and cannot afford or wait for the expensive alternative . Very often the need to perform a task is immediate , but a vet is not always available at short notice ,” comments Haydn .
The advantage of this passive method is that there is a greatly reduced risk of horn damage and leg breakages .
After much thought , he realised that a net that could be suspended and dropped on unsuspecting animals was the answer . He had observed how nets were being used from a helicopter to perform the same task and realised that the answer lay there .
“ It ’ s handy to have friends who can turn your dreams into reality !” Haydn comments . Greg and Russel Knott from Port Elizabeth assisted with the technical and electrical skills required to make the dream come true and the rest , as they say , is history .
How does this work ?
The system is really very easy to operate since the net comes packaged with all the functional parts including a manual and can be assembled on site .
The four metal posts are positioned in the suitable capture area and the net is spanned over the space with the help of a guide rope and attaching mechanisms . The 7x7 m ² net covers an area of 50 m ² and is ideally sized to capture small groups of small game such as springbok and impala or single or pairs of larger antelope .
The net is released by remote control with an effective range of 500 m and drops over the selected animal ( s ) once they are within target .
This passive capture method works very well with game that are used to being fed . It would not be practical for capturing free ranging herds .
Passive capture like this requires a slightly different category of sedative drugs which can be administered by game farmers with the guidance and advice of vets .
“ I encourage users of this net to consult their vets before they venture out with it . The wrong dosage of drugs can , in turn , bring unwanted loss ,” Haydn cautions .
“ We ’ ve mainly been using the net for the capture of springbok and impala , but I ’ ve sold some to rangers who have had success with other species as well .”
The advantage of this passive method is that there is a greatly reduced risk of horn damage and leg breakages .
“ It ’ s interesting how animals respond to the net . I was concerned that they would not want to venture in under it or that they would become suspicious after having been caught once or twice . The amazing thing is that they seem to show no resistance or fear . In my experience , they continue their normal behaviour and continue feeding in their normal way ,” comments Haydn .
The amazing thing is that they seem to show no resistance or fear .
“ In essence , this net puts farmers back in control of their operations . They can plan and execute the management in their own time and can select their own choice of specimen when it suits them best . This system is cost effective and requires a once-off payment of equipment that can be used over and over again .”
How amazing are our farmers ! Give them a problem and sure as nuts they will figure out a solution that will save themselves and others a lot of money .
Plaastoe ! July 2017 41