Our Story
About Buckwild Safaris
A family-run hunting operation built on passion, integrity, and 20 years of experience in the South African bushveld.
Who We Are
Born in the Bushveld
Buckwild Safaris was founded by Shawn Turner in the Northwest Province of South Africa — a region of sweeping bushveld, ancient riverbeds, and some of the finest trophy hunting on the continent. What started as a single concession and a lifelong passion has grown into one of the most respected hunting operations in the region.
We are not a large commercial outfit. We are a small, family-run operation that takes a limited number of clients each season. That means every hunter who books with Buckwild Safaris receives personal attention, a dedicated Professional Hunter, and an experience tailored to their goals — not a conveyor belt of back-to-back hunts.
Our concessions are carefully managed for trophy quality and long-term sustainability. We believe that ethical, well-managed hunting is one of the most powerful conservation tools available — and we put that belief into practice every day.
Buckwild Safaris
Northwest Province · South Africa
A family-run hunting operation built on passion, integrity, and two decades of experience in the African bushveld.
Welcome to the Bushveld
Your African Adventure Awaits
The People Behind the Hunt
Meet the Buckwild Safaris Team
At Buckwild Safaris, every hunt is built around experience, trust, ethical hunting, and personal service. Our team combines South African field knowledge with dedicated USA-based client support, making every safari smooth from the first inquiry to the final day in Africa.
Meet the Team
Shawn Turner
Founder, Owner & Lead Professional Hunter
Northwest Province, South Africa
Shawn Turner is the founder and owner of Buckwild Safaris and serves as the company's Lead Professional Hunter and Outfitter. With a lifelong passion for African wildlife, ethical hunting, and conservation, Shawn is personally involved in delivering safe, professional, and unforgettable hunting safaris. His hands-on approach, field experience, and commitment to client satisfaction make him the driving force behind Buckwild Safaris.
- Founder & Owner of Buckwild Safaris
- Lead Professional Hunter & Outfitter
- Ethical, fair-chase hunting
- African wildlife and conservation focused
- Hands-on client experience from start to finish
Hunting Is Conservation
Meet the Team
Cornelius Hattingh
Senior Professional Hunter & Experienced South African Outdoorsman
South Africa
Cornelius Hattingh is a highly experienced South African Professional Hunter and outdoorsman. As Buckwild Safaris' Senior PH, he brings deep bush knowledge, strong tracking skills, and years of field experience in African hunting terrain. His calm leadership, safety-first approach, and understanding of wildlife make him a valuable part of every safari experience.
- Senior Professional Hunter
- Experienced South African PH
- Dangerous game and plains game knowledge
- Tracking, fieldcraft, and bush experience
- Ethical hunting and client safety focused
Hunting Is Conservation
Meet the Team
Beth Beiningen
USA Administrative Consultant & Safari Planning Specialist
Canby, Minnesota, USA
Beth Beiningen is a passionate hunter, outdoor enthusiast, and Buckwild Safaris' USA Administrative Consultant. She is a key contact for American clients, helping with safari planning, bookings, travel preparation, and client support. Her friendly service, strong communication, and understanding of the hunting lifestyle help make the booking process simple, personal, and stress-free.
- Passionate hunter and outdoor enthusiast
- USA client support
- Safari planning and booking assistance
- Travel preparation and client communication
- Friendly service for American hunters
Hunting Is Conservation
Meet the Team
Willem de Klerk
USA Representative & Chief Marketing Agent
USA
Willem de Klerk is Buckwild Safaris' USA Representative and Chief Marketing Agent. As a South African expat now living in the United States, Willem brings valuable firsthand knowledge of South Africa, African hunting, and the expectations of American hunters. He helps connect USA clients with Buckwild Safaris and provides trusted guidance, recommendations, and personal support.
- USA Representative for Buckwild Safaris
- Chief Marketing Agent
- South African expat living in the USA
- Strong South African hunting knowledge
- Helps connect American hunters with African safari opportunities
Hunting Is Conservation
Hunting Is Conservation
Plan Your Safari With Our TeamWhat Drives Us
Our Values
Safety First
Every hunt is conducted with the highest safety standards. Our Professional Hunters are fully trained, licensed, and experienced in handling dangerous game situations.
Trophy Quality
We manage our concessions for trophy quality, not volume. Selective harvesting ensures our areas consistently produce mature, record-class animals season after season.
Personal Service
We are a family-run operation — not a large commercial outfit. Every client receives personal attention from Shawn or Willem from first contact to final farewell.
Prime Concessions
Our Northwest Province concessions cover thousands of hectares of pristine bushveld. Carefully managed, low hunting pressure, and exceptional wildlife densities.
Two Decades in the Bush
Our History
Buckwild Safaris Founded
Shawn Turner establishes Buckwild Safaris in the Northwest Province of South Africa, starting with a single concession and a passion for ethical, quality hunting.
Dangerous Game Expansion
After years of building relationships with landowners, Buckwild secures access to prime buffalo and leopard concessions — elevating the operation to full dangerous game status.
USA Partnership
Willem de Klerk joins as the North American representative, based in Minnesota. The partnership opens Buckwild Safaris to the US hunting market and builds a loyal client base.
Lodge Upgrade
The main hunting lodge is fully renovated and expanded. New luxury chalets, a trophy room, and upgraded facilities ensure clients enjoy world-class comfort in the bush.
Licensed & Renewed
Buckwild Safaris renews its professional hunting outfitter licence: NW47009/04/2023. Fully compliant with all South African wildlife regulations and CITES requirements.
Fully Licensed & Compliant
Outfitter Licence: NW47009/04/2023
Buckwild Safaris is a fully licensed professional hunting outfitter operating under South African law. All hunts are conducted in full compliance with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries regulations, provincial wildlife ordinances, and CITES international trade requirements. Our licence is current and renewed annually.
Hunt With Us
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Contact Shawn in South Africa or Willem in Minnesota. We'll build a custom safari around your species wish list, budget, and schedule.