Can Cape buffalo or Leopard be legally hunted with a handgun in Mozambique?

[Whicker22]

Can Cape buffalo or Leopard be legally hunted with a handgun in Mozambique?

 

[Hunter4752001]

An interesting question. I know you can hunt with a handgun in Mozambique. Likewise I know you can hunt Cape Buffalo and Leopard in Mozambique. But I don't know if you can use a handgun for Dangerous Game in Mozambique.

I intend doing a handgun hunting trip to Mozambique once the Covid situation stabilises and travel returns to normal. While I'd need more handgun hunting experience (actual hunting as distinct from range shooting) before taking on dangerous game, I'd still be interested in the answer.

 

[Whicker22]

My partner and I are hunting Mozambique beginning June1, 2021, he with a handgun and me with a rifle. The outfitter said that you cannot hunt dangerous game with a handgun, saying Cape buffalo and leopard are not dangerous game. Doesn’t sound right.

 

[Whicker22]

An interesting question. I know you can hunt with a handgun in Mozambique. Likewise I know you can hunt Cape Buffalo and Leopard in Mozambique. But I don't know if you can use a handgun for Dangerous Game in Mozambique.

I intend doing a handgun hunting trip to Mozambique once the Covid situation stabilises and travel returns to normal. While I'd need more handgun hunting experience (actual hunting as distinct from range shooting) before taking on dangerous game, I'd still be interested in the answer.

 

[Hunter4752001]

No it doesn't sound right. At best it sounds like it may be a miscommunication. Can't imagine anyone claiming Buffalo and Leopard aren't dangerous game. Strongly suggest trying to clarify with your outfitter or the actual PH. It would be a lot of money to spend only to arrive and be told 'no you can't use that'.

I have read that handguns require a special permit above that required for a rifle and that it needs to be arranged in advance.

Hopefully some of the PHs on this forum can chip in.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Whicker22, hopefully one of our sponsors will respond to this. Interesting question.

In the mean time, welcome to the AH forum!

 

[Whicker22]

Thanks for getting back to me. The PH is the fellow who said this morning that buff and leopard aren’t dangerous game. That’s the problem. You are correct that a handgun requires a special permit, by the way. The PH also said that you can bring two handguns; second permit is much more $.

 

[WAB]

Thanks for getting back to me. The PH is the fellow who said this morning that buff and leopard aren’t dangerous game. That’s the problem. You are correct that a handgun requires a special permit, by the way. The PH also said that you can bring two handguns; second permit is much more $.

Hmmm, a PH who doesn’t think buffalo and leopard are dangerous game, what could possibly go wrong?!?

 

[Ridgewalker]

The PH is the fellow who said this morning that buff and leopard aren’t dangerous game. That’s the problem.

I would be concerned as well!
Mine was estimated at over 1,700 lbs. The 5/8” game hook on the winch straightened out while unloading it and it came crashing to the ground. Not only are they dangerous alive, but dead as well IME!

 

[Whicker22]

We are trying to figure out what the regulations in Mozambique define as dangerous game and if handguns are allowed/not allowed to hunt buff & leopard legally. The particular handgun my partner would like to use, a .454 Casull is certainly powerful enough.

 

[WAB]

We are trying to figure out what the regulations in Mozambique define as dangerous game and if handguns are allowed/not allowed to hunt buff & leopard legally. The particular handgun my partner would like to use, a .454 Casull is certainly powerful enough.

I wouldn’t say that the Casull’s ballistics are overly impressive for buffalo. A 400 gr bullet at 1400 fps would give me serious concern.

 

[IdaRam]

An interesting question, and interesting situation... It is likely that Jaco Strauss @KWALATA SAFARIS may be able to provide some information. Kwalata Safaris operates in Mozambique. Likely @IvW has knowledge in this area as well.
I am quite sure Mozambique considers Cape Buffalo and Leopard Dangerous Game.
Hopefully one of our resident PH’s will chime in and add some clarity.

 

[Red Leg]

I suspect the issue is actually caliber. Mozambique does not have, as far as I am aware, a minimum caliber or joules requirement for buffalo or leopard. Hence it is legal to hunt one with something that would not meet those standards in other countries in Africa. In that sense only, they are not considered dangerous game.

With regard to a handgun, I have no idea. The consequences of screwing up (with regard to the safety of people other than myself) with what is essentially a less than minimum capable firearm are too much for me to risk their health and well being with less than optimal ammunition and firearm for the job. Then again, your buddy may have vast experience hunting African dangerous game with such a firearm.

One other consideration for your friend. Were the caliber he is contemplating packaged in a rifle, I personally wouldn't consider opening an argument with a buffalo with it. Moreover, if you are planning to hunt the Delta, ranges can be far closer 125 yards than 25.

 

[Scott CWO]

My PH in Moz in 2013 told me the minimum was .375 in Moz. He passed from cancer a couple years ago or I would ask him to clarify.

 

[Ike85123]

I wouldn’t say that the Casull’s ballistics are overly impressive for buffalo. A 400 gr bullet at 1400 fps would give me serious concern.

Not to mention the recoil, depending on the model. That could be a bad situation for alot of reasons !

 

[Red Leg]

My PH in Moz in 2013 told me the minimum was .375 in Moz. He passed from cancer a couple years ago or I would ask him to clarify.

Bill Jones, who owns some of the most important rifles ever used in Africa (including Hemingway's double), legally took a bull buffalo in the Zambezi Delta with Frederick Courteney Selous's Holland & Holland single shot 6.5x53R with a 156 gr bullet.

I hate giving Boddington advertising, but this story describes the hunt.

How Much Gun is Really Enough?

The bull stood clear for just a second, about 80 yards away, quartering strongly to us. The correct shot was right on the point of the on-shoulder, or maybe a couple inches inside the shoulder, int…

huntforever.org

 

[Hunter4752001]

I hope you're keeping an eye on the news. The northern areas around Cabo Delgado have become an ISIS hot spot.

 

[Scott CWO]

Bill Jones, who owns some of the most important rifles ever used in Africa (including Hemingway's double), legally took a bull buffalo in the Zambezi Delta with Frederick Courteney Selous's Holland & Holland single shot 6.5x53R with a 156 gr bullet.

I hate giving Boddington advertising, but this story describes the hunt.

How Much Gun is Really Enough?

The bull stood clear for just a second, about 80 yards away, quartering strongly to us. The correct shot was right on the point of the on-shoulder, or maybe a couple inches inside the shoulder, int…

huntforever.org

From what I understood from Jamie Wilson, the Niassa Reserve had it's own rules. I was unable to use my .338 WM there for buffalo. Perhaps it was stipulated in his concession lease. I am not sure.

 

[jacques smith]

Hey Phil, 1700 pounds is a awful big leap are [emoji23][emoji23]
Personally handgun of any caliber for buff might be a really
Bad idea, just saying[emoji41]

 

[jacques smith]

Leopard