Napha wants more young members
The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) is faced with a challenge of an ageing membership, and said few young members are joining its ranks.
To address this, the association has proposed a young hunters committee.
The initiative is not just about increasing membership numbers, it said, but about actively involving the younger generation in its activities and ensuring its continued relevance and sustainability.
“Engaging young hunters will also strengthen their sense of belonging and commitment to the association.”
American hunting trends provide some insight, Napha said, as over the years there has been a decline in hunting participation, especially among young people.
However, 2020 saw an unexpected increase in interest in hunting, it added.
“While external factors such as the pandemic may have influenced this trend, it also suggests that there is still interest in hunting among the youth.”
Essential
According to the association, introducing a young hunters committee is essential.
“This committee will allow younger members to share their views, contribute to Napha’s development and attract their peers.”
A global trend showed increased interest in hunting among young people, and Napha should also take this opportunity to grow, it said.
“Engaging the younger generation ensures that Napha remains active and effective.”
It added that members should support this proposal for the benefit of the association and the hunting community as a whole.
Severe decline
Hunting clients to Namibia declined by more than 4 000 between 2019 and 2020 due to border closures implemented during the pandemic.
Severe declines in Namibia’s hunting tourism could be seen, based on a survey conducted by Napha, which indicated that the total hunter count was approximately 1 000 during 2020.
This is compared to the 5 032 hunting clients who visited Namibia in 2019.
Napha said a survey among its members during September 2021 showed that, compared to 2019, an estimated 20% of trophy hunters visited Namibia during 2020.
By August 2021, these figures increased to 35%.
It further noted that Namibia had a total of 5 032 “conservation hunters” in 2019, which is a slight (5.7%) decrease from 2018 (5 337).
Hunters came from 49 countries, with the United States of America (USA) and Germany accounting for 55% of all visiting hunters.
In 2020, it was reported that the sector employed 15 000 people and that N$500 million was generated from trophy hunting.
To address this, the association has proposed a young hunters committee.
The initiative is not just about increasing membership numbers, it said, but about actively involving the younger generation in its activities and ensuring its continued relevance and sustainability.
“Engaging young hunters will also strengthen their sense of belonging and commitment to the association.”
American hunting trends provide some insight, Napha said, as over the years there has been a decline in hunting participation, especially among young people.
However, 2020 saw an unexpected increase in interest in hunting, it added.
“While external factors such as the pandemic may have influenced this trend, it also suggests that there is still interest in hunting among the youth.”
Essential
According to the association, introducing a young hunters committee is essential.
“This committee will allow younger members to share their views, contribute to Napha’s development and attract their peers.”
A global trend showed increased interest in hunting among young people, and Napha should also take this opportunity to grow, it said.
“Engaging the younger generation ensures that Napha remains active and effective.”
It added that members should support this proposal for the benefit of the association and the hunting community as a whole.
Severe decline
Hunting clients to Namibia declined by more than 4 000 between 2019 and 2020 due to border closures implemented during the pandemic.
Severe declines in Namibia’s hunting tourism could be seen, based on a survey conducted by Napha, which indicated that the total hunter count was approximately 1 000 during 2020.
This is compared to the 5 032 hunting clients who visited Namibia in 2019.
Napha said a survey among its members during September 2021 showed that, compared to 2019, an estimated 20% of trophy hunters visited Namibia during 2020.
By August 2021, these figures increased to 35%.
It further noted that Namibia had a total of 5 032 “conservation hunters” in 2019, which is a slight (5.7%) decrease from 2018 (5 337).
Hunters came from 49 countries, with the United States of America (USA) and Germany accounting for 55% of all visiting hunters.
In 2020, it was reported that the sector employed 15 000 people and that N$500 million was generated from trophy hunting.
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