Hunting with a semi-auto in Africa, is it legal?

[Northern Shooter]

So far all I've been seeing are bolt- action and double rifles being used on African hunts. I'm guessing some (most) countries prohibit the use of semi autos?

Are there any exceptions of African countries that allow the use of semi-autos on hunts? Are there specific limitations? Ie magazine restrictions? Detachable magazine vs box fed?

Can they be used on dangerous game?

Have you taken any African game with a semi?

 

[Hogpatrol]

From a travel agency's email on firearms in RSA:

3. Firearm Requirement of Country of Safari-Always verify the country you will be hunting firearm requirements with your Outfitter.

4. Hunting Handguns- We must have documents in our office no later than 8 weeks prior to insure there is no issue getting this permit issued.

5. Semi-Automatic Shotguns- permits have been issued for these, we need 8 weeks and understand it is not a guarantee.

6. Semi-automatic rifles- are NOT allowed

 

[baxterb]

A guy I know used a Benelli R1 in Botswana.

 

[503]

Aren't there 980 million AKs in Africa?.....

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I feel neglected: I'm a lever gun fan.

 

[Northern Shooter]

And if they are prohibited I wonder what the reasoning is, unless citizens of the country are also prohibited from using such firearms?

Im thinking of examples like the Browning BAR, Benelli R1 etc.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Aren't there 980 million AKs in Africa?.....

If there are, they're limited to poacher and anti-personnel usage.

 

[Hogpatrol]

And if they are prohibited I wonder what the reasoning is, unless citizens of the country are also prohibited from using such firearms?

Im thinking of examples like the Browning BAR, Benelli R1 etc.

African governments don't need a reason.

 

[503]

African governments don't need a reason.

Usually the good guns are reserved for the criminals

 

[Frederik]

Except for for the difficulty and extra paperwork landing here with a semi auto Limpopo Ordinace laws allows semi auto for hunting but just two consecutive shots. Basically you have to plug the mag if tube to only allow two rounds or only load 2 in the mag.

I doubt anybody will really check it but that is in black and white.

 

[375Fox]

If there are, they're limited to poacher and anti-personnel usage.

7.62 FMJ bullet found in gemsbok NW Namibia

 

[Northern Shooter]

Except for for the difficulty and extra paperwork landing here with a semi auto Limpopo Ordinace laws allows semi auto for hunting but just two consecutive shots. Basically you have to plug the mag if tube to only allow two rounds or only load 2 in the mag.

I doubt anybody will really check it but that is in black and white.

Interesting, we have similar laws here regarding migratory birds and plugging shotguns (to 3). Having watched enough dangerous game hunts I feel like 2 shots is not nearly enough.

 

[503]

Most hunting and gun laws are made by clowns.

 

[Northern Shooter]

So it looks like South Africa prohibits semi-autos while Botswana allows them.

Any others?

 

[Safari Dave]

I wouldn't bother, because you never know with the Federales.

Just take bolt action, and fly under the radar.

 

[Safari Dave]

If you enjoy spending many hours trying to reason with police with 3rd world countries, then have at it.

 

[Hunt anything]

So it looks like South Africa prohibits semi-autos while Botswana allows them.

Any others?

Maybe true but if you have to transition through a country that doesn’t allow them your screwed.

 

[Philip Glass]

And if they are prohibited I wonder what the reasoning is, unless citizens of the country are also prohibited from using such firearms?

Im thinking of examples like the Browning BAR, Benelli R1 etc.

Generally not allowed but there are ways to get a special approval at times. I am not sure it is worth the hassle.