Game Ranchers
ECGMA’s was the first game ranchers association acknowledged as such under certain provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
For a game rancher to license firearms for game ranching purposes, the rancher must – amongst other criteria – belong to a recognized game ranchers association.
ECGMA’s game ranchers are represented on HAWASA (Hunting and Wildlife Associations of South Africa), which serves as a caucus
for meetings of the Wildlife Forum, of which ECGMA is also a member. ECGMA is presently the only provincial body having representation
on the Wildlife Forum, the latter comprising National bodies together with DEAT (Dept. of Environment and Tourism).
ECGMA can thus provide direct input and comments on proposed legislation, policies etc., which may have an influence
on the day-to-day activities and well-being of its game ranchers members.
On provincial level, ECGMA also represents its game ranchers on SECSICOM (Stakeholders in the Eastern Cape Safari Industry Committee).
Furthermore, ECGMA is represented on the Board of EPAU (Eastern Province Agricultural Union), where direct input can be made on behalf of
its game ranchers members.
ECGMA offers consultation services on all aspects of game management, is involved on an adhoc basis in training of students on the
Game Ranch Management Course of NMMU (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University), and personnel has been involved as expert witness in a
number of court cases where game ranching or professional hunting matters had been argued.
A dedicated Executive Committee member oversees all game ranching matters, and the office arrange regular game rancher meetings on
an ad hoc basis. Game rancher tours are also arranged from time to time.