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Oh where oh where can I find MR. SPOTS????
- Thread starter Buckdog
- Start date
got the pm and replied
thank you!
Good day sir.
A lot of valid input so far, let me weigh in with my opinion.
Like in all else, you normally get what you pay for.... thus, the cheaper leopard hunts, no matter in which country, tend to be the ones with guys that have a low success rate.
I would try and book a leopard in a wilderness area before booking one on farm land, especially in Namibia and Zim. There are really good leopard PHs out there that operate on farmland virtually exclusively, but be careful, there are still guys doing illegal leopard hunts, with hounds/ lights etc. and these practices tend to be more on farmland. (Please note, a spotlight is legal in all alienated (thus Non-park) areas of Zim.)
Make sure the PH that are going to do the hunt, understands leopard hunting.
Refrain from adding other high pressure trophies onto your wishlist, as this can complicate the very tedious but necessary process of getting your cat onto bait.
In some areas (one of mine included), domestic animals may be used for bait, as the quota for game are very strictly controlled and limited, or the concession contract have a clause that all trophy animal's meat belongs to the community. Some areas do have an own use quota on species like zebra etc., that can be used for bait, but make sure what is required for bait and what is included in your price. (This is one of the reasons I have started to include baits into my overall prices.)
Go with the attitude of trying to enjoy the hunt and the experience fully, and the actual kill will likely come naturally, and you will walk away happy. There is nothing as counter productive as putting yourself and your PH under more and more pressure after each day that you don't have a cat in the salt.
That being said, make sure you can hunt a full 14 days.
Last but not least, here's a few pics of leopard taken with us in the last two years.
Last edited:
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NdumoGood day sir.
A lot of valid input so far, let me weigh in with my opinion.
Like in all else, you normally get what you pay for.... thus, the cheaper leopard hunts, no matter in which country, tend to be the ones with guys that have a low success rate.
I would try and book a leopard in a wilderness area before booking one on farm land, especially in Namibia and Zim. There are really good leopard PHs out there that operate on farmland virtually exclusively, but be careful, there are still guys doing illegal leopard hunts, with hounds/ lights etc. and these practices tend to be more on farmland. (Please note, a spotlight is legal in all alienated (thus Non-park) areas of Zim.)
Make sure the PH that are going to do the hunt, understands leopard hunting.
Refrain from adding other high pressure trophies onto your wishlist, as this can complicate the very tedious but necessary process of getting your cat onto bait.
In some areas (one of mine included), domestic animals may be used for bait, as the quota for game are very strictly controlled and limited, or the concession contract have a clause that all trophy animal's meat belongs to the community. Some areas do have an own use quota on species like zebra etc., that can be used for bait, but make sure what is required for bait and what is included in your price. (This is one of the reasons I have started to include baits into my overall prices.)
Go with the attitude of trying to enjoy the hunt and the experience fully, and the actual kill will likely come naturally, and you will walk away happy. There is nothing as counter productive as putting yourself and your PH under more and more pressure after each day that you don't have a cat in the salt.
That being said, make sure you can hunt a full 14 days.
Last but not least, here's a few pics of leopard taken with us in the last two years.
View attachment 214465 View attachment 214466 View attachment 214468 View attachment 214469 View attachment 214472 View attachment 214473 View attachment 214475
thank you for the advice and I am finding it to be true. guys that have great areas and know cats are an ouch in $$$$ Some are booked way in advance one I would book with in Zambia is booked way out into 2020. you have some very nice cats in the pics thanks for sharing. Maybe you can share your insight as to why virtually all want very big day fees in my opinion and none want to offer lower day fees and bigger trophy fee? that basically screams to me the success rate is low and nobody wants the risk (including me). several including you want 35 to 40,000 dollars most of it would go up in smoke if I don't get a cat, I will be honest that isn't an acceptable risk/reward ratio to me. I will not hunt a leopard at those prices and condtions.
BUT I am holding out hope for a cancelation or more reasonable risk/reward ratio
Gerrit thanks for your help!I tried @Buckdog
Buckdog I am more than willing to make a deal that incentivize me to get you a cat. Its just the traditional way of quoting, with the cat's trophy fee that we have to pay anyway by the way, as the last "installmemt."Ndumo
thank you for the advice and I am finding it to be true. guys that have great areas and know cats are an ouch in $$$$ Some are booked way in advance one I would book with in Zambia is booked way out into 2020. you have some very nice cats in the pics thanks for sharing. Maybe you can share your insight as to why virtually all want very big day fees in my opinion and none want to offer lower day fees and bigger trophy fee? that basically screams to me the success rate is low and nobody wants the risk (including me). several including you want 35 to 40,000 dollars most of it would go up in smoke if I don't get a cat, I will be honest that isn't an acceptable risk/reward ratio to me. I will not hunt a leopard at those prices and condtions.
BUT I am holding out hope for a cancelation or more reasonable risk/reward ratio
What will you be comfortable with? Feel free to email me an offer. (2019)
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Hey Buckdog, sorry for the late chip in, been in the Bush for the last 18 dyas. Tanzania has a great track record for Leopard, and I can certainly help you there. Please email me if you need info, my add is here on the group, spears afaris.
tap
AH enthusiast
Wayne is a really good guy. Just make sure wayne isnt hunting on ian fergusons place or around the bubey area. The locals there figured out leopard poaching years ago.
I have hunted leopard 4 times either using or having ian van der vyver set my hunts up. I shot 4 cats. One was a leopard with an empty stomach that measured 9 ft 1cm and weighed 190lbs.
Ian is not widely know but in the dozens of times ive been to africa ive learned that he is absolutely the only one i would ever call if i wanted a cat.
Do us all a favor and just wait. Sa will reopen cats eventually. When they do call ian and wait for your mind to be blown. That is all. I dont post on here much. This is a site for advertisers not hunters
I have hunted leopard 4 times either using or having ian van der vyver set my hunts up. I shot 4 cats. One was a leopard with an empty stomach that measured 9 ft 1cm and weighed 190lbs.
Ian is not widely know but in the dozens of times ive been to africa ive learned that he is absolutely the only one i would ever call if i wanted a cat.
Do us all a favor and just wait. Sa will reopen cats eventually. When they do call ian and wait for your mind to be blown. That is all. I dont post on here much. This is a site for advertisers not hunters
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Gooday Buckdog,
Attached is a recommendation from Bob Buker, chosen as he describes the hunt in straight talk without the lace of conventional journalism.
We have available tags in several areas in Mozambique. All true wilderness. Vast areas. No high fences. No mixed agriculture.
August 2, 2017
To whom it may concern:
The best recommendation I can give Gavin is to give a brief summary of the leopard safari we just completed.
This safari was in Mozambique, which I mention to give context as to the professionalism that was required to be successful! Mozambique is like Africa 100 years ago with thick bush and totally wild conditions, a productive but challenging area to hunt.
Day 1: Gavin arrived with his hounds, houndsman and trackers. He used a mixed pack of French wolfhounds and American blue ticks. This combination of hounds was very powerful as a hunting team.
Prior to arriving, Gavin had arranged for pre-hunt scouting to get a general idea of where leopards were moving. Based on this early scouting, we spent the first day scouting river banks and other areas where tracks were likely. By the end of the day Gavin had identified tracks of two large males whose territories appeared to be adjacent to each other.
Day 2: We spent the next day focusing our search in the area of the largest tracks and Gavin put baits out in the second area as insurance if the first area proved unfruitful.
Late in the day, at almost dusk, we ran across fresh tracks of the large male we were scouting. We drove back to camp immediately and loaded the hounds, packed flash lights and water and grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back.
We arrived back at the tracks just at dusk. Gavin released the hounds and within ten minutes they were baying the scent and the chase was on. To my ear there is no music more beautiful than hounds baying a hot scent.
Because I am 67 and not as quick as I once was, the houndsman went ahead while I struggled with Gavin through the extremely thick bush. Most of the time there was only visibility for 3 or 4 feet. As we struggled to keep up, after about two and a half hours the hounds treed the leopard. Hearing the hounds singing, we redoubled our efforts to close.
We heard, about 300 yards away, a huge cacophony of hounds and leopard fighting. The leopard had come down from the tree, rushed the houndsman in the grass, was driven by the hounds and disappeared in the bush. It was about 10:00pm and pitch dark. I literally could not see my hand in front of my face due to the thick canopy which blocked all moonlight.
We finally caught up with the houndsman (who was very excited) and the hounds were released again. For the second time, in about 10 minutes they were baying the hot sent. Phenomenal noses.
In less than one and a half hours later, just prior to midnight they treed the cat again. This time I was close by. Unfortunately, it had rained a little and the bush was literally steaming (more about this later). Gavin led me to the best side of the tree to get a shot at about 15 yards range. The cat was huge!! I pulled my rifle up and the scope was totally fogged by the rain and steam. Gavin put the light on the cat and he started down the tree toward us. Not a happy cat!
I shot and he collapsed. I was jubilant until after 15 seconds he got back up and headed directly towards us, now a really unhappy cat. I chambered a second round. The cat was still only a fuzzy blur in my scope. I shot a second time and he was hit and turned back up the tree. I chambered a third round and quickly fired a third shot which finished the hunt.
We were all jubilant. It was an experience of a lifetime!
Gavin then conducted a formal ceremony of respect to the cat which was a fitting capstone to the evening. Then the two trackers, who assisted the houndsman, rigged up a pole and attempted to carry the cat out.
He was so heavy they had to be relieved at times for a “breather’. The bush was so thick it took two whole hours to get back to the vehicles. We returned to camp and were serenaded by the staff with an African song of thanks and praise to the hunters. Another amazing experience.
Day 3: The next morning, after skinning, the green measurements potentially put this cat well within the all-time top 50 and an SCI gold. We will have to wait for the official score.
The hunt was phenomenal and despite the tough thick bush, due to professionalism it was over in three days (counting the last day for trophy preparation). Gavin handled the situation well, put me in the right place at the right time on the right cat. He also had the good discretion to let me take the follow up shots but was also ready in case I missed. Very well done!
If you read this and do not think it is a recommendation – there is nothing more I can possibly say. I prefer not to sign this to avoid harassment by the left-wing mob of dubious sexuality.
I will be happy to Skype or call at your convenience.
More details and trophy pictures can be found on our website - www.panthertrackers.com
Attached is a recommendation from Bob Buker, chosen as he describes the hunt in straight talk without the lace of conventional journalism.
We have available tags in several areas in Mozambique. All true wilderness. Vast areas. No high fences. No mixed agriculture.
August 2, 2017
To whom it may concern:
The best recommendation I can give Gavin is to give a brief summary of the leopard safari we just completed.
This safari was in Mozambique, which I mention to give context as to the professionalism that was required to be successful! Mozambique is like Africa 100 years ago with thick bush and totally wild conditions, a productive but challenging area to hunt.
Day 1: Gavin arrived with his hounds, houndsman and trackers. He used a mixed pack of French wolfhounds and American blue ticks. This combination of hounds was very powerful as a hunting team.
Prior to arriving, Gavin had arranged for pre-hunt scouting to get a general idea of where leopards were moving. Based on this early scouting, we spent the first day scouting river banks and other areas where tracks were likely. By the end of the day Gavin had identified tracks of two large males whose territories appeared to be adjacent to each other.
Day 2: We spent the next day focusing our search in the area of the largest tracks and Gavin put baits out in the second area as insurance if the first area proved unfruitful.
Late in the day, at almost dusk, we ran across fresh tracks of the large male we were scouting. We drove back to camp immediately and loaded the hounds, packed flash lights and water and grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back.
We arrived back at the tracks just at dusk. Gavin released the hounds and within ten minutes they were baying the scent and the chase was on. To my ear there is no music more beautiful than hounds baying a hot scent.
Because I am 67 and not as quick as I once was, the houndsman went ahead while I struggled with Gavin through the extremely thick bush. Most of the time there was only visibility for 3 or 4 feet. As we struggled to keep up, after about two and a half hours the hounds treed the leopard. Hearing the hounds singing, we redoubled our efforts to close.
We heard, about 300 yards away, a huge cacophony of hounds and leopard fighting. The leopard had come down from the tree, rushed the houndsman in the grass, was driven by the hounds and disappeared in the bush. It was about 10:00pm and pitch dark. I literally could not see my hand in front of my face due to the thick canopy which blocked all moonlight.
We finally caught up with the houndsman (who was very excited) and the hounds were released again. For the second time, in about 10 minutes they were baying the hot sent. Phenomenal noses.
In less than one and a half hours later, just prior to midnight they treed the cat again. This time I was close by. Unfortunately, it had rained a little and the bush was literally steaming (more about this later). Gavin led me to the best side of the tree to get a shot at about 15 yards range. The cat was huge!! I pulled my rifle up and the scope was totally fogged by the rain and steam. Gavin put the light on the cat and he started down the tree toward us. Not a happy cat!
I shot and he collapsed. I was jubilant until after 15 seconds he got back up and headed directly towards us, now a really unhappy cat. I chambered a second round. The cat was still only a fuzzy blur in my scope. I shot a second time and he was hit and turned back up the tree. I chambered a third round and quickly fired a third shot which finished the hunt.
We were all jubilant. It was an experience of a lifetime!
Gavin then conducted a formal ceremony of respect to the cat which was a fitting capstone to the evening. Then the two trackers, who assisted the houndsman, rigged up a pole and attempted to carry the cat out.
He was so heavy they had to be relieved at times for a “breather’. The bush was so thick it took two whole hours to get back to the vehicles. We returned to camp and were serenaded by the staff with an African song of thanks and praise to the hunters. Another amazing experience.
Day 3: The next morning, after skinning, the green measurements potentially put this cat well within the all-time top 50 and an SCI gold. We will have to wait for the official score.
The hunt was phenomenal and despite the tough thick bush, due to professionalism it was over in three days (counting the last day for trophy preparation). Gavin handled the situation well, put me in the right place at the right time on the right cat. He also had the good discretion to let me take the follow up shots but was also ready in case I missed. Very well done!
If you read this and do not think it is a recommendation – there is nothing more I can possibly say. I prefer not to sign this to avoid harassment by the left-wing mob of dubious sexuality.
I will be happy to Skype or call at your convenience.
More details and trophy pictures can be found on our website - www.panthertrackers.com
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