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.

 

[PeteG]

Somebody talk me into a Leopard hunt....please. I've always wanted to hunt Leopard, but the low success rates and high prices makes the hunt a definite no-go for me. Do I expect the animal to be tied to a tree with a sign posted " Hit me if you can find an open spot"? NO. But with the significant cost of the safari, I at least want the opportunity of a shot. Am I spoiled or am I just overdosing on stupid pills. Go ahead; hit me if you can find an open spot....I really want to hunt.

Where to start...

I'd say your best chances are in Luangwa Valley. Pretty much any concession in the valley has good numbers of leopard, some obviously better than others, but you'd do well there.
On a 14day safari, you'd be pretty close to guaranteed a shot on a leopard.

Leopard is in my top two of hunts to do. Love it...
The process, the "chess" game, assessment and planning, all of it. Can make for a technical and enjoyable hunt.

 

[AZDAVE]

Hunting leopard is the ultimate chess match. You have been given some great advise, so I won't repeat the information already provided. When I was looking for an outfitter for my leopard I talked to several in Zim and Namibia. I ultimately selected Ekuja safaris, all the companies would have been a solid selection but The owner of Ekuja Safaris was just one of those people that our personalities just matched and he has a great success rate (So did the other outfitters)

I wish you luck on your journey to select an outfitter and a successful hunt.

 

[major hunter]

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.

Have successfully taken Leopard in TZ & Zim both experiences were great and different. The caliber of hunt you are seeking will have influence on the output. In relation to the 270 you have to ask yourself: Will a 270 kill a leopard with a well placed shot, yes. Would it be the caliber of choice? No, not enough power for DG hunting in Africa (sorry I know you are building one - but better than wounded game). Technically many countries you won't even be able to use it but that's up to your outfitter. 26 Nosler is a great mountain rifle but again not ideal.

Downer on the Rocky, NA sheep hunting has definitely changed in the years but good luck on completing your slam. If you've hunted Asia you'll know the differences right away. Laughed at your comment crawling around DT Toronto, no sheep there but you may see my friends big cat through their office window!

 

[wvfred]

I am 0 for 2 on leopard mostly because I wasn't hunting prime areas. When I get serious about leopard again I will go with Johnny DuPlooy. I hunted buffalo with him in 2021 and saw three daytime leopard.I had one sit under a hyena bait for an hour. Zambia is pricier than some of the others but it's cheaper than having to go several times to get a leopard. I think your 270 would be fine for leopard but different countries have different rules on caliber I think Zimbabwe has a minimum caliber of 7mm and a certain amount of energy. Most cartridge requirements can be found here on AH.

 

[wvfred]

Look under Hunting info by country here on AH and under each county listed there are minimum caliber requirements for each country.

 

[Rare Breed]

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

After 14 days and no sightings I am beginning to really hate you guys that got your leopard on the first day and first hour of your sit...LOL!!!!!

 

[Doug3006]

After 14 days and no sightings I am beginning to really hate you guys that got your leopard on the first day and first hour of your sit...LOL!!!!!