zim urged to use Eco Hunt

The Eco-Hunt is described as a blend of hunting and conservation where the thrill and challenge of the hunt prevails without the loss of life.

“Hunters are given the chance to pit their every skill and wit against the greatest of the Big Five, but, at the final moment, the hunter is able to save – not take – the elephant’s life,” a representative from Mopane Advisory Services said.

The organisation said the eco-hunting concept had already generated a lot of enthusiasm all over the world and if adopted in Zimbabwe and marketed effectively, had the potential of increasing benefits from the soccer World Cup tournament.

The company said this was a move away from safari hunting that has drawn scathing criticism worldwide over the years, from animal rights activists and conservationists.

“Eco-Hunting is an increasingly popular alternative to the blood sport of big-game hunting. Instead of a bullet, a dart is fired which tranquilises the animal and makes it unconscious,” the representative said.

“If Zimbabwe fully embraces the eco-hunting concept, this is likely going to shift the

negative perception that the world currently holds of Zimbabwe. If implemented effectively, Eco-Hunting may prove to be instrumental in the government’s current efforts to re-brand Zimbabwe and promote the country as a safe tourist destination,” reads part of a report from the organisation.