So thanks, I actually received a lot of queries on this... "whether rangers in DG areas really do not walk with loaded rifles; are they crazy?"
I am not a Sanparks game ranger, but Sanparks Rangers doing guided/trail walks, do not walk with loaded guns - I have done numerous walks with them, did their training courses, this is the way they do it. Private rangers (same training) in say areas such as Timbivati etc. may have different rules, but the majority also, walk with loaded magazine, chamber empty. I have lots of friends doing this, I confirmed with them specifically for this answer.
Why then do some PH's walk with loaded rifles in DG country, whereas Rangers do not. Well, that is easy somewhat. Each PH has his own rules, whereas Rangers mostly have to follow certain standards... Are the standards then wrong, no not all. Also, on a hunt, when following up a wounded DG animal, I think common sense then prevails and rifles are loaded. Facts unfortunately are that in such circumstances, being shot is more prevalent and bigger risk than being mauled/stomped etc. The rest of the answer is not addressing reasons for PH's doing it their way and allowing/not allowing clients, this more to answer the question of the rangers.
One should remember, there is a vast difference in walking in an area such as KNP, where hunting/culling (story for another day) is not allowed vs hunting areas. The way the walk is done is the major difference. Guided walks, the rangers try their best to avoid areas where DG can surprise them, thickets etc., they do not go into areas where they know they may be surprised. Also they give a wide berth to certain animals, but yes, they will guide you in very close to say elephants, but safety (without rifle) is nr 1. Does the fact that they do not hunt influence animal behavior, maybe yes, maybe no. Guided tours are done in areas adjacent to KNP where hunting is done and also in KNP when culling was allowed. No difference really then. But yes, encountering a wounded animal in hunting area is way more likely than in KNP...
Interesting enough, Sanpark changed the way rangers guide, due to rifle safety in the last few years. Historically, the 2nd Rifle (backup) walked at the end of the group in the line. They realized, if something happens at front, the 2nd rifle had to run past / shoot past, therefore now, 1st and 2nd rifle are at front.
Sanparks prides itself, that they have never lost a tourist/participant to a guided walk. Agree to disagree with their rifle protocol or rest, guiding in DG areas have not seen the level of incidents that us hunters tend to think they would. Tourists are even allowed to walk in Mana Pools without guides and off course cannot have a rifle...
Does any of this mean, the rangers do not use their rifles, no not all. There have been multiple incidents where animals unfortunately were shot.
I searched and found a video of an incident where 2 dagga boys (look at the centre of the dark shade, you will see 1 of them) surprised us on a KNP walk, check at the end, they immediately unload the rifles, I unfortunately did not catch the load at the start, I did not walk with camera at the ready
