Anti-Poaching Measures At Cawston Encounters

Cawston’s Game Scout Team

At Cawston, a dedicated team of 14 game scouts forms the backbone of our anti-poaching unit. Equipped with their own vehicles, these scouts patrol our boundaries daily, keeping a vigilant eye for any signs of intrusion — from fence breakages to unusual wildlife movement.

There are four bases spread across the estate, ensuring scouts are stationed and on high alert 24/7. These positions allow them to monitor the vast property effectively, improving their ability to respond swiftly to any threats.

Thanks to the growth of our horse patrol units, our scouts now cover even more ground. With improved mobility and constant training, including horse riding skills taught by our volunteers, they’re always one step ahead of poachers.

Sustainable Hunting Practices

Cawston follows strict sustainable hunting practices, focusing only on carefully selected animals whose removal benefits the ecosystem. This approach targets older, non-reproductive individuals or populations that require control to maintain ecological balance.

Our philosophy is simple:

• Ethical hunting only when the hunter has a clear shot for an immediate, humane kill.
• Selection of animals is based on conservation needs, not trophy value.
• Reducing overpopulation helps maintain healthy ecosystems.
  

This approach plays a crucial role in preserving the health of our wildlife and ensures future generations can enjoy Cawston’s natural beauty.

Combatting Poaching Effectively

Poaching is an ongoing threat, often involving brutal methods like wire snares or dogs chasing animals to exhaustion. Sadly, snares indiscriminately target any animal, including endangered species.

Cawston’s anti-poaching team acts swiftly:

• Daily patrols and constant surveillance.
• Responding immediately to incursions by poachers or tracking dogs.
• Following up on every report of suspicious activity.
• Working closely with police and local communities to assist with arrests and education.

Thanks to these efforts, poaching incidents at Cawston are far lower than in many other reserves across the region. Our strong community relationships play a vital role in this success, fostering local support for our conservation mission.

Tip: Poaching is a battle fought daily, but with determination and teamwork, conservation wins. Stay informed and support anti-poaching initiatives!