African Cull Hunting with Nick Bowker: An Affordable, Action-Packed Safari
If you’ve ever dreamed of hunting Africa but thought it was out of reach, African cull hunting might be the perfect solution. Cull and management hunts offer the chance to harvest a high volume of animals at an exceptional price, while still delivering the adventure, variety, and challenge you expect from a South African safari.
Many hunting packages target non-breeding animals or surplus populations, ensuring sustainable wildlife management.
At Bowker Hunting, based near Bedford in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, we are a professional outfitter with a reputation for world-class hunting adventures. We offer affordable cull hunting packages alongside standard trophy safaris. Our hunts give clients the opportunity to shoot a wide range of animals, experience diverse terrain, and enjoy the full safari lifestyle—without breaking the bank.
Cull hunting is typically conducted on privately owned concessions or game reserves, providing a controlled and ethical environment for these activities. As part of the world of international hunting, our experiences attract hunters from around the globe seeking unforgettable adventures.
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Why is Cull Hunting Needed in South Africa?
In many parts of South Africa, wild game has no natural predators. Apex predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs are no longer present across much of the farmland and hunting concessions. Without active management, species like springbok, impala, warthog, and blesbok can quickly overpopulate, leading to overgrazing and habitat degradation.
Managing game populations is essential to ensure ecosystem health and maintain a balance between wildlife and available resources. Many former sheep and cattle ranches have converted to game ranches due to increased income opportunities from game management.
Cull hunting helps maintain healthy, sustainable herds while providing hunters with an affordable, exciting experience. As part of this process, certain animals are culled to control numbers and support conservation goals.
Cull hunting and management hunting are often grouped together, but they serve slightly different purposes in South Africa. Cull hunting typically focuses on reducing overall animal numbers to prevent overpopulation and overgrazing, often targeting non-breeding animals, surplus males, or herds of common species like springbok and impala.
Management hunting, while similar, is more selective—it involves taking out specific animals that don’t fit the long-term herd goals, such as older, non-productive males, injured animals, or those with undesirable genetics.
Both approaches help maintain healthy populations and ecosystems, but cull hunts emphasize numbers, while management hunts focus on improving herd quality and sustainability. The benefits of sustainable cull hunting can have a lifetime impact on the land and wildlife, supporting conservation for generations.
Our South African Cull Hunting Packages
We currently offer two signature all-inclusive cull hunting packages and cull packages for visiting hunters. Both packages include accommodations, meals, and guiding, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
- 8 full days of hunting
- No day fees
- Accommodation, meals, and guiding
- All animals listed in the package
Cull animals can be added to your cull hunting package or cull package for an additional cost, allowing you to tailor your experience to your specific needs.
30-Animal Cull & Management Hunt Package – $7,000
Includes:
- 2 Kudu Bulls
- 6 Impala Rams
- 12 Springbok Rams
- 6 Warthog Boars
- 2 Fallow Deer
- 2 Mountain Reedbuck Rams
Trophy animals can be added from our Trophy Price List.
20-Animal Cull and Management Hunt Package – $6,000
Includes:
- 4 Impala Rams
- 6 Springbok Rams
- 6 Warthog Boars
- 2 Fallow Deer
- 2 Mountain Reedbuck Rams
Cull Kudu bulls can be added at $400 each, along with any trophy animals from our Trophy Price List.
Management Hunting Practices: Conservation in Action
Management hunting stands at the heart of South Africa’s conservation success, especially in the Eastern Cape where wild game thrives across vast game ranches and managed lands. Unlike cull hunts, which focus on reducing overall animal numbers to prevent overpopulation, management hunts are all about selectivity—removing specific animals to maintain healthy populations and improve the quality of the herd.
On a management hunt, experienced guides and outfitters work closely with hunters to identify animals that are best suited for removal. This might include older males past their breeding prime, animals with broken horns, or those with less desirable genetics. By targeting these specific animals, management hunting helps to ensure that the strongest, healthiest individuals remain, supporting the long-term sustainability of species like kudu bulls, impala, and blue wildebeest.
The thrill of a management hunt lies in the challenge: stalking through the bush or across open plains, glassing for that one particular kudu or impala that fits the criteria. Every hunt is a unique adventure, requiring patience, skill, and a keen eye. For many hunters, the opportunity to harvest a mature kudu bull or a blue wildebeest with impressive horns is a highlight of their African safari.
Beyond the excitement, management hunting is a vital management tool for game ranches throughout South Africa. By carefully controlling animal numbers and improving herd genetics, ranches can maintain healthy populations and protect the delicate balance of their ecosystems. The revenue generated from management hunting packages and cull hunting packages directly supports conservation efforts, habitat protection, and the local economy—ensuring that wild game and their habitats will thrive for generations to come.
Management hunting packages offer great value, often including guided hunts, comfortable accommodations, and delicious South African meals. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter seeking a new challenge or a first-timer eager to experience the wild beauty of Africa, a management hunt in the Eastern Cape promises an unforgettable trip. Not only will you enjoy the thrill of the stalk and the satisfaction of a successful harvest, but you’ll also play a direct role in conserving South Africa’s remarkable wildlife.
So, if you’re looking for a hunting adventure that combines excitement, quality, and conservation, consider adding a management hunt to your next African safari. It’s a rewarding way to experience the best of South Africa—on the land, in the bush, and for the future of wild game.
What to Expect on a Cull Hunt in South Africa
Many first-timers imagine cull hunts as “easy” or “lesser” hunting, but the reality is very different. At Bowker Hunting, cull hunting is just as challenging and rewarding as any spot-and-stalk safari—the only difference is that you’ll have more tags and often be targeting non-breeding animals or management individuals instead of record-book trophies.
Each day is full of glassing, stalking, and navigating varied terrain within our large, privately managed hunting area. This reserve is carefully maintained to support sustainable wildlife populations and conservation efforts. Cull hunts are often more physically demanding than expected, involving diverse terrains and challenges.
We hunt the rolling hills, valleys, and open plains of the Eastern Cape, often using elevated rocky outcrops for vantage points, or letting our experienced trackers push game gently toward us. A typical day often includes a long, scenic walk through the bush or along the river, allowing hunters to immerse themselves in the wilderness and observe wildlife up close.
The variety is what makes these hunts so rewarding. In a single day, it’s not unusual to see:
- Hundreds of springbok and blesbok running the ridges
- Impala filtering through the valleys
- Warthogs slipping through the bush
- Kudu, Nyala, Mountain Reedbuck, and even the occasional sable or duiker
Highlights from a Client Cull Hunt
One client recently shared his experience on a 20-animal cull hunt with Nick Bowker:
“On a windy morning, we were glassing a canyon rim where over 100 springbok and 50 blesbok were moving. The gusts made shooting off sticks impossible, so Nick had us get prone on an earthen dam. When a blesbok stopped at 357 yards, Nick called the wind and told me to aim almost to the rump of the animal in front. The buck dropped in its tracks. It wasn’t just shooting—it was real hunting, with skill, patience, and teamwork.”
He also described the anticipation that built each night, as they prepared rifles and discussed the next day’s strategy under the stars.
Over eight days, that hunter harvested 30 animals—including blesbok, impala, mountain reedbuck, springbok, warthog, and even a unique one-horned Nyala. Most shots were taken between 200–400 yards, with some reaching out to 500+.
The Dogs: Blackjack & Bella
Cull hunting at Nick Bowker’s isn’t just about long shots and spot-and-stalk tactics. Our tracking dogs, Blackjack (a fearless Jack Russell Terrier) and Bella (a beagle with a nose like a radar), are vital members of the team.
From tracking wounded animals through tall grass to taking on struggling game, these dogs ensure nothing is wasted and add a thrilling dimension to the hunt. Watching Blackjack latch onto the nose of a wounded impala or Bella work a scent line is something every hunter remembers.
The Full Safari Experience
Cull hunts aren’t just about pulling the trigger—they’re about living the African safari lifestyle. Between hunts, clients enjoy:
Luxury lodge accommodations at our historic Hopewell Lodge, which is rated at least 4.5 stars for comfort, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Cull hunts aren’t just about pulling the trigger—they’re about living the African safari lifestyle. Between hunts, clients enjoy:
- Luxury lodge accommodations at our historic OliveFountain Ranch
- Daily laundry service so you can pack light
- Traditional South African meals (kudu sausage, lamb, beef, wild game, and desserts)
- Relaxing evenings by the fire, with wine, beer, and great company
- Fishing for brim among crocodiles as a unique leisure activity during your safari
The routine balances action and rest: hunt mornings until 11, return for brunch and a break, then back out for an afternoon and evening session.
Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of the wildlife, your trophies, and the unforgettable moments to capture memories of your trip.
Why Choose a Cull Hunt?
Cull hunting is perfect for:
- First-time African hunters wanting lots of trigger time and field experience
- Seasoned hunters looking for volume and variety without high trophy fees
- Those who value the hunt as much as the mount—stalks, shots, and experiences come first
And because every hunt contributes to sustainable wildlife management, you can enjoy your safari knowing you’re helping conserve the habitat and balance the herds. Cull hunting also aids in food production for indigenous populations, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the hunting experience itself.
Ready for Your African Cull Hunt?
Nick’s 20- and 30-animal packages are all-inclusive, with no day fees, accommodations, and meals included. Additionally, transportation to and from hunting locations from major cities is part of the package, making the experience even more convenient for international travelers.
Come for the animals. Stay for the adventure, the landscapes, the camaraderie, and the chance to experience the real South Africa with Bowker Hunting.
Contact us today to plan your cull hunt in South Africa.
A Client Review of Bowker Hunting cull hunt or management hunt
If you’ve ever wondered what cull hunting in South Africa is really like—or if it’s worth it—this firsthand account says it all. My friend Mark and I recently returned from an eight-day cull hunting safari with Bowker Hunting, based in the Eastern Cape.
We booked Nick’s 20-animal Cull Hunt Package, and between the two of us, we took over 40 animals, enjoyed incredible food and hospitality, and experienced the true essence of African hunting—without breaking the bank. While our focus was on plains game, hunting buffalo is also available for those seeking a different challenge. Please note that taxidermy services are not included in the cull hunting package.
Here’s how it went.
Arrival in the Eastern Cape
After landing in Port Elizabeth, Nick met us personally and drove us to Olive Fountain Ranch, his historic hunting lodge near Bedford. Within an hour of arrival, we were on his range checking rifles. Nick’s shooting bench is just steps from the sleeping quarters, so after a few shots, we were ready to hunt.
That evening, we drove farm lanes with Nick, looking for our first opportunities. If an animal was on our list, Nick had a plan to make it happen. By sunrise the next day, we were fully in safari mode: coffee, cereal, and rolling out by 6:45 a.m.
First Impressions & First Animal Down
Compared to our previous hunts in the Northern Cape, the Eastern Cape terrain felt heavier, bushier, and more challenging. At first, we weren’t sure we’d finish our package lists.
But within the first hour, Nick glassed a springbok sneaking down a hillside through the acacias. We circled to get the wind right, worked down the slope, and I settled my rifle into the Rudolph shooting sticks. The ram bedded at 90 meters behind a bush, partially obscured, but the shot was clear. One squeeze later, the first animal of our South African cull hunt was down.
High fives, a quick call to the trackers, and we were back in the truck, glassing for the next opportunity.
A Day in the Life on a Cull Hunting Safari
Nick runs a simple but effective schedule for his cull hunting packages:
- Morning Hunt: First light to around 11 a.m.
- Brunch & Rest: Return to the lodge for a hearty mid-morning meal and a two-hour break (yes, naps included).
- Afternoon Hunt: Head out to another property for the evening session, often hunting until sunset.
This rhythm worked perfectly. By the end of our first full day, I’d added an impala, while Mark tagged a springbok, mountain reedbuck, and warthog. We kept pace with each other for the rest of the trip, always within one or two animals.
Evenings, Food & Hospitality
After each hunt, we returned to the lodge for hot showers and fresh towels, caught up on messages using the Wi-Fi, and headed to the dining hall for appetizers, drinks, and a full-course dinner.
Laundry was done daily, folded neatly on our beds each evening—making it easy to pack light.
The meals were nothing short of outstanding:
- Braai-cooked dinners with venison (springbok, fallow deer, kudu), lamb chops, leg of lamb, pork, and beef
- Fallow deer backstrap shish kebabs—possibly the best I’ve ever had
- Homemade desserts prepared by Nick’s wife, who also went out of her way to track down kombucha for me in Grahamstown (a true personal touch)
If anyone goes hungry at Olive Fountain Ranch, it’s their own fault.
Cull Hunt Results: Animals Taken
Across the eight days, my personal tally included:
- 7 Springbok
- 4 Mountain Reedbuck
- 4 Blesbok
- 4 Impala
- 3 Warthogs
Some days we took four animals, other days just one. On the last two evenings, I added extra springbok from a variant herd, while Mark focused on warthogs but still completed his 20-animal package.
Warthog Stalks & The Dogs That Seal the Deal
Some of the most exciting hunts were for warthogs. We’d spot them from the truck, stalk to within 100 meters, and set up on sticks for the shot. These hogs were crafty, often slipping away despite long stalks, but persistence paid off.
Nick’s two hunting dogs—Blackjack (a fearless Jack Russell Terrier) and Bella (a beagle with an incredible nose)—were indispensable. They tracked wounded animals, flushed game, and even physically stopped runners. Watching Blackjack grab the nose of a stubborn impala and hold it until we could finish the job was unforgettable.
Travel & Tips
We flew Qatar Airways via Doha, and I can’t recommend it enough. QSuites in business class were worth every cent for the long journey. If you’re traveling with firearms, plan for extra paperwork and time, especially in Johannesburg, where check-in is handled “by committee.”
Despite the formalities, our flights were smooth, with short layovers (four hours in Doha, just over an hour on the way home). In Philadelphia, a Qatar representative personally escorted us—and our firearms—through customs, making re-entry seamless.
Why Cull Hunting Matters
Cull hunting in South Africa isn’t just about volume—it’s about conservation. With apex predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs largely absent, species like springbok, impala, and blesbok can overpopulate quickly.
Cull hunts help control herd numbers, prevent overgrazing, and sustain healthy ecosystems, while giving hunters an affordable way to experience the thrill of an African safari.
Regions like KwaZulu-Natal also rely on cull hunting to maintain healthy ecosystems and support conservation.
Final Thoughts: Would We Go Back?
Absolutely.
Bowker Hunting combines top-notch guiding, incredible game numbers, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional value. Whether you’re a first-time African hunter looking for lots of field time or a veteran wanting a cost-effective way to return to the continent, his cull hunting packages are hard to beat.
Mark and I will be back—and we’re bringing friends.
Ready to Experience Cull Hunting in South Africa?
Nick’s 20- and 30-animal packages are all-inclusive, with no day fees, accommodations, and meals included.
What is cull hunting, and why is it needed?
Cull Hunting is required to keep the number of animals in check to avoid overgrazing. This stems from animals having no natural predators in many parts of South Africa. Predators include lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
