The
week of 25th to the 28th of March was one filled with excitement for the 2nd
year Nature Management ladies. They received training in weapon handling, 4x4
driving and snake handling.
For
the 4x4 training they had to drive up steep inclines, over very large ditches
and over rocky terrain. They also learned how to manage the 4x4's (both
automatic and manual) with techniques that can only be done with a 4x4, like
rolling down a steep area without using the brakes.
These
girls are now ready to take on any rugged area!
After
an intensive theory lesson in which the ladies learned the safety measures of guns
and the South African law regarding these safety protocols, they were each given
the opportunity to put this theory into practice. After some shooting practice
with a handgun, the ladies were taught how to handle a rifle, and I’m sure this
knowledge will be very valuable once they start working in the bushveld.
Even
though the ladies enjoyed the above mentioned courses, the one they were most
anxious to tackle was the snake handling course. The girly side of them came out,
as they came face to face with various snakes such as the Cape Cobra, the Puff
Adder and the harmless house snake. The ladies learned how to identify, track
and handle various snake species, and could now be ones greatest ally, should
one cross paths with a snake.
An
exhilarating week has passed which not only prepared these ladies for their
adventurous future in nature management, but also created memories that will
last them a lifetime.
Written by Joey Lombard
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