Leopard Hunting

[Andrew62]

Johnny DuPlooy does a great job in Zambia, got mine 42 minutes in my first ever leopard blindView attachment 724934

I was super fortunate as well, I sat just 45 minutes on my first ever sit for leopard.

 

[PANTHER TRACKERS]

I posted a while back about a leopard hunt. I have been doing one serious big game hunt a year (this is all my schedule will allow right now with my young family and business obligations). I have exclusively hunted the mountains for the past 10 years and really enjoyed that. I do still have lots of mountain hunting aspirations but this past hunt (Moose/Goat combo in Northern BC) I found myself thinking that I want to do another African hunt.

I am from Toronto Canada and I am 41. Been hunting for a long time (didn't grow up doing it) and have been to Africa once. Hunted some countries in Asia also.

I have thought about hunting Leopard for as long as I have thought about hunting. The only other African animal/hunt that interests me at this time is a Bongo. And Bongo it is more about the hunt and the difficulty than the animal being interesting to me (despite being so gorgeous).

I was wondering a few things.

1. Is there a "definitive treatise" or book (or books plural) about Leopard hunting? I would like to start to educate myself seriously about the subject.
2. I understand that Zimbabwe and Namibia are options and that Zambia and Tanzania are also premium priced options.
3. Are there any outfitters who are known specifically for skill and access in hunting leopards and or any specialists in this field? If so, who would they be? I realize they may be booked years out and would like to start the process of a potential booking.
4. Do experienced hunters recommend hunting with a outfit that utilizes dogs? What is the general feeling on this?
5. I am currently building a .270 Winchester model 70 with engraving and custom wood. It's essentially an homage to Jack O'Connor. I want to take it on a Leopard hunt. I understand that this is a smaller caliber to most but I don't like shooting big calibers (though I am able to). Is this foolhardy? Should I build a second gun for Leopard and plains game? I dont really want to. I can also bring my mountain gun which is chambered in 26 Nosler but I want to hunt Afirca with a wood stocked rifle and one that is special to me.

My experiences as a mountain hunter have given me insight into species specific and method specific outfitter specialization and different types of hunts and regions being very important when planning and as such I would like to try and get this leopard thing right the first time (thought I understand there have been many who have had to do a couple leopard hunts to get one). I have been on 2 Rocky bighorn hunts and not gotten one (including one back pack and one that was a 21 day horseback hunt). The Rocky is my final ram to fulfill my north American grand slam, which is my current most important hunting goal. I have grown to love hunting with horses (but I would crawl through downtown Toronto naked over broken glass to get one at this point).

I just want to say I really appreciate the replies and any direct messages (including from any outfitters) are welcomed if anyone has time to chat about it offline or on the phone.

Good post - and some valid questions.
A few thoughts from someone who has been at it a while:

1. Books & background:
There isn’t really a “definitive” leopard hunting book. Understanding the big cat’s ecology is more advantageous than reading about bait placement or best hound breeds. Equip yourself with knowledge of leopard behaviour so interpretation of your guides competency, and safari area, is well supported.

2. Country options:
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania all offer great leopard hunting - Mozambique also deserves serious consideration. It still offers vast, unfenced country with strong leopard populations and full allowance for hound hunting. The terrain is wild and varied, and the experience there feels like being in old Africa.

3. Specialists:
There are many outfitters who offer leopard hunts, but very few who specialise in them. My operation, Panther Trackers, is built entirely around leopard hunting over hounds. We don’t run Plains Game safaris, those species are add-ons to a full-time leopard hunt.

4. Hounds vs bait:
Hound hunting is more proactive - every day you are searching for, and interpreting tracks and sign, developing tactics and planning for active pursuit. For someone who enjoys mountain hunts and physical engagement, hound hunting is a natural fit. It’s also a highly selective method - we choose the cat by track, and every hunt targets a mature male specifically.

5. Rifle choice:
The .375 H&H remains the legal minimum for dangerous game in most African countries, and it’s one of the most versatile cartridges ever designed for safari use. It handles leopard cleanly without being excessive and still gives you the confidence and legal compliance for buffalo or other dangerous game on the same trip. A variety of loads and bullet construction can be customised for ideal performance across the board. However - accuracy and familiarity matter almost more than any other factor.

If you’d like a better sense of what a hound hunt is actually like, I can provide a few references that will be happy to talk Safari from first-hand experience.

 

[Betterinthebush]

View attachment 725570

Good post - and some valid questions.
A few thoughts from someone who has been at it a while:

1. Books & background:
There isn’t really a “definitive” leopard hunting book. Understanding the big cat’s ecology is more advantageous than reading about bait placement or best hound breeds. Equip yourself with knowledge of leopard behaviour so interpretation of your guides competency, and safari area, is well supported.

2. Country options:
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania all offer great leopard hunting - Mozambique also deserves serious consideration. It still offers vast, unfenced country with strong leopard populations and full allowance for hound hunting. The terrain is wild and varied, and the experience there feels like being in old Africa.

3. Specialists:
There are many outfitters who offer leopard hunts, but very few who specialise in them. My operation, Panther Trackers, is built entirely around leopard hunting over hounds. We don’t run Plains Game safaris, those species are add-ons to a full-time leopard hunt.

4. Hounds vs bait:
Hound hunting is more proactive - every day you are searching for, and interpreting tracks and sign, developing tactics and planning for active pursuit. For someone who enjoys mountain hunts and physical engagement, hound hunting is a natural fit. It’s also a highly selective method - we choose the cat by track, and every hunt targets a mature male specifically.

5. Rifle choice:
The .375 H&H remains the legal minimum for dangerous game in most African countries, and it’s one of the most versatile cartridges ever designed for safari use. It handles leopard cleanly without being excessive and still gives you the confidence and legal compliance for buffalo or other dangerous game on the same trip. A variety of loads and bullet construction can be customised for ideal performance across the board. However - accuracy and familiarity matter almost more than any other factor.

If you’d like a better sense of what a hound hunt is actually like, I can provide a few references that will be happy to talk Safari from first-hand experience.

Thank you for your expertise and knowledge on this subject. This forum is better because of professionals.

 

[coreydb]

View attachment 725570

Good post - and some valid questions.
A few thoughts from someone who has been at it a while:

1. Books & background:
There isn’t really a “definitive” leopard hunting book. Understanding the big cat’s ecology is more advantageous than reading about bait placement or best hound breeds. Equip yourself with knowledge of leopard behaviour so interpretation of your guides competency, and safari area, is well supported.

2. Country options:
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania all offer great leopard hunting - Mozambique also deserves serious consideration. It still offers vast, unfenced country with strong leopard populations and full allowance for hound hunting. The terrain is wild and varied, and the experience there feels like being in old Africa.

3. Specialists:
There are many outfitters who offer leopard hunts, but very few who specialise in them. My operation, Panther Trackers, is built entirely around leopard hunting over hounds. We don’t run Plains Game safaris, those species are add-ons to a full-time leopard hunt.

4. Hounds vs bait:
Hound hunting is more proactive - every day you are searching for, and interpreting tracks and sign, developing tactics and planning for active pursuit. For someone who enjoys mountain hunts and physical engagement, hound hunting is a natural fit. It’s also a highly selective method - we choose the cat by track, and every hunt targets a mature male specifically.

5. Rifle choice:
The .375 H&H remains the legal minimum for dangerous game in most African countries, and it’s one of the most versatile cartridges ever designed for safari use. It handles leopard cleanly without being excessive and still gives you the confidence and legal compliance for buffalo or other dangerous game on the same trip. A variety of loads and bullet construction can be customised for ideal performance across the board. However - accuracy and familiarity matter almost more than any other factor.

If you’d like a better sense of what a hound hunt is actually like, I can provide a few references that will be happy to talk Safari from first-hand experience.

View attachment 725570

Good post - and some valid questions.
A few thoughts from someone who has been at it a while:

1. Books & background:
There isn’t really a “definitive” leopard hunting book. Understanding the big cat’s ecology is more advantageous than reading about bait placement or best hound breeds. Equip yourself with knowledge of leopard behaviour so interpretation of your guides competency, and safari area, is well supported.

2. Country options:
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania all offer great leopard hunting - Mozambique also deserves serious consideration. It still offers vast, unfenced country with strong leopard populations and full allowance for hound hunting. The terrain is wild and varied, and the experience there feels like being in old Africa.

3. Specialists:
There are many outfitters who offer leopard hunts, but very few who specialise in them. My operation, Panther Trackers, is built entirely around leopard hunting over hounds. We don’t run Plains Game safaris, those species are add-ons to a full-time leopard hunt.

4. Hounds vs bait:
Hound hunting is more proactive - every day you are searching for, and interpreting tracks and sign, developing tactics and planning for active pursuit. For someone who enjoys mountain hunts and physical engagement, hound hunting is a natural fit. It’s also a highly selective method - we choose the cat by track, and every hunt targets a mature male specifically.

5. Rifle choice:
The .375 H&H remains the legal minimum for dangerous game in most African countries, and it’s one of the most versatile cartridges ever designed for safari use. It handles leopard cleanly without being excessive and still gives you the confidence and legal compliance for buffalo or other dangerous game on the same trip. A variety of loads and bullet construction can be customised for ideal performance across the board. However - accuracy and familiarity matter almost more than any other factor.

If you’d like a better sense of what a hound hunt is actually like, I can provide a few references that will be happy to talk Safari from first-hand experience.

Thanks Gavin-

 

[mark-hunter]

Good post - and some valid questions.
A few thoughts from someone who has been at it a while:

1. Books & background:
There isn’t really a “definitive” leopard hunting book. Understanding the big cat’s ecology is more advantageous than reading about bait placement or best hound breeds. Equip yourself with knowledge of leopard behaviour so interpretation of your guides competency, and safari area, is well supported.

2. Country options:
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania all offer great leopard hunting - Mozambique also deserves serious consideration. It still offers vast, unfenced country with strong leopard populations and full allowance for hound hunting. The terrain is wild and varied, and the experience there feels like being in old Africa.

3. Specialists:
There are many outfitters who offer leopard hunts, but very few who specialise in them. My operation, Panther Trackers, is built entirely around leopard hunting over hounds. We don’t run Plains Game safaris, those species are add-ons to a full-time leopard hunt.

4. Hounds vs bait:
Hound hunting is more proactive - every day you are searching for, and interpreting tracks and sign, developing tactics and planning for active pursuit. For someone who enjoys mountain hunts and physical engagement, hound hunting is a natural fit. It’s also a highly selective method - we choose the cat by track, and every hunt targets a mature male specifically.

5. Rifle choice:
The .375 H&H remains the legal minimum for dangerous game in most African countries, and it’s one of the most versatile cartridges ever designed for safari use. It handles leopard cleanly without being excessive and still gives you the confidence and legal compliance for buffalo or other dangerous game on the same trip. A variety of loads and bullet construction can be customised for ideal performance across the board. However - accuracy and familiarity matter almost more than any other factor.

If you’d like a better sense of what a hound hunt is actually like, I can provide a few references that will be happy to talk Safari from first-hand experience.

In which countries or areas using night vision or thermal is legal for leopard hunt?

 

[Killo]

Johnny DuPlooy does a great job in Zambia, got mine 42 minutes in my first ever leopard blindView attachment 724934

Johny is a great host and PH!

 

[Betterinthebush]

There are leopard hunts and there are targeted chases for leopard with hounds. I have utmost respect for leopard hunters that can sit in a blind. I can’t do it, sit in a blind. It’s the same reason I’ll never get a lion. Can’t sit still. I know this about myself, so I focus on my strengths.

Hunting over hounds plays to my strengths. I love hunting with dogs. The drive, the mystery, the heavy responsibility.. I love it. I can’t wait to experience it in Africa.

To me, in the end, it’s all the same. I think all cat hunting is awesome. I consider myself lucky to be in such a small fraternity who will/have attempted hunting great cats.