When booking an African hunt, Zimbabwe rates as a top destination for dangerous game hunting, with four of the Big 5 species found in Zimbabwe. These animals, namely the elephant, Cape Buffalo, lion, and leopard, as well as the hippo and Nile crocodile, make a great dangerous game hunting portfolio. Rated as the most dangerous animal worldwide, the leopard (Panthera pardus) is a member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7, a nocturnal predator that is cunning, elusive, and highly dangerous. Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe offers game hunters a challenging, adrenaline-filled hunting adventure. Leopard hunting takes place throughout the country, with popular hunting locations including the Zambezi valley and the Matobo mountain ranges. They can be hunted at night, on private land and community areas, alternatively the hunt needs to take place 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Leopards are classified as “vulnerable” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A CITES permit and a TR2 hunting permit are required for leopard hunting in Zimbabwe. Hounds may be used if a special permit has been granted, and the hunt will need to take place on private land.
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Shot Placement when Hunting Leopard in Zimbabwe
Leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is conducted using the baiting method. Leopards are often baited weeks in advance, using zebra meat with trail cams to try and monitor the activity of these dangerous, nocturnal predators. Hunters will use temporary blinds and the leopard will be hunted from there. Hunters need to sit extremely quietly, without moving as this exceptional predator has both excellent eyesight and hearing. Shot placement is of paramount importance during this game hunting safari. Do your homework when it comes to this African hunt and ensure that you are adequately prepared and know the leopard’s anatomy backwards, as the movement of the cat reaching for or angling towards the bait changes the position of its vital organs and influences the shot placement.
Check out the following tips when leopard hunting in Zimbabwe: When shooting a leopard, the hunter needs to remember that often they will be shot while under or next to a bait while in a sitting position and not in the classic broadside position. The leopard may also be reaching up to the bait, thereby changing its body position. A leopard’s heart and lungs sit further back, as it is not an ungulate A headshot is not an option as this would definitely ruin a prized game hunting trophy. A leopard generally has a soft body and is highly susceptible to hydrostatic shock. Shot placement is critical, and the hunter is advised to study the leopard's anatomy, as angles and body position can again play a vital role.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Hunting Leopard in Zimbabwe?
An expanding bullet tip is recommended for your dangerous game hunting safari. The rifle should be fitted with an excellent-quality tactical scope and most African countries require a minimum of a .375 rifle when targeting dangerous game. Bow hunting is permitted in communal areas and private hunting grounds, but not in Zimbabwe’s national parks. A last reminder that no matter which rifle you choose; the most important aspect of this dangerous game hunting safari is your shot placement. Do your homework and come prepared!
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