In Namibia, December and January are off-limits for trophy hunting – and the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) says this is a deliberate, science-based choice to safeguard wildlife during their most vulnerable months.
While outsiders might see the two-month pause as a break in business, NAPHA insists it is a cornerstone of ethical hunting and long-term conservation in the country.
The official hunting season runs from 1 February to 30 November, leaving these two summer months firmly closed.
According to NAPHA, this closure is not an inconvenience but a critical measure to ensure that animals can breed, recover, and thrive without human interference.
“At NAPHA, our Code of Conduct and Fair Chase principles require that the animal has a genuine chance to escape, that the environment is respected, and that the long-term health of wildlife populations comes first,” the association said.
Closing the season during the peak rainy and breeding period is a direct reflection of this commitment.
“December and January are the heart of the green season in much of Namibia. The veld recovers, water is widely available, and many species are carrying young or raising newborn offspring,” NAPHA explained. Hunting during this time would create unnecessary disturbance when animals should be left in peace.
Namibia’s wildlife follows varied reproductive cycles, heavily influenced by rainfall and food availability. Many species, especially long-gestation animals like giraffe, rhino, elephant, and several antelopes, give birth throughout the rainy season rather than in a single month. This ecological diversity makes a consolidated hunting season essential to minimise disturbance and allow natural population recovery.
“Ethical hunting needs limits,” NAPHA stressed.
It said that the summer closure signals that in Namibia, trophy hunting is a carefully managed conservation tool – not a free-for-all. Operators use the off-season for maintenance, staff training, and planning, rather than compromising animal welfare under challenging conditions caused by heavy rains.
For NAPHA, the summer shutdown is more than a legal formality – it is a visible commitment to fair chase hunting, thriving wildlife populations, and Namibia’s reputation as a world-leading responsible hunting destination.
While outsiders might see the two-month pause as a break in business, NAPHA insists it is a cornerstone of ethical hunting and long-term conservation in the country.
The official hunting season runs from 1 February to 30 November, leaving these two summer months firmly closed.
According to NAPHA, this closure is not an inconvenience but a critical measure to ensure that animals can breed, recover, and thrive without human interference.
“At NAPHA, our Code of Conduct and Fair Chase principles require that the animal has a genuine chance to escape, that the environment is respected, and that the long-term health of wildlife populations comes first,” the association said.
Closing the season during the peak rainy and breeding period is a direct reflection of this commitment.
“December and January are the heart of the green season in much of Namibia. The veld recovers, water is widely available, and many species are carrying young or raising newborn offspring,” NAPHA explained. Hunting during this time would create unnecessary disturbance when animals should be left in peace.
Namibia’s wildlife follows varied reproductive cycles, heavily influenced by rainfall and food availability. Many species, especially long-gestation animals like giraffe, rhino, elephant, and several antelopes, give birth throughout the rainy season rather than in a single month. This ecological diversity makes a consolidated hunting season essential to minimise disturbance and allow natural population recovery.
“Ethical hunting needs limits,” NAPHA stressed.
It said that the summer closure signals that in Namibia, trophy hunting is a carefully managed conservation tool – not a free-for-all. Operators use the off-season for maintenance, staff training, and planning, rather than compromising animal welfare under challenging conditions caused by heavy rains.
For NAPHA, the summer shutdown is more than a legal formality – it is a visible commitment to fair chase hunting, thriving wildlife populations, and Namibia’s reputation as a world-leading responsible hunting destination.
