MOZAMBIQUE: Mozambique Leopard Hunt - A Bust, But...

[Franco]

Hi Franco. Not succeeding on a premium hunt is a tough pill to swallow “temporarily “.

A short note of encouragement - I have also been on an unsuccessful premium hunt but Alaska dall sheep is the species. 10 day backpack hunt in the Alaska Brooks Range in 2020 where we bumped a legal ram but never got a shot. The other two hunters in my unit both killed rams. In hindsight, probably a good thing for me because I no longer take hunts and killing game for granted.

Fast forward to this month, I fly up North to Fairbanks in 2 weeks for another hunt for a dall ram in same unit in the Alaska Brooks Range. 5 years of planning and training to get back on the mountain.

Don’t quit. Refocus and schedule your return hunt. Continue training, shooting, and planning. You will succeed. Leopard over bait is one of the toughest hunts in Africa.

Happy hunting this autumn and see you on the mountain, TheGrayRider a/k/a Tom.

Tom,

Thank you for reminding me I am not alone in the failure line. I have been asking myself why this particular hunt has produced such a feeling of defeat.

This was my 4th attempt at a leopard, so being unsuccessful is not new. The difference between this hunt and the others was the lack of any other game animals. For full disclosure, I told the PH I wasn't interested in sable, kudu, waterbuck, or bushbuck because I already had fine examples of each.

To be fair, we did get a glimpse of a few animals, but the density of the grass severely impacted any shot opportunity.

Previous leopard hunts were combined and produced very good results.

My first failed leopard attempt produced 31 other animal including 4 trophy cape buffalo.

My second failure - 2 elephants, 1 rhino, 1 cape buffalo, and about a dozen others

My 3rd attempt - 1 elephant, 1 lion, and another assorted dozen

I've had unsuccessful days, unsuccessful weeks, but this was a first. (Note: I did shoot a small croc who was making a pest of himself in camp)

One of my best friends, a very experienced hunter, said, "That's why it's called hunting".

I suppose when you've had the good fortune of previous success it's easy to trick yourself into the false sense of a guaranteed outcome.

As I stated in my original post, both outfitter and PH have extended the opportunity to come back when conditions are more favorable. That area has a record of proven success, I was just there at a bad time.

Best of luck on your upcoming hunt. Sounds like a tough one. The words backpacking and mountains in the same sentence are enough to scare me away.

I'm sure I'll recover, I've got a couple hunts already scheduled for the remainder of the year, and my Heym 500 double will be here end of the month - I'll find something to shoot with it.

 

[Green Chile]

Four attempts without success is tough. Boddington told me he spent over 70 nights in a blind to get his first one. Leopards are hard and require some luck. For every hunter who got one easily, there are probably 10 who didn't. I like what you said about taking other game while hunting leopard and you have certainly done well there. I took my best elephant as well as top 10 eland and duiker on my failed attempt.

 

[Rare Breed]

Great points by all! I just like to have goals that are fun in hunting not stressful in the fulfillment to where I would not enjoy the experience. The Big 5 is just fun for me while The dangerous 7 or spiral slams do nothing for me personally. If I did not have the Big 5 goal would I hunt a leopard…absolutely just for the experience by itself!!!

 

[kpoynter]

We all politely say things like “that’s hunting” and talk about how many people go home sometimes numerous times without their Leopard etc…
It’s somewhat true of course technically.
What’s also true or even “more true” is Leopard hunts, areas, and operators must be chosen wisely.
This outcome seems somewhat predictable and avoidable.

 

[Safari Dave]

After spending three nights in an elevated blind tying to get a hyena, I have no interest in doing a 21- day leopard hunt.

Sure, I would take one, if the opportunity came along in RSA, but I no longer have any desire to book a 21-day hunt, just for a 30% chance of taking a male.

Nice crocs!!!


No problem with the rest of the "Big 5," but this 60 year old geezer has no interest in spending the night for three weeks in a blind using night vision or a spotlight for a chance to get a leopard.

Are thermal scopes now OK for leopard hunting?

 

[Franco]

Big congrats on your croc successes. Fine shooting to be sure!

I was sorry to hear about the lack of leopards BUT Gavin’s offer to go again is first rate. I have personally booked with him in Moz in ‘27 to finish my leopard journey. My first leopard attempt was with another operator and was unsuccessful in Zim. After a LOT of research, and in depth discussions with Gavin, I selected him and his team to help me finish the big 5. His good character is on display here.

Bryan,
Thanks, and best of luck on your hunt. I have no doubt on your success, if a leopard is present Gav and his team will find it.
As I have stated, the failure of this hunt was due to one thing only - the simple fact there were no leopards.

 

[Franco]

We all politely say things like “that’s hunting” and talk about how many people go home sometimes numerous times without their Leopard etc…
It’s somewhat true of course technically.
What’s also true or even “more true” is Leopard hunts, areas, and operators must be chosen wisely.
This outcome seems somewhat predictable and avoidable.

If only it were that simple. All my hunts, and I'm assuming those of others, were based on success rates of outfitters, PHs, areas, etc. It's something you learn. I was fortunate to have excellent advice on my first hunt, as I was completely unaware.

I doubt anyone would select either an area or PH who advertises a high percentage of failure.

Most hunts are scheduled months, sometimes years in advance. Conditions can and will change. There could be several male leopards in the area of your proposed hunt only to find upon your arrival a female has moved into the area next door and - well - you know.

This area has the reputation of filling their leopard quota every year, the PH's record of success is equally impressive.

I am trying to understand your last sentence, and I apologize if I've misinterpreted it, and how it relates to my hunt. I am open to suggestions on how to improve my odds.

 

[Green Chile]

Research and timing is important on a leopard hunt...very important but it doesn't guarantee anything. I hunted with 2 PHs that had combined career leopard take of over 200 cats with 100% success for over 5 seasons. We just didn't have it work out with a cat that was used to high pressure from the cattle herders. It happens. Going with Gavin is a similar thing...you're going with a pro who has very high success for years but you need a little luck. Said another way, you don't need bad luck or random circumstances to derail the hunt. Going with Lou Hallamore is like hunting with the king of leopard PHs...but you need a little luck for things to run normal. Each of these examples are wise booking choices but leopard hunting is never guaranteed success.

 

[Datchew]

Sorry to hear you fell victim to a leopard rapture. Kudos making the best of it and pivoting to salvage the trip.

That big croc is an amazing story, especially getting so close! A proper crocodile Dundee sized monster. Congrats!

 

[kpoynter]

If only it were that simple. All my hunts, and I'm assuming those of others, were based on success rates of outfitters, PHs, areas, etc. It's something you learn. I was fortunate to have excellent advice on my first hunt, as I was completely unaware.

I doubt anyone would select either an area or PH who advertises a high percentage of failure.

Most hunts are scheduled months, sometimes years in advance. Conditions can and will change. There could be several male leopards in the area of your proposed hunt only to find upon your arrival a female has moved into the area next door and - well - you know.

This area has the reputation of filling their leopard quota every year, the PH's record of success is equally impressive.

I am trying to understand your last sentence, and I apologize if I've misinterpreted it, and how it relates to my hunt. I am open to suggestions on how to improve my odds.

I understand and agree almost completely. I just had an Elephant hunt with a top top outfitter in a great area that was severely effected by weather and conditions as example and, to your point, booked it 1.5 years in advance.
However, now having 20 years of Safari experience… I would do several things differently as I’ve learned.
The first thing that struck me was you went to an area utterly devoid of game and almost certainly nearly devoid of Leopard in material numbers (or totally)
That was most certainly known, or should have been, by the outfitter. You don’t just show up and go geez… there’s not an impala or zebra or warthog within 200 kilometers and not know it… and then go buy a bunch of $40 goats or whatever. You Hunt Leopards with hounds or otherwise where there are the best densities and possibilities.
There’s zero chance in my mind that you were walked into a very very marginal (at best) situation (which sucks and I’m sorry)
But… having said that… if I were hunting Leopard with Hounds…. Well…I’m going with one of two or three people in Botswana or Zim (really just Botswana if I’m being honest)
If I were serious about Leopard I would hunt Zambias Luangwa or Niassa (this years debacle not withstanding) first or one of a handful of areas in Zim (Tanzania notwithstanding due to price)
Honestly, that’s why this forum and community is so good and has many great guys. I’ve heard some really cool things about a couple of your past hunts from a mutual buddy.
I just don’t like it when a really good guy like you did, in fact, end up in an incredibly marginal (being kind) situation because I do know what an investment in time, effort, and yes $$$ is invested.

 

[Franco]

Great points by all! I just like to have goals that are fun in hunting not stressful in the fulfillment to where I would not enjoy the experience. The Big 5 is just fun for me while The dangerous 7 or spiral slams do nothing for me personally. If I did not have the Big 5 goal would I hunt a leopard…absolutely just for the experience by itself!!!

Rare Breed,

You never disappoint.

..."Goals that are fun in hunting not stressful in the fulfillment"... That, sir, needs to be a slogan!

This post shall serve as notice I intend to borrow (steal) that phrase, and in return offer one I use when asked for career guidance: "Find an occupation which pays you to do what you would do for free - you will never work a day in your life". I chose to be a pilot.

With the exception of my leopard frustration, the quest for the Big 5 has certainly been fun. As for the Dangerous 7, crocs have added a level of excitement and hippos - well hippos are like wack-a-mole on steroids.

I'm right there with ya on the spiral slams, and the Tiny 10 - I don't shoot anything I can catch with a rat trap or double-sided sticky tape.

You are right on the money with enjoying the experience. I am getting old, my vision isn't 20/10 like it was when I was 20, can I shoot long distance? Yes, I have a 300 PRC fitted with a smaller version of the Hubble telescope, capable of hitting steel at 2200 yds all day long. Why? My preference is 200 yds or less, and I get the most satisfaction from close up with a double.

I hate walking, I tolerate it for elephants. I lack the patience to sit all night in a blind and thank God my lion hunt went as it did.

To add to all this I abhor camping and hate the cold, so sheep, goats, anything in the mountains or snow - off the list.

I've told Tim Fallon from FTW on more than one occasion, my ideal hunt would be a charging elephant - you find them where it's warm and flat, they're big, I can see them, and they get closer.

 

[Franco]

I understand and agree almost completely. I just had an Elephant hunt with a top top outfitter in a great area that was severely effected by weather and conditions as example and, to your point, booked it 1.5 years in advance.
However, now having 20 years of Safari experience… I would do several things differently as I’ve learned.
The first thing that struck me was you went to an area utterly devoid of game and almost certainly nearly devoid of Leopard in material numbers (or totally)
That was most certainly known, or should have been, by the outfitter. You don’t just show up and go geez… there’s not an impala or zebra or warthog within 200 kilometers and not know it… and then go buy a bunch of $40 goats or whatever. You Hunt Leopards with hounds or otherwise where there are the best densities and possibilities.
There’s zero chance in my mind that you were walked into a very very marginal (at best) situation (which sucks and I’m sorry)
But… having said that… if I were hunting Leopard with Hounds…. Well…I’m going with one of two or three people in Botswana or Zim (really just Botswana if I’m being honest)
If I were serious about Leopard I would hunt Zambias Luangwa or Niassa (this years debacle not withstanding) first or one of a handful of areas in Zim (Tanzania notwithstanding due to price)
Honestly, that’s why this forum and community is so good and has many great guys. I’ve heard some really cool things about a couple of your past hunts from a mutual buddy.
I just don’t like it when a really good guy like you did, in fact, end up in an incredibly marginal (being kind) situation because I do know what an investment in time, effort, and yes $$$ is invested.

Thank you for that. I am a newcomer, as you know, and lack the years of experience such as yous. As I said in my original post - it was obvious, even to me, the high grass and lack of game were going to be an issue.

As far as prior awareness, I can't answer that. What I can say is, both the outfitter and the PH have shared their dissatisfaction with the outcome and have made generous offers.

I appreciate your candor. PM sent

 

[slam8031]

I am glad that your outfitter and PH are working to make it right. In June 2021 we were in Namibia chasing Mr Spots and got phone alerts on the fourth day that Covid was potentially going to produce a shut down of travel out of Namibia (they did not …). We departed for RSA to meet up with other members of our safari in the Limpopo. We had seen hyena and badgers and had a female with a baby leopard sniff on the pop up brushed in blind with leopards on camera at bait sites. Three months later he contacted me with dates he could get back to Namibia with me since we had the tag. I returned in November 21 and got my leopard on the first sit even after badgers had been on the bait!! My ph accepted all money paid prior as paid in full. Don’t lose hope!!!

And as a side note, I just returned from a hunt for five of the tiny ten. Four of the five (oribi was the exception-fun but not challenging) were as exciting as any plains game I have pursued ( though not as mentally challenging as buff and leopard).

Press on!!!

 

[Sideshow]

@Franco thank for the trip report and also taking the time to reply to the questions. Also to your outfitter. It’s hunting not going down to Walmart.
Do have a q: about your crocs. Anything interesting in the intestines? Cheers ss

 

[Franco]

@Franco thank for the trip report and also taking the time to reply to the questions. Also to your outfitter. It’s hunting not going down to Walmart.
Do have a q: about your crocs. Anything interesting in the intestines? Cheers ss

We did not find anything, however, we didn't inspect them very closely. These were big crocs and little boats. The crocs were skinned on site and loaded into the boat, the bodies were left for the locals.
The crocs taken in that area have been known to contain shoes.

 

[Rare Breed]

Research and timing is important on a leopard hunt...very important but it doesn't guarantee anything. I hunted with 2 PHs that had combined career leopard take of over 200 cats with 100% success for over 5 seasons. We just didn't have it work out with a cat that was used to high pressure from the cattle herders. It happens. Going with Gavin is a similar thing...you're going with a pro who has very high success for years but you need a little luck. Said another way, you don't need bad luck or random circumstances to derail the hunt. Going with Lou Hallamore is like hunting with the king of leopard PHs...but you need a little luck for things to run normal. Each of these examples are wise booking choices but leopard hunting is never guaranteed success.

So true! I hunted with Lou Hallamore hard for 15 days 120 miles per day. bait positioning was text book perfect. plenty of bait. just no PG animals and too much water from record rains to even get a leopard to hit a single bait. Tracks we found but no hits. The only thing we might have done different was to go later in the year when all water dries up except for the outfitter created pans to draw PG to the water yet before the rains and PG babies drop…September-October but man your talking super hot whether

 

[Green Chile]

That's true and the closer to end of October, the more babies are dropping. That was part of my problem....hunting late but we were trying to get a cattle killer so we had to try.

 

[Franco]

So true! I hunted with Lou Hallamore hard for 15 days 120 miles per day. bait positioning was text book perfect. plenty of bait. just no PG animals and too much water from record rains to even get a leopard to hit a single bait. Tracks we found but no hits. The only thing we might have done different was to go later in the year when all water dries up except for the outfitter created pans to draw PG to the water yet before the rains and PG babies drop…September-October but man your talking super hot whether

Rare Breed, Green Chile,

You both speak words of wisdom.

My wife and I attended the DSC event at the Gaylord this past weekend and I was able to visit with some well known Outfitters and PH's. There's a pattern emerging of simply - too early.

With respect to lucky vs unlucky; in the words of Seneca, "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity".

Lack of preparation could easily result in an opportunity lost. Someone says they had a huge whitetail walk out in front of them - but their gun wasn't loaded. Is that bad luck or poor preparation?

Likewise, it seems we can alter our opportunities. Something as simple as too early could result in conditions unfavorable for success. When I was young I would go into the hills of Napa Valley with my grandfather to pick mushrooms. Typically November, after the rains and a few days of sun. I could go to the very same spot in April and there would be nothing there but dirt.

It would seem my choice of timing had a negative impact on opportunity, which no amount of preparation could overcome.

 

[Cme1983]

You were hunting in what would typically be a prime time for leopard. June, July, and early August is when most outfitters try to book their leopard hunts. The rainfall in Africa played a big role in making early season hunt less fruitful than they are typically. Africa needed the rain after the drought from the previous year.

 

[Green Chile]

The weather patterns were certainly unusual. That was a 40 year drought high mark in some parts of Africa. One of many reasons to go with an experienced pro is that they know how to make a plan for the many random things that can happen during a hunt. They don't all turn out of course but a pro will have some ideas to try. Let's not forget that cats can do some pretty random things at times. They get distracted on the way to baits all the time. Any pro can tell you stories about that.