I know they don't go together, but I 2 questions here:

1. What is the conses/history from folks, as to the best months for a BAITED leopard hunt in Zimbabwe??

2. Whats the thoughts on boot gaiters on safari, worth it or not. I so often see hunters and sometimes PH's wearing some version of these, and sometimes when shorts are worn, not sure of the practicality of it with shorts.

TIA,
Willi

quote:

Originally posted by bisonhunter1:
I so often see hunters and sometimes PH's wearing some version of these, and sometimes when shorts are worn, not sure of the practicality of it with shorts.

That would likely be when they are the most practical. The gaiters keep the dirt, grass seeds and junk from getting in your boots. That is the main purpose of the gaiters.

They are the greatest things since pockets on a shirt. I take 2 pairs with me, in case something should happen to one of them. I would never dream of going on a long hunt without them.

Willi,

June and July on the dark of the moon might be ideal. The cooler temps make the baits last longer and the grass makes the leopards feel secure. Later in the season as temps rise and the grass is all burnt it may be tougher. Having said that though I think the good cat guys do pretty well throughout the season. Our guy in Zim is 90% overall on the Save and 75-80% in the Zambesi valley.

With low shoes and shorts gaiters are great for keeping irritating seeds and graas out of your shoes. With long pants they're not necessary.

Mark

willi ,
baited leopard are great throughout the year provided the ph is great , the only months to avoid would be october , november december , simply as mark says because it gets hot, the baits rot and the leopards dont eat as much ...

personally i prefer early season leopard the bush is thicker and they seem to be more confident coming to the bait ...

gaiters are excellent , i use them all the time , they prevent grass seeds sticking in your socks and also sand filling your shoes ...the best i have found are at boyt harness.

One more vote for gaiters with shorts. Boyt Harness is where I got mine as well.

I quit wearing short britches when I was 5 years old. I always wear gaiters when hunting. They keep ticks and other bugs off your legs. With high gaiters and boots, you can also wade water without getting your britches wet.

Echo what Charles said.
www.boytharness.com

I hunted Zim in 2005 from late June through early July during the dark of the moon. I was fortunate enough to kill a very nice Tom. I always wear boot gaiters when hunting Africa and would recommend that you give it a lot of consideration too.

Thanks for bringing up gaiters, I had forgotten to pack mine for my April Botswana safari.

CFA

long pants or not the gaiters will keep ticks off, especially if sprayed 1st. I found that early is better for baited leopard. June or even may is fine. in addition to what everyone has said it's cooler sitting in a blind, and the cats have not been pressured by hunters as much.

I have been told that a full moon is good for leopard. I read above that the dark of the moon is preferred. I don't know.

About gaiter, they are great. They keep vegetation and bugs out of your shoes and pants, and in tse country, they'll keep the little buggers from climbing up you socks to your tender parts. Kudude