Ethical Use of Hounds in Leopard Hunting: A Structured Analysis

PANTHER TRACKERS said:

While I cannot speak for all hound operations across Africa, we train and maintain the ability to safely and effectively call our hounds off a tree when necessary. This is a critical skill for any professional hound hunting operation. However, in the case of a ground bay-up, this ability can be more challenging due to the heightened focus and engagement of the hounds. There is always the very slight chance that the scent lines may cross, leading the hounds to follow an undesired leopard if the scent of a non-target cat intersects. However, consistent visual tracking, where possible, can help mitigate the risk and keep the hounds true to track.

Please view the video for reference:

Click to expand...

HankBuck said:

@PANTHER TRACKERS - when a “small or female cat” is bayed on the ground can your Hunter refuse to shoot it? If so, how do you handle that - is his hunt over? Does he pay extra for you to find and bay another Leopard? I know that any Leopard would be considered a Trophy by some but I would Not be pleased with a female or small Leopard (under 130-140 lbs) and would refuse to shoot one..rather go home empty handed. What do you do for a client that is only looking for an above average Trophy sized cat?

Click to expand...

PANTHER TRACKERS said:

Actually we are governed by legislation and cannot shoot a female or small leopard. We equally respect the significant investment a safari commands and don't want a sportsman returning home with regrets. Obviously mistakes can occur in rare cases, but we accept full responsibility as the licensed operation. Our business success and survival is connected to consistent fair practices.

Click to expand...

HankBuck said:

@PANTHER TRACKERS - thank you for providing some context and detailed answers to my questions. What do you consider “a small Leopard”? I would consider any Leopard under 120 lbs Small and Not “trophy size”, a mature male 140-150 lbs would be a Trophy to Me and any Leopard 160-170 lbs or above “Exceptional”. I realize that weight is only one measurement and that some older males can have a nice Big head and their weight can vary but those are just my initial thoughts - I have NO direct experience with Leopards and would need to rely on my PH to tell me what is a realistic expectation.

Click to expand...

PANTHER TRACKERS said:

In my opinion age is the best indicator of trophy quality - the older, the better, especially with territorial predators. All current scientific modelling points to this. But if you judge by body weight (a completely flawed trophy judgement), anything above 150 pounds (65kg) body weight is a true representative of a mature male leopard. Perhaps in the future a certified age determination will count towards trophy ranking in the record books, but for now a 16inch (SCI method), is my baseline for suitable harvest. Obviously we cannot 'pre-measure' but after visually studying enough leopard, you can tell if the head is going to position above the baseline.

Click to expand...