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Leopard Success Rates
- Thread starter migrabill
- Start date
Safari Dave
AH legend
- Joined
- May 19, 2008
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- Georgia, USA
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- 36
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- SCI, NRA, SCTP, SSSF, IHEA, IGFA, TU, NASP, USA Archery, Cherokee Gun Club
- Hunted
- RSA, MOZ, Wyoming, Botswana, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas.
As I was going home from my last safari, I had dinner with a hunter going on his 5th leopard hunt.
(He had still never seen a leopard in the wild!)
On my first safari, I sat next to a guy on the plane who was returning from a successful leopard hunt.
The hunt didn't cost him anything, because the year before his tracker was killed and PH was maimed by a leopard...
(He had still never seen a leopard in the wild!)
On my first safari, I sat next to a guy on the plane who was returning from a successful leopard hunt.
The hunt didn't cost him anything, because the year before his tracker was killed and PH was maimed by a leopard...
Wow!
You’re right! I need to get on it.
deewayne2003
AH legend
My first trip and we're waiting to be picked up by the charter plane and another hunter that was hunting with York at a different camp said that he got his leopard after 4 hours in the blind.....one of the guys in camp with us made 4 trips before getting his leopard.
Safari Dave
AH legend
- Joined
- May 19, 2008
- Messages
- 2,200
- Reaction score
- 5,950
- Location
- Georgia, USA
- Media
- 36
- Member of
- SCI, NRA, SCTP, SSSF, IHEA, IGFA, TU, NASP, USA Archery, Cherokee Gun Club
- Hunted
- RSA, MOZ, Wyoming, Botswana, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas.
With leopard hunting, I guess you never know.
After I spent two unsuccessful and painful nights in a leopard blind trying to get a hyena, I'll be going for elephant or lion on my next hunt for a Big 5 member.
After I spent two unsuccessful and painful nights in a leopard blind trying to get a hyena, I'll be going for elephant or lion on my next hunt for a Big 5 member.
LivingTheDream
AH legend
Congratulations!!! Francois is the man!!
Wildwillalaska
AH elite
I truly believe that who you use as a guide will have a dramatic impact on your success, followed by where. Both are pivotal to sustained, consistent and high level of success. Some animals to a lesser extent, leopard is not one of those animals as you can easily ascertain from the responses thus far.
A couple/few folks have suggested @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS which I will wholeheartedly say the same. York was specifically mentioned and he loves hunting cats, but honestly, every one of their PHs loves hunting leopard and do very well for D&Y clients.
I have not personally hunted a leopard yet, but have hunted with them and think the world of their outfit, their PHs, camps, and the concessions they have. Dalton does most of the business side of initial correspondence and bookings, but also is often afield as a PH, so he can prove slow at times in responding, but its not for lack of interest, he is just wearing a couple hats and will get back to you.
When I hunted with them in April this year, a new friend of mine was hunting with York and we shared camp for just over 10 days. That was his 10th leopard hunt with York, and he took his 8th leopard on that hunt. What's crazy is he took it on their first sit, and barely 1.5 hours into that initial sit. Part of that is York's experience in waiting to have a proper sense of the pattern on the very old, big and battle worn tom before trying to build the blind. I think part of it may also be Matt's devotion and luck with hunting cats. As a pair, they are a leopard and lion hunting dynamic duo...but even with that, it is still hunting and they have also struck out twice out of those 10 leopard hunts.
I was excited to possibly lay hands on his leopard and figured it would totally spark a real interest and desire for one, since thus far, I haven't felt it yet. Partly because I do not like sitting blings...well, maybe mostly. Matt offered me to sit with him anytime or every time, but we were doing long days hunting elephant, and there was no way I would want to join and have my accidental cough or any kind of noise, potentially impair his success. I was simply happy to lay hands on it if/when he got it and partake in the festivities of the party after. I didn't have to wait long either.
As luck will have it, I will apparently do a bit of leopard hunting this October when I return. Still hunting a Zim elephant, but leopard is on the list now as well. Yes, in October. Word of advice from a non-leopard hunter....if you want to have a successful leopard hunt...also maybe try to do it during the time of year that helps your chances, not hinders it. October is basically the worst time of year outside the middle of the rains to hunt leopard. For me, it was the situation and opportunity that presented, so I am rolling with it. Fortunately, there is really zero pressure in the hunt in regards to the leopard itself. It will prove a wonderful bonus or icing on the cake if you will. Besides, as I often tell myself when I'm about to undertake something difficult, which I may make even harder....if you are doing something difficult, no sense in trying to make it easy on yourself. (unsound logic)
A couple/few folks have suggested @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS which I will wholeheartedly say the same. York was specifically mentioned and he loves hunting cats, but honestly, every one of their PHs loves hunting leopard and do very well for D&Y clients.
I have not personally hunted a leopard yet, but have hunted with them and think the world of their outfit, their PHs, camps, and the concessions they have. Dalton does most of the business side of initial correspondence and bookings, but also is often afield as a PH, so he can prove slow at times in responding, but its not for lack of interest, he is just wearing a couple hats and will get back to you.
When I hunted with them in April this year, a new friend of mine was hunting with York and we shared camp for just over 10 days. That was his 10th leopard hunt with York, and he took his 8th leopard on that hunt. What's crazy is he took it on their first sit, and barely 1.5 hours into that initial sit. Part of that is York's experience in waiting to have a proper sense of the pattern on the very old, big and battle worn tom before trying to build the blind. I think part of it may also be Matt's devotion and luck with hunting cats. As a pair, they are a leopard and lion hunting dynamic duo...but even with that, it is still hunting and they have also struck out twice out of those 10 leopard hunts.
I was excited to possibly lay hands on his leopard and figured it would totally spark a real interest and desire for one, since thus far, I haven't felt it yet. Partly because I do not like sitting blings...well, maybe mostly. Matt offered me to sit with him anytime or every time, but we were doing long days hunting elephant, and there was no way I would want to join and have my accidental cough or any kind of noise, potentially impair his success. I was simply happy to lay hands on it if/when he got it and partake in the festivities of the party after. I didn't have to wait long either.
As luck will have it, I will apparently do a bit of leopard hunting this October when I return. Still hunting a Zim elephant, but leopard is on the list now as well. Yes, in October. Word of advice from a non-leopard hunter....if you want to have a successful leopard hunt...also maybe try to do it during the time of year that helps your chances, not hinders it. October is basically the worst time of year outside the middle of the rains to hunt leopard. For me, it was the situation and opportunity that presented, so I am rolling with it. Fortunately, there is really zero pressure in the hunt in regards to the leopard itself. It will prove a wonderful bonus or icing on the cake if you will. Besides, as I often tell myself when I'm about to undertake something difficult, which I may make even harder....if you are doing something difficult, no sense in trying to make it easy on yourself. (unsound logic)
Wildwillalaska
AH elite
If I end up being one of those who do not find success on their first try, I will absolutely hunt again. Trying and not finding success will absolutely create drive to get it done. But I have zero expectations going in given the time of year, and knowing I will want to spend time on my primary target animal. Only thing I know for certain, I will have an absolute wonderful time hunting and searching and with a wonderful PH and human being...cannot wait.
And that is my main point, book your hunt with someone you think you might get along with and maybe even want to share that experience with. And book a hunt with some additional animals of interest, so you have more hunting to complete if you tag early, or even simply bait animals available that interest you. One cool thing with some of D&Y's areas are plentiful hippo, and the chance for hippo on dry land, which quickly yields something like 6-8 baits. The same areas have some HUGE crocodile, which is a super fun and at times quick, exciting paced hunt, and at a time of day where other things may not prove prime hunting time. So while leopard can be your absolute focal, key target, you can still see and experience so much in addition during the times you are traveling around checking and maintaining baits, even searching for additional bait animals.
I too initially hunted South Africa, and while I do not regret it at all, and especially enjoyed my last safari there with my then 13yo daughter and all of her animals...it is simply not the same. Zimbabwe or Mozambique will prove an entirely new and profound experience in comparison.
What I am trying to say, book a good hunt with a good outfit in a good area...you not only increase your odds, but you should have an amazing experience even if you do not kill a leopard the first time out.
You cannot go wrong with @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS and as another member pointed out @DAVE LANGERMAN Safaris is also a sponsor here. I have not had the pleasure of hunting with Dave, only corresponce and visiting at SCI, but he is incredibly knowledgeable, known for success and also seems like a gem of a human being to boot.
And that is my main point, book your hunt with someone you think you might get along with and maybe even want to share that experience with. And book a hunt with some additional animals of interest, so you have more hunting to complete if you tag early, or even simply bait animals available that interest you. One cool thing with some of D&Y's areas are plentiful hippo, and the chance for hippo on dry land, which quickly yields something like 6-8 baits. The same areas have some HUGE crocodile, which is a super fun and at times quick, exciting paced hunt, and at a time of day where other things may not prove prime hunting time. So while leopard can be your absolute focal, key target, you can still see and experience so much in addition during the times you are traveling around checking and maintaining baits, even searching for additional bait animals.
I too initially hunted South Africa, and while I do not regret it at all, and especially enjoyed my last safari there with my then 13yo daughter and all of her animals...it is simply not the same. Zimbabwe or Mozambique will prove an entirely new and profound experience in comparison.
What I am trying to say, book a good hunt with a good outfit in a good area...you not only increase your odds, but you should have an amazing experience even if you do not kill a leopard the first time out.
You cannot go wrong with @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS and as another member pointed out @DAVE LANGERMAN Safaris is also a sponsor here. I have not had the pleasure of hunting with Dave, only corresponce and visiting at SCI, but he is incredibly knowledgeable, known for success and also seems like a gem of a human being to boot.
I have been 2 for 4. 0-2 in Zimbabwe and 2-2 in Zambia. Each trip was its own adventure. But cat hunting is very different than plains game. It can be a satisfying grind of hunting bait, hanging bait, checking cameras and repeat. Initially went 0-2 but when I got my first leopard it was pretty emotional.
I keep telling you Lou Hollamore’s statement to me on leopard…”50-50”
So far score leopard 1 Rare Breed 0…going on my second try in Namibia for second try in just two weeks!
deewayne2003
AH legend
What gun and load are you taking?
Rigby HS in 9.3x62 shooting 250 grain accubonds with a Swaro Z5i in 3-15
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Lbarr might be a scammer
it appears he sold the same brass to me and another member
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I'll take the Vortex scope cover you have listed in the Pay it Forward thread.
Ken [redacted]
Ken [redacted]
