Pigeon & Dove Shooting in South Africa
High-Volume Action • Fast-Flying Birds • Unforgettable Shooting
Pigeon & Dove Shooting in South Africa
South Africa offers some of the finest high-volume pigeon and dove shooting on the African continent. With huge flocks feeding on sunflower, maize and grain fields, our shooting grounds deliver fast-paced, action-packed days that challenge even the most experienced wingshooter.
At Safari Bound Southern Africa, we specialize in custom-built pigeon & dove shooting safaris — offering you high-bird days, experienced guides, carefully scouted fields, and exceptional hospitality from start to finish.
Pigeon & Dove Shooting in South Africa
South Africa offers some of the finest high-volume pigeon and dove shooting on the African continent. With huge flocks feeding on sunflower, maize and grain fields, our shooting grounds deliver fast-paced, action-packed days that challenge even the most experienced wingshooter.
At Safari Bound Southern Africa, we specialize in custom-built pigeon & dove shooting safaris — offering you high-bird days, experienced guides, carefully scouted fields, and exceptional hospitality from start to finish.
Why South Africa Is a Pigeon & Dove Shooting Paradise
Massive Bird Numbers
Depending on the season and crop cycles, thousands of doves and pigeons can move through fields daily, offering unmatched volume and shooting consistency.
Fast, Challenging Flight
Rock pigeons, in particular, are known for their speed, height and unpredictability — making them one of the most rewarding sporting birds to shoot anywhere in the world.
Reliable Action Throughout the Day
Dove & pigeon shooting offers:
Morning feeding flights
Midday passes
Strong afternoon shooting
Meaning you are never sitting still for long.
No Two Shots Are the Same
High, low, crossing, incoming, curling — it’s the kind of wingshooting that keeps you alert and smiling all day.
The Safari Bound Experience
With us, you don’t just arrive at a field and hope for birds — we ensure your trip is professionally curated and scouted for peak action.
Before You Arrive
Fields are scouted for sunflower, maize, wheat, sorghum and fallow feeding activity
Flight lines are identified
Hide positions are marked and prepared
During the Hunt
Safe, private shooting positions
Professional guides assisting with gun safety, bird ID & shot opportunities
Cooler boxes, water, soft drinks and hospitality throughout the day
Transport between hide positions as birds shift
After the Hunt
Enjoy cold drinks around the fire
Bird counts, photos & relaxed evenings at the lodge
Optional mixed-bag hunts available (season dependent)
Key Species You Can Shoot
Rock Pigeon
Powerful flyers and widely regarded as Africa’s most challenging bird.
Cape Turtle Dove
Fast, plentiful, and excellent sport — ideal for volume shooting.
Laughing Dove
Small, agile and plentiful — great for variety and high shot counts.
Typical Pigeon & Dove Shooting Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival, lodge check-in, gear preparation, field scouting
Day 2 – Full day of pigeon & dove shooting (morning + afternoon sessions)
Day 3 – High-volume shoot in new field; optional photo session or additional hunt
Day 4 – Final morning shoot, lodge brunch & departure
Trips can be extended or combined with waterfowl or upland bird shooting depending on your preferences and season.
When to Hunt Doves & Pigeons
South Africa’s best pigeon and dove shooting typically runs during:
Late Summer: Post-harvest concentrations
Autumn: Birds hitting grain stubble
Winter: Consistent feeding on available crops
Spring: Strong movement depending on planting cycles
What’s Included
Professional hunting guide
Transport to hunting locations
Use of bird dogs (where applicable)
Field preparation of birds
Access to a variety of habitats
Shotgun rental (optional)
Planning Your Trip
We tailor every wingshooting safari to your schedule, species preference, and experience level. Hunts can be combined with plains game safaris or stand-alone as a dedicated bird hunting trip.
Let us craft your dream wingshooting safari in Africa. Whether you’re after fast-flying pigeons or a variety of waterfowl, we’ll deliver an unforgettable hunting adventure.
General Bird Hunting Information
Wing Shooting with Safari Bound Southern Africa
Southern Africa is home to some of the finest wing shooting in the world. With its incredible diversity of habitats — from windswept highlands and arid plains to lush wetlands and river valleys — the region offers one of the largest varieties of gamebird species found anywhere in Africa.
Whether you are a collector of rare bird species or a passionate wing shooter seeking the ultimate hunting experience, Safari Bound Southern Africa provides access to premier bird hunting areas designed to satisfy every enthusiast.
Our wing shooting safaris deliver exceptional results year after year, combining thrilling action with breathtaking scenery and professional guidance from experienced hunting teams.
Prime Hunting Seasons
Bird hunting seasons vary by province, but the prime months generally run from March through September. Early in the season, hunters can enjoy some of the most exhilarating pigeon and dove shooting in the world — true “hot-barrel” action over crop fields such as sunflower and maize.
Variety of Bird Species
The diversity of birdlife across Southern Africa ensures a rich and varied shooting experience. In the northern regions, hunters will encounter large flocks of Helmeted Guinea Fowl, while the mountainous Eastern Cape (above 6,000 feet) offers seven species of Francolin, including the challenging and highly prized Greywing, hunted over well-trained pointing dogs.
For waterfowl enthusiasts, more than 12 species await — including the impressive Spurwing Goose, often hunted from blinds or over decoys. Meanwhile, those seeking high-volume shooting will find endless excitement among vast flocks of pigeons and doves feeding on agricultural lands.
Custom Safari Experiences
Every wing shooting safari with Safari Bound Southern Africa is tailored to meet your preferences. In addition to exceptional bird hunting, itineraries can include photographic safaris, sightseeing excursions, or plains game hunting — making the adventure ideal for both hunters and non-hunting companions.
While emphasis is placed on variety over quantity, early-season hunts frequently produce impressive bags and unforgettable field experiences.
Guns, Groups & Ammunition
We recommend 12-gauge shotguns, as ammunition is widely available and ideal for the range of species encountered.
Although safaris are most effective with groups of four or more hunters, we are happy to cater to smaller, exclusive groups seeking a more personalized adventure.
Book Your Safari
Embark on a bird hunting experience that blends tradition, challenge, and conservation in one unforgettable African adventure.
Contact Safari Bound Southern Africa today to begin planning your ultimate wing shooting safari.
Terms and Conditions
Deposit
We confirm a Safari on receipt of a deposit calculated at 50% of the total daily rate of the hunt, the balance of the calculated daily rates is due 6 months prior to the commencement of your Safari. (plains game only)
Please contact Safari Bound Southern Africa regarding deposit/payment when a Safari is booked.
Trophy Fees and Additional Upgrades and Costs
That being said, all trophy fees and additional upgrades or costs will be based on the year that the hunt takes place unless otherwise stated in your Safari contract.
Cancellation Policy
Payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wing shooting in South Africa?
What types of birds can be hunted through wing shooting in South Africa?
South Africa is home to a diverse range of bird species, and many of them are available for wing shooting. Some popular game birds include the guinea fowl, francolin, quail, and various species of duck and geese.
Is wing shooting in South Africa legal?
Yes, wing shooting in South Africa is legal as long as hunters obtain the necessary permits and follow the regulations set by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
What is the best time of year for wing shooting in South Africa?
The best time of year for wing shooting in South Africa is typically from May to August, which is the winter season. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, and many bird species are in season and available for hunting.
Are there any recommended locations for wing shooting in South Africa?
Yes, there are several recommended locations for wing shooting in South Africa, including game farms, hunting lodges, and private reserves. Some popular destinations include the Limpopo Province, Eastern Cape, and the Kalahari region. It is important to research and choose a reputable outfitter to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.
Contact Todd Lutman
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