The African Sporting Gazette as it was then called was launched in 1995 by Scotsman John Ormiston. John had launched, prior to this, the Scottish Sporting Gazette but had subsequently sold it off to a publisher in Britain. Both were annual publications and, as a collector of rifles, this seemed a perfectly logical title to publish and help him on his safaris to Africa looking for rifles and shotguns. I, at this time, having been brought up in southern Africa had long realized that if Africa’s wildlife was to have any chance long term, an integrated approach to its management was essential. And hunting was a core component. With hunting having so much potential, Africa offering the species it does and the unrivaled destinations, this is the global dream destination, so it seemed appropriate to have a world-class magazine that could carry this message.
All I needed was a magazine to start the process!

Having bought a copy of his magazine at a local bookshop in Joburg, I approached John. Coincidently, he wanted out of the publishing business and, as he was about to fly to Joburg to look for more guns, within a week I was the proud owner of the African Sporting Gazette.
The first thing we did was increase the frequency to four issues a year and start attending the biggest hunting show in the USA – SCI’s Annual Convention. At that stage it was in Las Vegas.
Being based in South Africa, trying to attract a market in America proved very challenging. No matter what we tried there were stumbling blocks in our distribution, communication, and just about everything.
It was not until we started printing in the USA and go onto the shelves of the major news agents that things changed.
Then Birgit Johnstone moved to Canada to establish our North American office and launch our first African Hunting Show – in Toronto.
After much deliberation we decided to change our name – something that not too many magazines do in their life. We felt that we were in the hunting business and too many people were misinterpreting what our magazine was about.
So that brought about the name – African Hunting Gazette, essentially summing up all what we were about.
Following the successful launch of the Canada-based African Show, the next stage in our life cycle was the launch in Atlanta, USA, of Africa’s first African Hunting Show. Atlanta was the base – and January 2011 was the date.
Encouraging, would be an understatement. Thrilled that the fruits of our efforts were gaining traction would perhaps better describe it.

Promoting Africa as a hunting destination is complicated and diverse but we are totally committed.
We work closely with the country’s hunting associations – and are major donors to both the South African and Namibian Annual General Meetings.
We attend all the major shows in the USA, more than any other African hunting title, as well as hosting our own shows.
We promote the use of registered outfitters and were the first to publish Africa’s first hunting directory.
Our magazine strives to bring readers the finest selection of hunting stories, both from today and yesteryear, as well as features on guns, ammo, conservation, animals, taxidermy, country features, company profiles, all accompanied with world- class photography.
Welcome to the world of the African Hunting Gazette.

Richard Lendrum