Hunting in Oti: Learning About Hunting Seasons, Specifics, and Discovering Interesting Facts

The Oti Region, created in 2019 from the northern part of the Volta Region, lies in the heart of Ghana’s forest-savanna transition zone. With a landscape marked by rivers, woodlands, and rural settlements, hunting remains a vital part of everyday life in Oti. From traditional hunting passed down through generations to modern concerns about sustainability and conservation, hunting in Oti reflects a rich interplay of heritage, livelihood, and evolving environmental realities. Geography and Natural Features of Oti for Hunting The Oti Region boasts a diverse terrain, including lowland forests, savanna grasslands, hills, and river basins. Major water bodies like the Oti River, Volta Lake, and tributaries such as the Daka River support a rich variety of flora and fauna. Protected areas such as the Kyabobo National Park and parts of the Wli-Agumatsa Forest provide natural habitats for both large and small game. These ecological features make Oti a traditionally rich hunting zone, although deforestation and land-use changes are reducing wildlife habitats. Specificities of Hunting in Oti Hunting in Oti is largely subsistence-based, though some hunters sell bushmeat in local markets. Traditional tools such as bows and arrows, traps, slingshots, and trained hunting dogs are widely used. In forest areas, hunters often rely on deep tracking knowledge passed down through generations. Firearms—often locally made—are used in more open savanna areas. Hunting tends to peak during the dry season, when vegetation is thin, and animal movement is easier to track. Hunters and Demographics in Oti Most hunters in Oti are adult men from rural farming communities. Hunting skills are taught from a young age, often as part of family tradition. Boys typically accompany their fathers or uncles to learn tracking, animal behavior, and forest safety. Women, while not hunters, are central to the processing, preservation, and sale of bushmeat, especially at weekly markets in towns like Dambai and Nkwanta. Some communities also engage in communal hunting to manage pests or celebrate traditional events. Types of Game and Hunting in Oti Medium game: Duikers, bushbuck, and grasscutters (cane rats) are commonly hunted. Small game: Porcupines, squirrels, hares, monitor lizards, and birds such as guinea fowl and pigeons. Aquatic species: Frogs, turtles, and fish are hunted or trapped around wetlands and rivers. Protected species: Pangolins, primates, elephants, and leopards are protected by national law and cannot be legally hunted. Hunting Seasons in Oti Oti Region follows Ghana’s national hunting regulations, enforced by the Wildlife Division: Open season: From 1st August to 31st December, hunting of non-protected species is allowed. Closed season: From 1st January to 31st July, hunting is prohibited to allow for animal reproduction and recovery. Locally, many communities also observe customary taboos or rest days, where hunting is forbidden to respect spiritual beliefs or to protect sacred lands. Hunting Structures and Local Organization in Oti Hunting in Oti is often regulated at the community level, guided by chiefs, elders, and traditional priests. Access to certain forest areas may be limited based on lineage or clan permissions. Sacred groves are respected zones, strictly off-limits for hunting due to their spiritual significance. In and around protected areas like Kyabobo, rangers from the Forestry Commission patrol and enforce wildlife protection laws. NGOs and conservationists are also beginning to work with communities to promote sustainable hunting and alternatives. Hunting Legislation in Oti Under Ghana’s Wildlife Conservation Regulations (LI 685), hunting of protected species is illegal, and permits are required for legal hunting. The use of illegal methods—such as poisons, fire, and unlicensed firearms—is prohibited. Enforcement is stronger around reserves and national parks, but rural enforcement remains limited. Awareness campaigns, including collaboration with schools and traditional leaders, aim to bridge the gap between formal law and traditional practice. Hunting Traditions in Oti Hunting is deeply rooted in Oti’s cultural identity. Ethnic groups such as the Likpe, Adele, Nchumuru, and Krachi consider hunting a sign of bravery and wisdom. Hunters are often celebrated in storytelling and community events. Initiation rites, funerals, and festivals may involve hunting displays or symbolic references to the forest. Some totems and animal spirits are revered, meaning that certain species are never hunted out of respect for clan beliefs. Interesting Facts about Hunting in Oti Grasscutter meat is a regional delicacy, often sold smoked in roadside stalls or local markets. The Kyabobo Range is home to rare species, making nearby communities key partners in conservation efforts. Local hunters sometimes use bird mimicry and whistles to attract prey. Community bans on hunting during spiritual festivals like Yam or Fire Festivals contribute to natural rest periods for wildlife. Traditional leaders are increasingly involved in environmental education, helping to merge ancestral values with modern conservation goals. In the Oti Region, hunting continues to serve as a bridge between tradition and necessity, reflecting generations of ecological knowledge. As Ghana strengthens its wildlife protection framework, supporting communities with education, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable resource management will be essential. By integrating culture, conservation, and regulation, Oti can protect both its biodiversity and its cherished way of life.