In the vast untamed landscapes of Namibia, hunting is more than just a sport. It is a tradition, a way of life that connects us deeply with the land. The Young Hunters Committee of Namibia carries the responsibility and honour of safeguarding this legacy for future generations.
We are a vibrant group of passionate young individuals dedicated to preserving and enhancing this cherished lifestyle. Though we are new to the industry, hunting has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember. Now we have the opportunity to infuse fresh ideas into the sector while learning from the invaluable experience of older generations of hunters. Our mission is to honour traditional practices while introducing innovative concepts that can benefit wildlife conservation and foster a deeper understanding of the significance of hunting in Namibia.
Our goals for this year focus on attracting more people to become NAPHA Young Hunters and increasing participation in events and engagement. We want to build a great community where we can help each other with challenges and share memorable moments. To kickstart this initiative, we launched our first tradition: the Young Hunters Open Day.
Our inaugural Open Day with the theme The Future of Hunting was scheduled for 6 September 2024. The event was open to all young hunting enthusiasts and their partners. The day featured sessions on hunting and conservation, interactive experiences with seasoned hunters and, most importantly, a chance to have fun together. Our Fun Shoot and Braai at the end of the day created lasting memories. The Open Day was a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from experienced professionals in our industry.
Our committee is fortunate to be guided by Jacques Strauss, a member of the NAPHA Executive Committee. His motivation and efforts inspire us to do our best.
Eddie Agenbach, our chairman, is a born outdoorsman whose passion for Namibian nature began as a sheep farmer’s son and evolved into a fulfilling career as a professional hunter (PH) at Aru.
Sven Günzel’s family exemplifies the harmony of conservation and hunting, which profoundly influenced him. His first AGM experience with NAPHA left him in awe of their expertise and commitment to the hunting community, cementing his desire to contribute.
Joana Hagmann, though new to this lifestyle, brings a profound enthusiasm and dedication, eager to contribute to the community and preserve the land that she has come to cherish.
Mariaan Kok, who works with NAPHA, provides our administrative support with boundless energy, innovative ideas and dedication to our mission.
We are united by a shared love for hunting and the natural beauty of Namibia. Our commitment goes beyond the hunt itself: it encompasses wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. Hunting is more than a pastime – it is a vital part of our heritage and economy. By building a strong, supportive community, we can tackle the challenges ahead and ensure that future generations can enjoy and respect this way of life.
Join us in our mission. Together, we can protect and celebrate hunting, contribute to wildlife conservation and enjoy the camaraderie of a passionate community. If you share our vision, we invite you to become part of the Young Hunters of Namibia.
From the 2025 issue of Huntinamibia
Every accolade credited to Africa is well earned. Perhaps William Burchell’s thought most accurately sums them all up: “Nothing but breathing the air of Africa, and actually walking through it, can communicate the indescribable sensations.” Words are a paltry attempt to raise images of buffalo charging out of the reeds
For fifty years, the Namibia Professional HuntersAssociation (NAPHA) has stood as a beacon of ethical hunting, conservation and community. This golden anniversary marks a significant milestone on a journey defined by dedication to the land, respect for wildlife and the preservation of Namibia’s unique hunting heritage.
An opportunity arose to hunt a trophy lion in the Torra Conservancy in north- western Namibia. For the past years the lion population had grown in this area and the human-wildlife conflict increased as a result. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism invited professional hunters to the opportunity to hunt
