TAWA investigation clears Josh Bowmer of Crocodile Hunt violation

The Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) said that it has completed the investigation that was being carried out to see if there is a violation of hunting laws after the appearance of a video of the American hunter Josh Bowmer enjoying hunting a large crocodile in Tanzania and causing a stir.

Records from the investigation shows that the crocodile was hunted in a nursery of Lake Rukwa GR with a valid permit, all hunting charges were paid and no procedures were violated.

The statement issued today January 02, 2024 by TAWA said “According to the procedures of the CITES international agreement, Tanzania is allowed to hunt no more than 1,600 crocodiles per year, so far only 39 out of 1,600 crocodiles have been hunted from the national quota for the year 2023, the crocodile that can be seen in the viral photo posted by Josh Bowmer was hunted in the nursery of Lake Rukwa GR with valid permit number MP-0001792 which started on 12/08/2023 to 09/09/2023″ ”

The crocodile was 16.2 feet long and 493.8 centimeters, which is above the minimum length of 300 centimeters required by law, either according to the statistics of the American institution (Safari Club International – SCI), the longest crocodile in the world was hunted down in Ethiopia in 2005 (18.7 feet equal to 561 cm)”

“Also, the records show, this hunt was managed by Soldiers from TAWA and a champion hunter from a company that was granted permission in accordance with the law, all fees and charges related to crocodile hunting were paid in accordance with the laws and regulations governing hunting here in the country, so all these legal procedures were observed and no procedures were violated.

“TAWA assures the citizens that the hunting of wildlife in the country complies with the laws and procedures of the country and the international ones and the Authority gives them fear that these procedures are properly managed and when there is a violation, appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law” Beatus Magani, Information Officer -TAWA explained.

The monstrous crocodile measured  an astounding 16’ 3”! Making him the largest crocodile in history to ever be harvested with a bow and arrow. ” This hunt was beyond incredible to say the least, I can’t wait to share it with you all! The footage we captured was some of our best and this is by far the biggest animal ever caught and the best part is, he’s a 100% wild & 100% free ranging crocodile in the wilds of Tanzania” At 25 yards with an 84lb bow and only a 530 gr arrow it buried through his armor and went all the way up to the fletching. Just a crazy testament to the lethality of the head.” Bowmer proudly posted on his Instagram handle.
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