Leopard Blind

[whunter3]

I am new to this website. I am heading out in a few weeks for a leopard hunt. My dad was able to take his leopard with the same PH a few years back so he has explained to me the way the blind was set up. I have been practicing my shot with a similar set up (standing, with gun resting on two points of contact). I have noticed that if I take another gun rest and place it under my right elbow (I am right handed) my shot is much more steady. I just wanted to get some insight as to whether anyone has ever done this in a leopard blind or if there is a reason why this would not be recommended? Thanks. Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MarkB]

I have always done exactly as my PH told me, he oversaw the blind and rest set ups, gun has always been supported front and back, sometimes on v sticks (Zim) and more recently (Nam) on 4 legged gun rests, then practice getting quietly on gun, its then left alone until go time. In all my night blinds I have never been standing, only position was sitting in a comfy position in a silent chair, at the command (one tap on leg) it meant I leaned forward and assumed the position looking thru scope. Second tap and all clear = bang and silently listen. This was process with leopards and night critters, I agree standing with trigger side elbow supported is steadier but when silence is required it adds extra movement and possible noise, hope you will not be waiting in that stance, also not needed when sitting.

I have made shooting sticks for practice before safari but have never taken any with me. Every PH has had sticks for me to use, recently the 4 legged rock solid versions for blind hunting.

When in doubt I would communicate with your PH's and find out what he wants/expects and the plan.

MB

 

[MarkB]

Ooh and welcome to the best African hunting site there is. A little intro under greetings/intros would help members get internet acquainted.

MB

 

[thriller]

I am new to this website. I am heading out in a few weeks for a leopard hunt. My dad was able to take his leopard with the same PH a few years back so he has explained to me the way the blind was set up. I have been practicing my shot with a similar set up (standing, with gun resting on two points of contact). I have noticed that if I take another gun rest and place it under my right elbow (I am right handed) my shot is much more steady. I just wanted to get some insight as to whether anyone has ever done this in a leopard blind or if there is a reason why this would not be recommended? Thanks. Any advise on this would be greatly appreciated.

I asked them to put a branch in my leopard blinds for an elbow rest for the same reason and they were happy to, I am happy to say it helped a lot and the cat was dead under the tree!

Welcome to AH!

 

[DLSJR]

Here was the rest my PH and his team built for my last leopard hunt. This was for a blind where we would have to take a standing shot. It was incredibly solid. Gun went out through the shooting port and I’d place my arm over the branch, snugging it under my shoulder. Probably the most solid rest I’ve ever had in a leopard blind. We used this same setup from a different blind where I would have shot from a sitting position. Rock solid.

 

[Hunt anything]

That would be great IF there is enough room, some of the blinds I’ve been in wouldn’t allow it, mostly manufactured pop up blinds brushed in. This was for bushpigs but hopefully one day it will be for a leopard.

 

[whunter3]

Here was the rest my PH and his team built for my last leopard hunt. This was for a blind where we would have to take a standing shot. It was incredibly solid. Gun went out through the shooting port and I’d place my arm over the branch, snugging it under my shoulder. Probably the most solid rest I’ve ever had in a leopard blind. We used this same setup from a different blind where I would have shot from a sitting position. Rock solid.
View attachment 479236

Thank you for photo. That will be very helpful if I can have something similar to this in the blind.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Always sit, given the chance. My $0.02

 

[M Whitley]

Here was my set up. Branch was put in place for my right elbow. The PH should be able to set up for you. Good Luck

 

[Inline6]

If the chairs are flat you can rotate it 90° to get a lot more steady (back of the chair in you armpit). May not be as comfortable. Have shot out of blinds that way State side.