Less than 30 days till Zim to go after Mr. Spots!!!!!!!

[Custom]

@BRICKBURN i don't have enough data, but I suspect it is your second clause: insufficient data collecting by Zim. My Ph is asking me to bring piles of SD cards to give to a researcher for review of the leopard images. This is then supposedly going to USFWS? Sounds like Zim lacks the science to manage a future take if I had to guess.

I just spoke to an attorney at Conservation Force (won't quote her name on this forum without permission, though she probably wouldn't mind). She indicated that leopard imports for 2017 are secure from all southern African countries, including Zim. I mentioned to her what @rookhawk heard from his PH. She surmises that it is information gathering for CITES, as all countries with CITES quota will be required to "justify" their quota with CITES in 2018. She also indicated that Zim is actually ahead of many other countries in this area as they have gathered more data than other countries already to support hunting of leopard. She also indicated that she would be VERY surprised if USFWS uplists leopard to endangered. Hopefully this comes to pass.

As I mentioned before, Conservation Force drove the effort to submit all of the scientific data to USFWS on the leopard issue and is doing a great deal of good on our behalf. At the conclusion of the conversation, I made a donation to them and would encourage others to do so if you are able.

 

[rookhawk]

@Custom excellent detective work! I'll provide updates and elaboration when I hear more than a brief text message exchange.

In another update I was told by Zimparks that the Shashe is still flowing as of this morning and they are looking for a place to cross with vehicles. I'd infer that means the limpopo is also still high for what it's worth.

 

[Custom]

Thanks, @rookhawk. I'll look forward to learning what you find out. And, good luck on your safari. I believe you are the first of our group to depart.

 

[cpr0312]

Thanks for the update @Custom ! What day are you leaving? Looks like we will be within a day or two of each other.

 

[Custom]

I am leaving May 26, @reedy0312. How about you?

 

[cpr0312]

Sorry, I must have misread one of your posts about your timing. I leave Friday May 12th, just a hair over 3 weeks!

 

[Custom]

Sorry, I leave the 16th. Damned fat fingers!

 

[cpr0312]

Down to 17 days!!! Cites import permit in hand!

 

[Custom]

21 days for me, with a metric crap ton to get done before I go. Not sure I have ever been this far behind before I left on a trip like this.

 

[cpr0312]

10 Days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GA Hunter]

Nice! Can't wait to hear the tales!! Good luck. No felines for me but I'll be a mere week behind you for Botswana.

 

[Custom]

Good luck, reedy, we are down to the short rows now. Anyone heard from rookhawk? He is there now, correct?

 

[Shootist43]

One one thousand, two one thousand... and so on. Remember reedy0312 that a watched pot never boils. With everything packed and repacked numerous times, and all paper-work checked and double checked just go to the range and get some more practice. Try finding a life sized target of a leopard and then placing shots on it from different angles in low light conditions. You know we are all "rooting" for you.

 

[cpr0312]

5 days until wheels up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Went to the range yesterday, final packing prep today, then try to work for 4 days!

 

[Fr8liner]

Haha I can imagine the feeling of going around work in a bit of a trance
Trying to be diligent but wishing those 4 days could vanish.

Good luck, we having lovely weather!

 

[cpr0312]

Anyone heard from rookhawk? He is there now, correct?

Yes he is

 

[cpr0312]

Trying to be diligent but wishing those 4 days could vanish.

You nailed it there!

 

[Shannon1966]

21 days to go here as well. Second time around for the leopard. Only females last year. How was AAA Serapa. Planning a trip there next year with the whole family.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I can't wait to start hearing some of these stories coming in. I think Leopard is the toughest hunt there is, I wish everyone good luck!

 

[Philip Glass]

About 38 days till departure for me. It will be here very soon for me as I have one week on a Mission trip with my daughter to Guatemala then one week on family vacation in Hawaii. Don't misunderstand my life not really all that glamorous!
But I do have to find time to blast some West Texas Jackrabbits with my .375 Ruger before I leave. Some day time and some night time so I can use that Red dot in my Leupole VX6!
Regards,
Philip