Leopard hunting

[SlovakianHunter]

What do you think guys, which country and maybe also the concession is the best for hunting leopard?

 

[Rod Smith]

Hi.

That is such an open ended, complicated question.

The first thing is, in any country there are good and bad areas for any species, the fact is, there are areas with good Leopard hunting in most countries where it is legal.

There are also some regoinal differences in body size for these cats:- really big toms can be found in Southern Zimbabwe, some parts of Zambia and Tanzania, whilst smaller bodied ones are found in the Zambezi Valley, Cape Province in South Africa and the remaining parts of Zambia and Tanzania (the same applies to Mozambique).

I don't believe there are too many people who have done enough hunting in most African countries in recent years to be able to conclusively answer this for you, as it is only possible to hunt so many concessions per season per country.

We all have our favourite areas, in countries that we hunt in a lot and know well and would be biased in our answers, if truth be told.

I wish you the best with this, but if you are thinking of a safari for Leopard and are after a really big tom then look at the trophy galleries of the prospective outfitters, you'll quickly tell whose areas have big cats. But please remember like any animal, Leopards habits and patterns change, sometimes inexplicably, and where there were 3 males on baits a week before you arrived, suddenly not a track can be found!! Obviously the reverse can also happen, that is the essence of hunting and wildlife in open areas, if we could gaurantee the outcome, it wouldn't be worth doing.

Some areas have good Leopard but they have been persecuted by cattle ranchers for years and are very wily, this is the best hunt to me, since when you finally work out that old boy's pattern(sometimes after a couple of seasons) and get him in front of the blind for a shot, that feeling when you know he has arrived and all the hours working him out have paid off, awesome!!!!!!

I hope this helps a bit.

All the best for 2010 and happy hunting!

Regards Rod

 

[SlovakianHunter]

Thanks Rod for your answer

PS: I sent you Private Message

 

[Red Leg]

I would strongly suggest checking out Nick Nolte's site at Nick Nolte Safaris. He hunts in Namibia and has amazing results with leopard. Moreover, he is a great companion in the field, and he and his lovely bride run a wonderful operation. I would not be surprised if he doesn't have the highest success rate on the continent. I hunted with him during the summer of 2008 and had a wondeful experience (and took a great cat).

 

[billrquimby]

I also suggest that you get a copy of an SCI Africa section record book and study the hundreds of leopard entries. I don't have a current copy, but locations and names of professional hunters and outfitters are listed.

Bill Quimby

 

[Safari Chick]

Thanks BillQuimby, that's a great suggestion for just about any species I suppose, but then you still should look into and research the outfitter too. I have heard too many tales of once great outfitters that have fallen from glory... especially in Zim sadly.

 

[Calhoun]

..From what I always hear the LImpopo area in South Africa & Namibia are about the best area's for Leopard. There are several outfitters on this web that can steer you in the right direction!

 

[LouisB]

Hi SlovakianHunter

I would have to agree with Rod he made some very good points.

If it is a big Leopard (body wise) that you are after it might be better to look at Limpopo RSA but as far as the best success rate on Leopard nothing can beat Zambia’s South Luangwa.

Cheers Louis

 

[dwerner]

The outfitter I represent in Namibia spezialises in leopard hunting and has a very high succes rate. He hunts free roaming leopard in a total area of 250 000 acres in mountaineous and bushveld areas, excellent leopard habitat.

 

[Dinsdale]

Take you time to research good cat men,those that are fanatics about cats.Make sure you know going in what the hunt is about.

For example,parks land in Zim can only be hunted in daylight,private areas can be hunted at night.Some of those hunts will be conducted with a spot light on the bait.Some times this is necessary in areas where cats are cattle killers,they are cunning as they are used to being chased.

How about dogs?And do you want that kind of hunt?Highly successful esp. in lg. open areas like parts of Namibia.

I'd buy one book; "Into the Thorns" by Wayne Grant.He's a cat guy from Zim.The book is a combo of stories and hunting techniques for cats.It would give you lots of insight to the questions you should be asking of an potential outfit.He has guided a friend to 6 Leopards and is highly regarded.

On a personal note:my grandfather is from Snina(grandmother just over the border in Poland)

Dinsdale

 

[SlovakianHunter]

Thanks for an advice

Snina and generally the whole part of Eastern Slovakia is perfect area for hunting

 

[Dinsdale]

Thanks for an advice

Snina and generally the whole part of Eastern Slovakia is perfect area for hunting

Yes,my grandfather was a professional poacher there,at the time the Royal family owned all the game.

He was caught but escaped to the USA.

I have been trying to arrange a hunt there for some time.I would like to hunt the same mountains he did,just once.

Dinsdale

 

[SlovakianHunter]

Maybe if you want I can look for some hunts in that part of country

 

[Dinsdale]

Thank you, any information will be appreciated.

I have found one company running hunts,but they went out of business last year.

There are many in Czech Republic,but I would like that area specifically.

I do not care if it is a trophy hunt,but it would be cool to walk the same woods.

Thanks again;

Dinsdale

 

[Shallom]

SlovakianHunter... you have received some pretty good tips and advise on here and am just going to add that the Leopard is one of the most successful cats and therefore pretty widespread throughout hunting destinations in Africa. When specifically hunting leopard, the success rate in general is very good and even in Tanzania you can rest assured of having a very good hunt. The beauty of hunting leopard is the mental aspect of the cat and having to outwit it. The big ones are real clever! Tanzania is not well known for leopards with huge bodies, but they are abundant and you can get a decent cat hunting pretty much anywhere in Tanzania. Having said that, Tanzania also has managed to produce some realy outstanding leopard over the years and recently there have been leopards over 8 foot and some that weigh over 80 kg. It is a matter of what is out there at the time and going to someone who makes a habit of taking only the bigger cats and letting the smaller ones get big. If Tanzania is an interest, please send me an email and i will be glad to discuss options with you. There are some places in the north that require hard hunting, but produce some really exceptional leopard.