THE guineafowl is one of the most abundant gamebirds in Africa, yet also one of the most challenging to hunt. To bag a reasonable number of these crafty birds requires strategy and much homework. It is important to know where the flocks roost, their eating habits and their escape routes. Even then, it is still possible to go home emptyhanded.
Until now, all my guineafowl hunts had been small affairs involving a handful of hunters with their dogs. Consequently, I was excited when invited to attend a guineafowl hunt organised by Leslie van der Merwe. The hunt took place on a farm just west of Bela-Bela. Areas of typical bushveld were interspersed by harvested fields and it was prime guineafowl habitat.