Leopard Hound Hunt Outfitter Recommendations

[Mountaineous]

Hi all,
New to the forum and to hunting in Africa. I’ve spent a lot of time hunting other continents though, mostly mountain backpack type hunting.
I want to start planning a leopard hunt. I grew up running hounds, so the idea of chasing a leopard behind a pack is very appealing to me. I’ve talked to a couple of outfitters, but am feeling a little overwhelmed in the options. Can anyone recommend a high quality leopard outfitter that uses hounds. I am fairly young, fit, agile, and don’t require a lot of amenities, although I won’t turn my nose at them. I just want a fully immersed “Wilds of Africa” type experience, and don’t require a lot of pampering. It sounds like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana are the primary options for this kind of hunt, so I’m interested in any pros/cons of those options as well. Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[Lancaster]

If I was to hunt a leopard I would do it over hounds. A friend of mine used to take a lot of clients to Zim to hunt with Mark 'Butch' Butcher who helped pioneer the marketing of the sport, he said it was very exciting, especially when the tom went in rocks (rather than a tree) and a terrier was produced to flush it out!

I'm afraid Mark has retired from outfitting so I don't know who does it now so can't help

 

[Scott CWO]

Hi all,
New to the forum and to hunting in Africa. I’ve spent a lot of time hunting other continents though, mostly mountain backpack type hunting.
I want to start planning a leopard hunt. I grew up running hounds, so the idea of chasing a leopard behind a pack is very appealing to me. I’ve talked to a couple of outfitters, but am feeling a little overwhelmed in the options. Can anyone recommend a high quality leopard outfitter that uses hounds. I am fairly young, fit, agile, and don’t require a lot of amenities, although I won’t turn my nose at them. I just want a fully immersed “Wilds of Africa” type experience, and don’t require a lot of pampering. It sounds like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana are the primary options for this kind of hunt, so I’m interested in any pros/cons of those options as well. Thanks in advance for any info!

Leopards are not mountain lions. They can be much more aggressive and dangerous when confronted. Sometimes when they see a human approaching the commotion, they leave the hounds behind and charge at lightning speed. There are members of AH who have been attacked and mauled. Perhaps you already know this but I wanted to let you know about the possibility, if not. It is important to know what could happen. I think a leopard safari with hounds ranks right up there with the most dangerous of hunts in the world. I would make sure that you have a proper weapon for a charge and same for the PH guiding you. I cannot imagine a harder shot to make than at a leopard streaking towards you. I would also have medical evacuation insurance from Ripcord or Global Rescue. Good luck with your search.

 

[Mountaineous]

Leopards are not mountain lions. They can be much more aggressive and dangerous when confronted. Sometimes when they see a human approaching the commotion, they leave the hounds behind and charge at lightning speed. There are members of AH who have been attacked and mauled. Perhaps you already know this but I wanted to let you know about the possibility, if not. It is important to know what could happen. I think a leopard safari with hounds ranks right up there with the most dangerous of hunts in the world. I would make sure that you have a proper weapon for a charge and same for the PH guiding you. I cannot imagine a harder shot to make than at a leopard streaking towards you. I would also have medical evacuation insurance from Ripcord or Global Rescue. Good luck with your search.

I appreciate the warning. I very aware of the dangers, and am comfortable accepting them. I’ve killed my share of bayed bears and cats, in the thick brush at night, sometimes charging, although often you just happen to be approaching on the same game trail they are trying to use to escape! I haven’t personally been bit, but others I’ve hunted with are definitely not as lucky.
I’m definitely not trying to compare bears and mountain lions to leopards, but I am comfortable in those type of situations that can arise, and can act on my feet if needed.
I do carry Global Rescue insurance (my wife’s stipulation when I told her I was booking a hunting trip to Pakistan)

 

[revturbo9967]

I have hunted with hounds many times, mostly for bear. I would not want to attempt so with a leopard. You are dealing with a much more dangerous animal. Phillip Glass, a member on here hunted a leopard with hounds and his PH almost lost his life during the hunt.

I have heard Gavin Lipjes is supposedly one of the best hounds man in Africa.

 

[Green Chile]

I have hunted and taken mountain lion with dogs. I have hunted (bait) leopard without success. I did a TON of research on leopard hunts with dogs and I have booked with sponsor @PANTHER TRACKERS. Check them out. Gavin is very good at communicating through WhatsApp. I feel very comfortable with my decision to book with Gavin.

 

[Kelly G]

Contact
Zane Bronkhorst in Zimbabwe
WhatsApp
+263-77-780-2158

 

[Mountaineous]

Contact
Zane Bronkhorst in Zimbabwe
WhatsApp
+263-77-780-2158View attachment 671480

Thanks for the info! Have you personally hunted with him?

 

[Mountaineous]

I have hunted and taken mountain lion with dogs. I have hunted (bait) leopard without success. I did a TON of research on leopard hunts with dogs and I have booked with sponsor @PANTHER TRACKERS. Check them out. Gavin is very good at communicating through WhatsApp. I feel very comfortable with my decision to book with Gavin.

Thank you. I’ll look into them. And good luck on your hunt!

 

[bakerb]

I have personally hunted with Tholo safaris and HIGHLY recommend. I hunted NG3. A guy I met at the airport hunted with them on their home ground and killed a really good cat too

 

[Mountaineous]

I have personally hunted with Tholo safaris and HIGHLY recommend. I hunted NG3. A guy I met at the airport hunted with them on their home ground and killed a really good cat tooView attachment 671516

Thanks for the info. I will look into them!