Navigating The Thrilling World of Leopard Hunting In Africa

The Leopard (Panthera pardus) is the smallest of the Big Five African game animals. Make no mistake, pound for pound the leopard is the most dangerous cat worldwide when wounded. The saying goes that for every second a leopard is upon you equals one hundred stitches, or potentially death.

This remarkable predator is one of the most challenging, and elusive, dangerous game animals to hunt while on a game hunting safari. Any adult leopard male is a fine trophy when Big 5 hunting in Africa.

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Things to consider for a Leopard Game Hunting Safari

• The leopard is unique in that they are nocturnal animals with large eyes and dilating pupils that allow them to see under the cover of darkness.
• Leopards are incredibly athletic and are usually spotted high in trees, protecting their meals from scavenges like hyenas, lions, and packs of African wild dogs.
• Leopard spots are called rosettes.
• Leopards will eat almost anything.
• Leopards are mostly solitary animals except during mating season.
• Leopards are ambush predators and will spend hours watching the movements of a specific target species.

Leopard Hunting: Conservation

International hunting of leopards does not harm their overall survival, and revenues from these hunters are allocated to the conservation of habitat and assist with the funding of anti-poaching units. Secondary benefits include increased employment of local villagers with trackers, skinners, chefs, cleaners, and maintenance people employed.

Hunting quotas set for leopards are based on research by leading scientists and consultations with local communities. African countries have set size and age limits for legally hunted leopards when dangerous game hunting in Africa. Hunters are selective when choosing the sought-after “trophy” to be harvested.

Like any African big game animal, “if it pays, it stays.”

Hunting Leopards in Africa

Why are Leopards hunted?

Historically, many African cultures used leopard furs for ceremonial robes worn by tribal leaders and kings. Nowadays, poached leopards supply witch doctors with claws, whiskers, and tails. Then we have the hunters of African big game animals, who desire these cats for their hunting trophy rooms, while contributing to the conservation of the species.

Where can Leopards be hunted?

Leopards are in most Southern African countries, such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It has been years since South Africa has granted any hunting permits, and leopard hunting in South Africa is not available.

Namibia is the only country to offer all members of the big five when safari hunting, as in most other countries, white and black rhinos are not available. Cheetah hunting in Africa is only available in Namibia, where populations are sustainable. While not a Big 5 or Dangerous 7 member, cheetahs are extremely sought-after trophies among international hunters.

So, when planning your big game Africa hunting trip, the hunter needs to take cognizance of the distribution and availability of species and plan accordingly. Hunting leopard in Africa is best done between April to August. When planning the hunting safari, try to match the dates as close to possible as the full moon lunar cycle.

How much does it cost to hunt leopards in Africa?

In Zimbabwe, leopard hunting packages will average $21,000 for a 14-day safari. In Mozambique, baited leopard packages for a 12-to-14-day safari will cost about $21,000. If using hunting hounds, the price can increase to $32,000.

Tanzania is the most expensive big game hunting destination of all African countries. A 14-day safari can cost between $26,000 and $50,000. A 21-day safari can increase to more than $100,000.

In Zambia, a minimum game hunting safari is set at 14 days with daily rates on average between $1,000 and $1,800, depending on facilities, etc.

The most affordable destination for hunting leopards in Africa is Namibia, with baited leopards, and a 14-day safari will cost between $18,000 and $21,000.

Leopard Hunting Methods

Baiting

• The first method, and typical approach used by most professional hunters, is baiting. This is considered a more “passive method”. Smaller plains game antelope are baited, but due to the ever-increasing costs, often donkeys are slaughtered for this purpose. Bait largely depends on the available options at that point in the season.
• Areas are often baited weeks in advance over vast areas, even before the hunter’s arrival. The baiting schedule must be tight, as the leopards may lose interest, only to return a few weeks later. This type of hunting requires a great deal of patience.
• Baits are checked daily for activity and any sign of a big tom. In modern-day leopard hunting, trail cams are often deployed in the area, to estimate the sex and age of the leopard. Once confirmation is received that a leopard is actively feeding on the bait, a temporary blind is built 30-80 yards from the tree. As leopards do not consistently return to the bait, the hunter may spend many nights in the blind, without a sign of the big cat.
• The other big problem the hunter may face is that after identifying the cat of choice, the big old tom that was visiting left the area. A new visitor may be a young male leopard or a female, which are illegal to hunt. This can leave the hunter with the choice of hunting the young male or returning home empty-handed.

Hunting Leopards in Africa using Hounds

• The second method, which is far less passive, and more sporting, is leopard hunting with hounds. A Leopard can deal with a single hound, but facing a pack of hounds or wild dogs can place it at risk due to a potential injury. It is a well-known fact throughout Africa that a Leopard will quite happily and often prey on domestic dogs, large or small.
• An experienced tracker is critical for this hunt, as judgement of the spoor-size is the deciding factor. Are the hounds to be released or not?
• Once the hounds are pursuing the cat, the hunter will pay in blood, sweat, and possibly tears, covering many miles on foot through the harshest terrain. Properly trained hounds love hunting these cats! Hunters follow the hounds either by listening, or using GPS trackers. 
• The leopard’s only plan is to reach safety. 
• Once the hounds have treed the animal, the hunting party will stalk the cat from a downwind position starting from roughly the 150-yard mark. Leopards are highly intelligent, and if they become aware of approaching hunters, this will set them into orbit. A leopard growl can sound like a V8 motor. 
• During the stalk, ensure you always have eyes on the cat and be prepared for immediate action. When hunting African big game animals, every situation has the potential to be life-threatening.

Rifles, Ammunition and Shot Placement

Like with any Big 5 dangerous game animal, the minimum legal caliber rifle is a .375. Leopards are classified as “soft” animals. A 300-win mag will work well should it be legally possible to use a smaller rife. 180 grains traveling at 3,200 feet per second loaded with quick expanding bullets will deliver an enormous amount of kinetic energy.

Shot placement, as always, is critical when dangerous game hunting in Africa. The hunter should not attempt a headshot, as this will ruin the trophy. A neck or spine shot would also not be recommended. The preferred shot would be a direct heart shot. Know where the heart is when the cat reaches up to take the bait, and adjust your placement accordingly.

Should the leopard be injured and a follow-up into the bush (during daylight hours of course) needed, have a few large caliber double rifles handy. A wounded leopard is an extremely dangerous animal! Listen to your professional hunter and proceed with caution in the follow-up.

 

Deciding on a Destination for Hunting Leopard in Africa

Below are a few points worth considering before making a final decision while planning your big game hunting safari:

• How much am I willing to spend on the leopard hunt?
• Which method of hunting would be most suitable?
• Will I be hunting other plains game or dangerous game during the duration of the leopard hunt?
• Will I be going alone or with an observer?
• What months of the year will be best to travel?
• What is more important, the experience or the size of the trophy?
• Will it be better to bring my firearm or rent one for the duration?

Importing your Leopard Trophy

Permits monitor the international movement of wildlife in trade included in Appendix I of the act, which is the highest degree of protection, including leopards. (CITES), The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is an industry watchdog. Its major purpose is to protect and conserve wildlife for future generations. Appendix 1 saw the addition of leopards to reduce pressure on their numbers due to poaching. The fashion industry had a hunger for spotted cat fur.

Hunters need to apply for permits at least 60 days before the hunt (90-120 days). The CITES permit for the leopard trophy is only for the hunter’s use. A hunter may only import two leopard trophies a year. 

Compliance with Leopard Hunting in Africa (US-citizens)

Obtain an import permit from the Department of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

• Hunters must ensure they comply with all the laws and regulations of the foreign country they visit.
• Import through a designated wildlife port.
• Check expiration dates on permits before having trophies shipped. 

Preparing for your Game Hunting Safari

While allocating time pre-hunt to prepare for perfect shot placement, leopard hunting methods, firearm permits, and ensuring enough range time, it is imperative to carefully review and be aware of what you need to pack on your African safari. This is not to be overlooked.

The conditions in Africa are unique in terms of landscape, terrain, bugs, weather, and a good few other factors. These often have separate challenges if the hunter does not prepare correctly. Big game hunting in Africa can take the hunter into the wilderness far from local villages and smaller towns for a good few weeks meaning there may be a product demand, but zero supply.

While on many game hunting safaris, I am never too concerned about the quarry (I have a good professional close by). It is the little things causing discomfort and aggravation, meaning you may not be on top of your game and lose out on the enjoyment factor.

All seasoned hunters know the basic equipment to pack, but just a few tips in these African conditions:

• Always pack a few rehydrate sachets. The body creates sweat, and evaporation cools the body. In hot desert conditions, the hunter can lose more than three gallons per day.
• While sweating heavily in the heat and walking a few miles, developing a sweat rash is a good possibility, so pack a small tube of cream.
• A few pills are needed to cover potential issues such as headaches, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
• A good muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory is advisable.
• Packing a broad-spectrum antibiotic along with some cortisone is strongly recommended. Hunters spend many hours traveling on planes en-route to the game hunting safari destinations and often end up ill for the first few days due to airborne viruses.
• While you may be traveling in winter, ticks are around all year, with mosquitoes in certain areas. It’s not only the dangerous game that wants to get you but also the nasty little ones that can make you uncomfortable for days. Some oral tablets and an antihistamine cream will assist with any bites.
• If you are traveling with prescription medications, bring a copy of the script. Due to the scarcity of medical supplies in rural Africa, confiscation of medication is a favorite antic at border crossings by local authorities. 
• On a separate note, and I sadly have witnessed hunters suffering the same, no matter how much of a rush you are in to get into the field, after your morning constitution be sure to wipe your butt properly! No hunter, while hunting a leopard in Africa, wants to spend days walking around scratching his butt and walking as if a few fire ants have made a nest in his pants. 
• While your professional hunter and outfitter may have a few medical odds and ends lying around, do NOT rely on them to assist with your needs. Spending days with headaches, cramps, and festering itchy bites in the heat is not fun.

Travel Tips

• When arriving at your entry port, always try to exchange foreign currency for local currency at official exchange rates. The African locals can see foreign travelers from a mile away, and they will go out of their way to “rip you off” or short change you. 
• If a street vendor says that something will cost you $100, the real sales price will inevitably be in the region of 5$, especially with trinkets and small handmade gifts. Do not accept the quoted prices. The hunter must research the prices of items in their hunting destination of choice. Foreign currency is in high demand. 

A Game Hunting Adventure Second to None!

Hunting leopard in Africa requires determination, excellent rifle skills, and tenacity in sometimes difficult conditions. But, dangerous game hunting in Africa is worth every mile walked, shot taken and blister formed!

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Author: Pierre van Wyk