Oh where oh where can I find MR. SPOTS????

[NYAMAZANA SAFARIS]

Hey guys I want a leopard!! So I need the help and advice of all of you good folks out there that have hunted leopards or know someone who has. I just want a mature tom, don't need a huge one.
The number one important thing to me will be which country, area and PH has the highest success rate. What month to go?
I will hunt Mr. Spots any which way that is legal be that day or night or with dogs.
I would love a deal from any of our resident sponsors!
In that regard should I wait for a cancelation?
Thanks to all the great guys and gals on this forum for help in the past and future.

Hi There Buckdog

I currently have a fantastic opportunity for a Leopard hunt that was booked 2 years ago , the fact that it was booked so far in advance is because this particular concession requires that . It is definitely one of the elite / best properties that offer great Leopard and because of the limited quota we need to book in advance as these tags are in great demand .

This hunt is still available and is scheduled for dates first part of June between 7th - 22nd June 2018
A deposit has been paid and if I can resell at the going rate I will refund the client who cancelled , however if I can’t I will sell this hunt at a reduced rate ( less deposit ) paid .

If this is something that interests you and you are keen please email me on nyamazanasaf@netconnect.co.zw

All the best

Wayne

 

[Buckdog]

@Buckdog sounds like you may not be quite ready to pull the trigger on this hunt. NO INSULT intended. I know you have vast experience in the game, but Mr. Spots has burned the very best in the industry. This truly is a hunt where failure is very possible. It’s extremely tough mentally and believe it it or not physically on some levels. Sleep deprivation is very real. Hours of boredom miles and miles of checking baits. That being said I too am hoping to go back next year if my guy gets a tag. If I do go back I know what to expect and do some things differently. This will be my last attempt on the great cat I believe. Money of course is a factor and I completely understand your apprehension of coming back empty handed. So now here’s something you never hear about leopard hunting, do you spend less in say Namibia and go twice or spend more and go to say zim or Zambia? If you have to go twice in those countries you’ve really spent a lot of money. A lot less if you go back to say Namibia twice. Bottom line on this hunt IMO pick a country with good success rates, a ph with vast experience and just hope for the best.

Jonnyblues no insult taken I am not ready to put my money down on mr spots until I research all the variables and have good idea of what the success rate will be with a particular outfitter, country area etc.
maybe I should ask what you or other members would do differently the next time you chase mr spots?
Or if some of the guys that connected on leopards have a insight into what they think help them?
I am pretty sure that I know the hunt is 99.99% boring driving around checking and hanging baits then sitting in a blind for hrs on end waiting for that 10 seconds of adrenilin. but I am not against dogs if they can be used but dogs are no guarantee either. I think I have spent half my life sitting in stands and blinds some days so that a no issue for me.
thanks

 

[NYAMAZANA SAFARIS]

Jonnyblues no insult taken I am not ready to put my money down on mr spots until I research all the variables and have good idea of what the success rate will be with a particular outfitter, country area etc.
maybe I should ask what you or other members would do differently the next time you chase mr spots?
Or if some of the guys that connected on leopards have a insight into what they think help them?
I am pretty sure that I know the hunt is 99.99% boring driving around checking and hanging baits then sitting in a blind for hrs on end waiting for that 10 seconds of adrenilin. but I am not against dogs if they can be used but dogs are no guarantee either. I think I have spent half my life sitting in stands and blinds some days so that a no issue for me.
thanks

Buckdog it’s not totally boring , I think it all depends on attitude and how one makes the most of their hunt , especially if you are hunting a property that offers a lot as in other game to hunt or possibly opportunity to take a break between checking and placing baits go fishing , many times where you hunt Leopard there are Hyena , Honeybadgers and other nocturnal critters that you could target on baits that are not been visited by Leopard . And just looking for a good tree / bait site can be interesting you got to look for good sign , big tracks and this requires some scouting in river beds or in between hill ranges on game trails sometimes we will find natural kills this way and that’s always a plus . For me personally sitting in a blind listening to all the night sounds and looking up at the night sky is a great experience .

Good luck with your quest , secret is to stay positive .

Cheers
Wayne

 

[MARTIN PIETERS SAFARIS]

Buckdog, I have a couple tags left and am extremely successful on cats, I could offer you a low daily rate .....high trophy fee hunt based on success so its a win win for us both,
Mart

 

[Heeler75]

From what I read and thus meaning never experienced, Zambia seems to be the most consistent at producing leopard for hunters. Have read numerous reports of multiple day time sightings at a bait, to the point of almost being choosy on the Tom taken. But the Zambians know this, and you will pay for the privilege.

If you're going to SCI, there's a booking agent there that works with outfitters in Zambia. I've not used the agent, but he has a very good reputation. I'd be happy to introduce you to him, just let me know.

Zambia would be my first choice. As Phil and Bruce have mentioned, I've read the same reports on the success of leopard in Zambia. I haven't looked recently, but their pricing I don't think is far off from the top operators in Zim.

There are at least 5-6 booking agents here in the states that handle Zambia. Granted, two or 3 probably represent the same operator(s).

If the $$$ was there, I'd talk with Nathan about a leopard in Tanzania. Granted, I don't think the locals could handle two Missouri river rats at one time.

 

[MBIZI SAFARIS]

Morning Buckdog, I do not think you can find any serious outfitter that will guarantee you a leopard in salt, so If I was you I should basically looking at "where in Africa" the highest leopard population is found, and after that choose the right outfitter. There is many outfitters that do not have staff 365 days per year on their concession, some closing the concession during the non hunting months and some moving around from area to area, that for me in not the safest card... Anyhow we can assist you if you consider Zambia and Luangwa. (the valley of the leopards) You are welcome to PM me or send me an email : mbizi@varna.net

All the best, Michael

 

[johnnyblues]

Jonnyblues no insult taken I am not ready to put my money down on mr spots until I research all the variables and have good idea of what the success rate will be with a particular outfitter, country area etc.
maybe I should ask what you or other members would do differently the next time you chase mr spots?
Or if some of the guys that connected on leopards have a insight into what they think help them?
I am pretty sure that I know the hunt is 99.99% boring driving around checking and hanging baits then sitting in a blind for hrs on end waiting for that 10 seconds of adrenilin. but I am not against dogs if they can be used but dogs are no guarantee either. I think I have spent half my life sitting in stands and blinds some days so that a no issue for me.
thanks

If you pm me we can talk further or I’ll give you my cell number

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

phil,
I agree with you about zambia, wont be at SCI this yr can you please PM me the name of the agent. I know of one already but he is definitely very pricey$$$$

PM sent.

 

[jacques smith]

I totally agree that leapard hunting is not boring. You are playing a mind game with the most subtle and cunning animal I’ve ever hunted. But I also agree that no pro is going to guarantee a kitty. The option of high trophy fee if successful may appeal to you. If you go make sure you are up on all cites requirements cause they can get very fussy. All the pros who have jumped in have very good reputations so I doubt if you can go wrong with anyone or anywhere. The important thing is you are hunting leapard. Just do it. Cheers Jacques

 

[Buckdog]

I totally agree that leapard hunting is not boring. You are playing a mind game with the most subtle and cunning animal I’ve ever hunted. But I also agree that no pro is going to guarantee a kitty. The option of high trophy fee if successful may appeal to you. If you go make sure you are up on all cites requirements cause they can get very fussy. All the pros who have jumped in have very good reputations so I doubt if you can go wrong with anyone or anywhere. The important thing is you are hunting leapard. Just do it. Cheers Jacques

Thanks to all of you and I agree with you Jacques I think the best option for my personal tastes would be an offer from some of our sponsors that entails a high trophy fee and lower day rate so that they can share some of the risks. That seems fair to me if as they say they have high success on cats shouldn't be that big of a deal for them. might separate out those that truly are confident from those not so confident on their success rates. heck I bet some other members might get in on such deals.

 

[dory]

This is true.....I spent 16k without a spot to show!

And you havnt finished yet !!!

 

[JamesJ]

Namibia has consistently produced good cats and a high success rate for my guys. Choose your outfitter carefully look at his success over the long haul. You can do a cheaper hunt and get lucky. But the really good outfitters charge a premium for a reason.

Had a client one time who was looking at his 4th leopard hunt. Conservatively with hunts and bait and tickets he was already in the hole 45k. At the time my hunt was 23k, with an outfitter that has close to 98% success. My hunt was too high and he went on a “deal” and came back empty and very sad. Now 60k+ in the hole and has never even seen a leopard. But he got some good deals. It hurts to stroke that check but, coming home unsuccessful is way worse.

No outfitter who isn’t hunting canned leopard is 100%. Even the hound hunters get skunked once in a while. Check their track record and references.

 

[RogerHeintzman]

I feel you concerns Buckdog, I want a leopard too, two tries and two strike outs.
If your not comfortable or willing spending hard earned dollars hunting and coming home empty handed, then you should not do it!

The outfitter I chose was 100% success until I showed up. The hunter that came in after me and used the unfilled tag I had only had a few days to hunt and took a cat. Lots of luck needed in Mr. Spot hunting if not using dogs. I used the same outfitter the second time and again no cat. Female activity and Toms on camera.

The same with Mt. Goat, I've done it and came home empty handed. I'll try again this fall on Kodiak Island "IF" I draw the tag.

I'll hunt leopard again, but currently, if I do not draw the goat tag, I'll go try to finish my Tiny 10, need 3 more.

Sleep on it, but do not lose any sleep.

I wish you luck.

 

[Timbo]

Can't help, to good-naturedly, add a bit of levity to this one, but you could try the local zoo!! My brothers and I have long debated that's where we're headed if they ever ban firearm ownership!! I'll get to take ALL the BIG FIVE in one afternoon!! And for FREE too!!!

So, if this ever comes to pass - look out for the the media uploads (from my prison cell!) in AH!!!

Seriously though - best of luck to you in getting your Mr Spots!!

 

[johnnyblues]

And you havnt finished yet !!!

Thanks for reminding me my friend,! Lol.

 

[adriw]

@Buckdog I have sent you a PM.

 

[Custom]

@Buckdog, I sent you a PM.

 

[Buckdog]

I feel you concerns Buckdog, I want a leopard too, two tries and two strike outs.
If your not comfortable or willing spending hard earned dollars hunting and coming home empty handed, then you should not do it!

The outfitter I chose was 100% success until I showed up. The hunter that came in after me and used the unfilled tag I had only had a few days to hunt and took a cat. Lots of luck needed in Mr. Spot hunting if not using dogs. I used the same outfitter the second time and again no cat. Female activity and Toms on camera.

The same with Mt. Goat, I've done it and came home empty handed. I'll try again this fall on Kodiak Island "IF" I draw the tag.

I'll hunt leopard again, but currently, if I do not draw the goat tag, I'll go try to finish my Tiny 10, need 3 more.

Sleep on it, but do not lose any sleep.

I wish you luck.

Roger, I send you a PM.
I got Mr. Mtn. Goat in 1 day but they are a bitch did it self guided when I was 50yrs old in Colorado 14 teeners and it hurt! I must admit he was pre scouted by me and my son. I wish you all the luck with that. you pay for goats with money, blood sweat and tears my friend.. If I can help you on that let me know Kodiak is beautiful one of my fav places.

 

[Buckdog]

@Buckdog I have sent you a PM.

got the PM thanks

 

[Buckdog]

@Buckdog, I sent you a PM.

custom,
PM didn't get thru to me please try again.
thanks