Welcome to Düsternbrook and thank you for visiting our website.

Dear Hunter,

Hunting has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up on one of Namibia's oldest family-owned guest and hunting farms, established in 1961, I learned from an early age  that hunting is not simply about harvesting an animal. It is about understanding nature, respecting wildlife and accepting responsibility for the land that sustains both.

After studying engineering in Germany and France and working for twelve years in German industry, I returned to Namibia to continue our family's farming tradition.

In 1987 I qualified as a Professional Hunter.

I served nine years on the Executive Committee of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA), including six years as President between 1992 and 1998.

My Philosophy

Hunting is not shooting.

Hunting begins long before the shot is taken. It is about reading the wind, understanding animal behaviour, moving silently through the landscape and earning the opportunity through a successful stalk.

The dominant breeding bull should never be harvested, regardless of the size of his horns.

Only after he has passed his breeding prime and no longer contributes significantly to reproduction does he become a suitable trophy.

If this philosophy reflects your own understanding of ethical fair-chase hunting I would be delighted to welcome you personally to Düsternbrook and share this experience with you.

Kind regards,

Johann Vaatz