Membership in Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guide (ZPHGA) is voluntary, the same with SOAZ. Most reputable operators are members.
If you choose to believe ( I was not there so I am not sure what happened) what is written in the article it is more than a mere mention of two PHs. They specifically alleges Lalapanzi Safaris was operating illegally in Gwayi, which is at the least an area that most hunters shun or at the worse land taken over and owned by persons on the SDN list.
From the link:
Lalapanzi Safaris, which is owned by one Brigadier Ben Matiwaza and his relative Zeph Matiwaza (who owned Zambezi Milling Company at the time) also employed professional hunters Jed Moyo and Gary Hopkins to conduct illegal hunts in the Gwayi Valley Conservacy. "This company was operating illegally within the Gwayi Valley Conservancy, concentrating its operations on Antionette Ranch , Railway Farm 35 and 31 ,Goodluck Ranch and Chimwara Ranch."
Over the years there was a lot of bad things that happened in the Gwayi (Gwaai) area. This alleged incident was over 10 years ago. Lalapanzi may be a sterling company.
I do have two questions:
1--What specific area would you be hunting?
2--More out of curiosity than anything, what factors do you use to determine what outfit you would use to hunt, especially for a specialized hunt like leopard.
The reason I ask is you read about plenty of leopard hunts becoming expensive plains game hunts. When I decided to hunt leopard I first chose the PH. While I had not hunted with him, I had spent time in camp so I new we were compatible. He also had a passion for hunting leopard, it is what he lives and breathes. That was my most important choice. The next decision was what area. The area I chose was known for dangerous game and I hunted the concession next to it previously. The PH I chose had hunted there for several years and was intimately familiar with the area. I knew the outfitter from a previous hunt but originally met him on a forum (there are several good outfitters/PHs that post here). The last consideration was money. I do not have enough money or time to make an unsuccessful hunt because I tried to save a couple of dollars. I rather do it right the first time. BTW I shot a very nice leopard about 8 days in to the hunt, during the day, after sitting in the blind for only a couple of hours. We did work extremely hard to get to that point.
Anyway, good luck with your decision and I hope you have fun.
