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 vehicle, 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.

Sustainable Hunting vs Poaching

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.  Left unchecked, poaching can decimate a wildlife area in the matter of months.

Cawston conducts annual wildlife population counts and in conjunction with daily sightings, devises an off-take list to ensure that the populations on the property are kept in a reasonable ecological balance. What animals cannot be sold live, are removed through 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

Cawston’s anti-poaching team acts swiftly:

• Daily patrols and constant surveillance.
• Responding immediately to incursions by poachers and hunting 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!.