These shotguns were used to control tree squirrels in the cocoa plantations but also to obtain bushmeat. In 1974, nearly all the shotguns were removed from the civilian population. For example, the 200-300 people in the remote village of Ureca had about 25 shotguns prior to 1974. By 1990, the village had fewer than 100 people and only one shotgun. It is legal for civilians to own a shotgun on Bioko once they obtain a permit from the government.
Ammunition is readily available in the markets.
Rifles are not permitted. There is no doubt that the capacity of hunters to shoot animals on Bioko was much reduced after 1974 and that the effects of hunting on the wildlife, particularly primates, were greatly dampened. Hunters with shotguns were very successful, having little difficulty shooting at least one monkey or duiker in a day of hunting. Hunting has steadily increased on Bioko across the last ten years. The fact that most people have ready access to an abundant source of animal protein in the form of saltwater fish probably does much to keep hunting of terrestrial animals to a relatively low level.