If you want to go on a proactive leopard hunt, take the dog deal, that extra $6500 is the best money you can spend if you want an exciting hunt. And that $6500 is a deal, biggest value of the whole thing.
It is exciting and active, if you want it to be. Of course that depends upon the hunter and how the hunt is conducted.... I'm talking about getting out there and riding with the dog guy... He doesn't want you on the trail with him messing up scent, but you can follow a bit behind and enjoy the experience. The hunter (and those with him

needs to be in minimally good enough shape to hike several miles and climb up and down some koppies. But I did it and don't consider myself to be in any kind of excellent shape. You don't need to run, just keep a steady pace and get there.
I'm not a terribly patient person. And just do not enjoy long hours in blind. I also worry about fidgeting too much, my back is so bad I find it difficult to sit still for real long. The other thing with the dogs is it allows you to grab more control of the situation and be more on the offensive. Not totally at the mercy of the cat not only hitting the bait but also staying on it long enough for you to ambush him.
This is by no means a guaranteed success, it is pure hunting and a lot of things need to happen correctly and you still need some real luck to get a cat. I know we all hear of guys spending 30, 40, or even more days in a blind to get a leopard... Compared to that, the dog cost is a real bargain as dogs are probably an extra help to up your success, but to me the bigger thing was the extra excitement and adventure they brought to the hunt. Even the extra work, even the need to watch where you step in camp

keeps things from getting boring
