Leopard Shot Placement

Jerome very informative post i have learned a lot here great info by everyone.
Leopard was shot low for sure. When the hunter is in the blind i think he says he shot just behind the shoulder. If that is the case the way the animal is standing it is stretching with its head and its shoulders are pushed back placing a bullet behind the shoulder and you have a wounded animal. I am no dangerous game hunter but i would have taken this leopard square in the shoulder. Wouldn't this be the best shoot hopefully take out heart and lungs and take his front legs out from under him.

I know where you are coming from Jerome and have even been on buffalo control with a shotgun in the past and they are very versatile guns given the range of ammo that can be used. But besides the fact that i am looking for an excuse to have a gun built and also the desire to own a 10 gauge, my current 12 gauge is a very short barrel pump action mossberg, which feels very good to hold, but i have had it for 15 years and it has been put to good use and is begging to be transferred to my anti-poaching unit

Have never used a choke but have heard only good things about it and even as is, i have tackled a few leopard with my 12 gauge and it has served me well - but on two of the leopards i put down at short distances, i did find that the penetration was lacking with my 9 pellet buck shot. Am now planning on a 20 & 10 gauge at some point. Just to have them in camp and use them occassionally will be a pleasure.

That leopard was shot too low and the hunting parties were just that - parties - the same on the lion charge with Johan Calitz... I guess some people have that preference, but i am one of those who prefers to have less people in a wounded situation and my ideal situation is two guns to cover 360 degrees, with only the tracker as third man. I guess everyone has their preferences though. With a double, which is my preference, there is no point shooting far off - the first barrel is to kill the animal and the second is for insurance against bodily harm. When using a double, you have to tune yourself into waiting until the last moment. It is most effective this way. Totally agreed.

I think the 12 gauge gives you a great versification in shells and options. Unfortunately, you are in Tanzania. But with all the Heavy shot on the market here in the U.S., the 12 gauge has made the 10 gauge extinct. With the new shot protectors and everything out there...the 12 is "King". A recent magazine article, by a very respected author, confirmed what I always thought. The 12 gauge with a modified choke for bird hunting is the best choke.

I think "Heavy shot" in buckshot will get you better penetrations on those leopard. Heavier shot = great penetration.

Leopard Charge out of a Cave

Jerome , a complete savoir faire on leopard hunting and shot pacement, lots n lots to learn still.

Thanks for the lovely pictures

Monish