Leopard hunting
View 42 hunts View all hunts42 hunting trips from 27 outfitters starting from $6,483
Where to hunt Leopard
Mr Spots, one of the most cunning and dangerous animals you will ever wish to hunt. From the outset you need to be aware of the many pitfalls when trying to arrange a Leopard hunt as the legalities surrounding these hunts can change at short notice. Leopards can be hunted in numerous African countries with the most stable hunting destinations being Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique. South Africa and Zambia are affected from time to time by hunting closures and limited quota. Ethiopia is another destination where Leopards may be hunted. Research your hunting territory very carefully and ensure that a Leopard quota is available for the season and your Outfitter has proof of quota.
Price distribution
In Namibia 12-14 day Leopard Safari packages are available from $ 22,500 – 33,000. 7 day Leopard Safaris packages in Zimbabwe range from $10,500 – 11,500, with 14 day packages running at $ 23,000 – 28,000. Otherwise in Zambia and Zimbabwe you will be required to book a minimum of a 14 day hunt with daily rates ranging between $ 1,000 – 1,800 per day, excluding licenses, community levies, etc. Trophy fees for these Leopards are in the vicinity of $ 7,000 – 8,500. In Mozambique baited Leopard package hunts can be arranged for between 12 – 14 days for a cost of $ 27,500 – 33,000 and shorter 10 day hunts are available using dogs with prices as high as $ 38,000. The same hunt can be done for as little as $11,000 if the animal is darted and released. In Tanzania a 14 day Leopard Safaris cost $ 28,000 – 50,000 and a 21 day hunt with trophy fee costing up to $103,000. Your best deals are available in Namibia.
When to hunt Leopard?
The best time to hunt Leopard is at dawn or dusk in those areas which do not permit night hunting. Being nocturnal, these animals are most active in the early morning and evening when they are likely to check a bait site and you need to be ready and waiting. If hunted at night over bait it is debatable whether hunting at full or new moon is best. The best time to hunt are the colder months when Leopards seem to be more active and your baits last a lot longer even though Leopards will eat really rotten meat. Avoid lambing season and drought times as this increases the opportunity for a leopard to find a free meal and avoid your baits.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (14)
Only male Leopards may be hunted so avoid making any mistakes. Hunting at night over bait with an artificial light can be tricky as decisions need to be made regarding a cats sex and age a lot quicker than during daylight hours. Using camera traps and judging paw print sizes can help to minimise your chances of making a mistake on a cat that is visiting your bait, however this by no means a foolproof method. Baits are hung in strategic positions high in a tree out of the reach of hyenas and lions. The entrails are dragged to the site from various directions and a mixture of guts, blood and stomach content, normally a stinking slop is used to disguise any human scent at the bait site. Once the bait has been hit, a temporary blind will be built from which the animal will be hunted. This process is the same for both rifle and bow hunters. Baits are routinely checked and hours can be spent in the blind patiently waiting for that once in a lifetime opportunity to bag a Leopard.
Why hunt Leopard?
Leopard hunting can be the most exhilarating experience if everything comes together or the most frustrating, tiring, boring and stinky hunt you can do. In most instances it like a game of chess trying to outwit your opponent and lure them into a trap. Instead of hunting your prey, you have to patiently wait for them to appear which can be both disheartening when you fail or elating when successful. Many hunters have not been successful on their first hunt so do not expect to get your trophy on your first hunt. A wounded Leopard can move at lightning speed so make sure of your shot counts as many a hunter has been badly mauled in these situations. Full mounted Leopards make the most awesome display animals, often mounted with habitat and a prey animal in its mouth. Pedestal mounts, skulls and leopard rugs are also a popular way to display your trophy.
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