Bird Hunting in Zambia: A Complete Guide for Hunters (Species, Seasons, Tactics & Tours) Zambia’s vast wetlands, river systems, and miombo woodlands make it one of Africa’s premier destinations for wing shooting. From explosive flushes of guinea fowl to fast-flying waterfowl, this guide covers everything hunters need to know – species, seasons, methods, gear, and top-rated tours. Birds to Hunt in Zambia Zambia’s diverse ecosystems support over 750 bird species, with 20+ popular targets for sport hunters: 1. Guinea Fowl - Habitat: Grasslands, scrub, and agricultural fields. - Behavior: Flocks of 10–30 birds; explosive takeoffs. - Prime Zones: Southern Zambia (Kafue, Lower Zambezi). 2. Sandgrouse - Habitat: Arid savannas near waterholes. - Behavior: Dawn/dusk flights to water; challenging shots. - Key Areas: Liuwa Plains, Bangweulu Wetlands. 3. Doves - Species: Laughing dove, African mourning dove. - Hunting Style: High-volume shooting over decoys. 4. Francolin - Types: Coqui, crested, and red-winged francolin. - Tactics: Walk-and-flush with pointing dogs. 5. Waterfowl - Species: Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, spur-winged goose. - Hotspots: Kafue Flats, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River tributaries. 6. Quail (seasonal) - Habitat: Crop stubble, grasslands. Zambia Bird Hunting Seasons Zambia’s bird hunting aligns with its dry season, when vegetation thins and birds congregate near water: - Official Season: May 1 – October 31. - Peak Months: July–September (cooler temps, minimal rain). - Migratory Birds: Ducks and geese arrive from Europe in November but are protected; focus on resident species. Hunting Methods & Tactics 1. Walk-and-Flush (Guinea Fowl, Francolin) - Work with guides and dogs (Brittanys, pointers) to push birds from thickets. - Use open-choke shotguns (Improved Cylinder) for quick shots at 15–30 yards. 2. Decoying (Doves, Sandgrouse) - Set up near waterholes or feeding areas with 50–100 decoys. - Semi-automatic shotguns (12ga) with Modified or Full chokes for sustained shooting. 3. Waterfowl Hunting - Layout boats or blinds in marshes; callers mimic goose honks/duck quacks. - Steel shot (BB–) required in wetlands. 4. Driven Shoots (Luxury Lodges) - Organized drives for guinea fowl; beaters push birds toward hunters. Recommended Firearms & Gear Shotguns: - 12-gauge semi-autos (Beretta A400, Benelli M2) for waterfowl/doves. - 20-gauge over-unders (Browning Citori) for francolin/quail. Ammo: - –.5 lead for upland birds. - Steel – for waterfowl. Clothing: Lightweight camo or earth tones; waterproof boots for wetlands. Top Bird Hunting Tours & Costs Zambian outfitters offer tailored packages for wing shooters: 1. Kafue Basin Waterfowl Adventure - Duration: 5 days. - Focus: Ducks, geese, and guinea fowl. - Cost: $3,800–$5,200 (includes lodging, meals, guides, permits). 2. Liuwa Plains Sandgrouse & Dove Hunt - Duration: 3–4 days. - Highlights: 100+ bird days over decoys. - Cost: $2,500–$3,500. 3. Luxury Combo Hunts (Bird + Big Game) - Duration: 7–10 days. - Add-ons: Cape buffalo or leopard (separate permits). - Cost: $8,000–$15,000+. Note: Most tours exclude ammunition, flights, and gratuities. Licensing & Regulations - Permits: Non-resident hunters require a temporary firearm import permit ($150) and bird hunting license ($300–$600/week). - Bag Limits: None for non-protected species (guinea fowl, doves, sandgrouse). - Firearm Rules: Max 200 rounds imported; no pump-action shotguns. Why Hunt Birds in Zambia? - High Success Rates: Flocks of 50+ guinea fowl common. - Affordability: Costs 30–50% lower than South Africa or Tanzania. - Wilderness Experience: Remote areas with minimal hunting pressure. Planning Tips 1. Book Early: Top lodges fill up 6–12 months in advance. 2. Health Prep: Malaria prophylaxis recommended. 3. Ammo Logistics: Confirm if your outfitter supplies shells. Final Shot: Zambia delivers world-class wing shooting across untamed landscapes. Whether you’re decoying doves at dawn or working thickets for francolin, this hidden gem belongs on every bird hunter’s bucket list. #BirdHunting #ZambiaHunting #WingShooting #AfricaHunting #HuntingTours https://m.uh.app/news/unveiling-traditional-hunting-methods-in-africa-skills-that-endure_DcGxgPNHEe-OxY9gynE2Kg