Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Many African hunting authorities consider the leopard as the most dangerous of all the Big Five African game animals. This is probably because the leopard is the most likely Big Five animal to charge, attack, and maul the hunter! A leopard is never to be underestimated. They are cunning, clever, and elusive nocturnal predators and the most difficult of the Big Five African game animals to hunt, as they are always on high alert.
Most attacks on hunters are due to one reason: Poor shot placement. With the leopard’s blinding speed and excellent camouflage techniques, stopping the smallest of Africa’s Big Five game animals is a tough call if the leopard is wounded. Pound for pound, a wounded leopard is the world’s most dangerous animal.
In most African countries, the minimal legal caliber is .375, loaded with three hundred grains for leopard hunting. Other African countries require a minimum of 9.33mm. As the leopard is a soft animal and not that large, any well-placed shot from a 30-caliber loaded with 180 grains will do the job. The hunter must use a soft expanding bullet during the hunting safari. A large caliber like a .416 or 505 is not required when hunting leopards, except for the professional hunter who should carry a double rifle with stopping power for close encounters! Did you know that most of the late Harry Selby’s clients shot and successfully hunted their leopards with a .243?
Many bigger calibers, like a .375, are designed to penetrate large animals like buffaloes or hippos. This caliber may not achieve the desired goal as it may go straight through the leopard with minimal damage to the cat, and a game hunting trophy lost forever. Choose carefully!
Whatever caliber rifle you choose for your leopard hunting safari, fit a proper scope to the rifle. The magnification does not have to be extreme, as the average shooting distance will be 50-70 yards.
Two techniques used for leopard hunting are:
Leopard hunting with hounds which is legal in some African countries, and Leopard hunting by baiting the cat which is the most common method.
A perfect brain or neck shot will drop the leopard in its tracks, but these shots will not be recommended by your professional hunter.
From the front, the hunter can aim directly into the chest while the leopard stands on all fours. This would rarely be a shot presented due to the angle between the hunter and the leopard.
When leopard hunting in Africa, there is only one rule: Make the first shot count!