The Accurate Reloading Forums
Leopard in 2014, where and why?
26 September 2012, 00:34
FrostbitLeopard in 2014, where and why?
This should produce some lively debate.
Joyce and I will probably return to Africa in 2014. I'd like to hunt leopard and "Bait Babe" would probably do her own thing on bait (but is just as happy as an observer).
1) We like to go to new spots not traveled in the past.
2) We are low maintenance but our personality types would probably wear out an introverted PH.
3) It's all about the experience.
4) Daylight only, no lights.
Might think of some other criteria but that should get things started.
Cheers
Jim
26 September 2012, 00:58
CaracalI don't know your budget but I would love to hunt leopard in Ethiopia or CAR. Very expensive but it does sound interesting!
26 September 2012, 01:07
D. Nelsonquote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
...2) We are low maintenance but our personality types would probably wear out an introverted PH.
Cheers
Jim
Jim; If you let the outfitter know about this ahead of time, they will surely charge you extra!!!
D. Nelson
26 September 2012, 01:14
ozhunterWell you've hunted Zambia so next option for could be
www.africanbushcompany.com in Tanz or
www.kambakosafaris.com in Moz
26 September 2012, 01:31
Frostbitquote:
Originally posted by Caracal:
I don't know your budget but I would love to hunt leopard in Ethiopia or CAR. Very expensive but it does sound interesting!
I'm not sure about our "budget" either Dennis.
The word exotic comes to mind with those suggestions. Thanks for adding them to the mix.
Cheers
Jim
26 September 2012, 01:45
Bwana338Here are a couple for you to look at.
You will be responsible for bait animals.
www.lakesafaris.com Out of Durban, South Africa
in 2011 leopards were after cattle on a ranch and while i was there and they were trying to speed a permit process for me to have a go at one pesky leopard. permit came the day i was leaving. The rancher would have assisted my PH to help with success.
www.touchafricasafaris.com out of Zimbabwe
I shot bait animals for 2 leopard hunters in Zimbabwe this year and both had shots at leopards in day light hours.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"You've got the strongest hand in the world. That's right. Your hand. The hand that marks the ballot. The hand that pulls the voting lever. Use it, will you" John Wayne
26 September 2012, 01:55
ledvmWayne Grant in Zimbabwe would be something different. He is a leopard specialist of sorts.
Let him pick the exact location. He is known for monster cats.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM
A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House
No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
26 September 2012, 02:09
KathiAnother vote for Ethiopia, a chance to take a black leopard, beautiful and exotic country, and a high density of big cats.
Negative: non-importable to U.S.A.
Kathi
kathi@wildtravel.net
708-425-3552
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
26 September 2012, 02:15
Frostbitquote:
Originally posted by Kathi:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...=521103905#521103905Another vote for Ethiopia, a chance to take a black leopard, beautiful and exotic country, and a high density of big cats.
Negative:
non-importable to U.S.A.
Deal breaker but thanks anyway.
26 September 2012, 09:28
BlankI only have 4 safaris worth of experience, but totalling 60 days so I've seen a little bit and will offer up a comment. In Zim the Valley area had lots of sign and I did find one cat sleeping in a dry riverbed while hunting ele. Chifuti seemed well set up to do a great hunt.
For Namibia, I can recommend either Omujeve or Leopard Legend without reservation. Both would be great hunts, daylight, with high chance of success on some big cats. Some of the most fun and enjoyable people around, too, and definately not introverted!.
26 September 2012, 10:28
DCS MemberWill Parks (safari-lawyer) seems to have had great success with Thierry from Zambezi Hunters.
I meant to be DSC Member...bad typing skills.
Marcus Cady
DRSS
26 September 2012, 11:17
Frostbitquote:
Originally posted by DCS Member:
Will Parks (safari-lawyer) seems to have had great success with Thierry from Zambezi Hunters.
Agreed, but I thought that was in the Save?
26 September 2012, 11:38
A.DahlgrenLabat seems to be filling tags wherever he goes
26 September 2012, 11:46
BrettAKSCIquote:
Originally posted by Caracal:
I don't know your budget but I would love to hunt leopard in Ethiopia or CAR. Very expensive but it does sound interesting!
Certainly exotic, but neither are importable to the US.
Brett
DRSS
Life Member SCI
Life Member NRA
Life Member WSF
Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter
May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick.
And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too.
May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep.
May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip.
-Seth Peterson
26 September 2012, 11:48
BrettAKSCIAssuming the Save doesn't fall to pieces what's the chances of a day time leopard? From speaking to people who have hunted there it sounds like day time lion are hard enough let alone leopard. Thoughts?
Brett
DRSS
Life Member SCI
Life Member NRA
Life Member WSF
Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter
May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick.
And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too.
May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep.
May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip.
-Seth Peterson
26 September 2012, 14:14
Caracalquote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
quote:
Originally posted by Caracal:
I don't know your budget but I would love to hunt leopard in Ethiopia or CAR. Very expensive but it does sound interesting!
Certainly exotic, but neither are importable to the US.
Brett
Damn! Ok what ab about Uganda?
26 September 2012, 17:49
ledvmquote:
Originally posted by Caracal:
quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
quote:
Originally posted by Caracal:
I don't know your budget but I would love to hunt leopard in Ethiopia or CAR. Very expensive but it does sound interesting!
Certainly exotic, but neither are importable to the US.
Brett
Damn! Ok what ab about Uganda?
Right now...Uganda leopard are PAC only. However...there are no shortage of problem leopards...so a hunt could be arranged. That said...to my knowledge...a Ugandan leopard has not been imported into the US since the reopening of hunting. My partner (Nigel Theisen) and I are exploring Ugandan leopard US import as we speak. But right now...it is a question mark. Certainly some fine leopard there however.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM
A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House
No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
26 September 2012, 17:59
PeglegMy last trip with Thierry and Zambezi Hunters we saw 2 leopards during the day. One was definitely a female and the other was seen for such a short time that we couldn't tell. It would be tough for a daytime hunt for leopard in the Save' in my humble opinion. If you go to the SCI shows then just stop by and talk to Thierry. He is a GOOD cat man and hunts both Zimbabwe and the CAR.
The only easy day is yesterday!
26 September 2012, 18:14
Oryxhunter1983For day time cat, I would certainly choose Tanzania or Zambia!
Anything North of Zambia, will not be importable to the USA...so why bother! USFW said in 2010 that they would never allow leopards to be imported above a line drawn on a map, just north of Zambia(at the SCI wildlife consultative forum, Vic Falls Zimbabwe).
26 September 2012, 19:00
JungleboyFrostbit,
Both myself & a hunting companion shot "daytime" leopards in Tanzania
with Federico Gellini Safaris. There was certainly lots of cats available.
I think that Tanzania is a great destination, the only negative is that you will need
a 21 day license/safari which is expensive.
However, you can also take elephant, 3 buff, sable, eland, lion,...
Good luck with your "tough" decision!
Jim
P.S. For what it's worth, I'm scheduled to hunt with Theirry Labatt in
Sango/Save in May 2013 for leopard (if it's still there?)
26 September 2012, 19:18
FishN4Eyesquote:
Originally posted by Pegleg:
My last trip with Thierry and Zambezi Hunters we saw 2 leopards during the day. One was definitely a female and the other was seen for such a short time that we couldn't tell. It would be tough for a daytime hunt for leopard in the Save' in my humble opinion. If you go to the SCI shows then just stop by and talk to Thierry. He is a GOOD cat man and hunts both Zimbabwe and the CAR.
Thierry is an active member of this forum and has been posting.....
Not sure about the chances of a day-time leopard but we did have several day-time photos of leopards on the bait on my hunt.
And the way Thierry knows leopards I would guess he'd have some ideas.
And I can guarantee you will have a good time with him but I'm guessing '14 would be a long shot for a leopard opening as I'm currently in line for an opening myself.
Best speak to Alistair Pole or Thierry on scheduling if you're interested.
AlistairPole@gmail.com.
26 September 2012, 19:33
Mark VallaroHi
In the Zambezi Valley with Chifuti Safaris. We can only hunt leopards in the day time and have had good success on them in recent years. Chewore North in very nice with the Zambezi river as the northern boundary.
Theirry Labat is busy doing a hunt at the moment but should be back shortly. He is very good as well. Don't know how many get shot in daylight though.
26 September 2012, 19:34
Todd WilliamsI took a daytime leopard with Charlton McCallum Safaris June 2011 in Zim. CMS has a strong reputation on leopard. Monster sized cats as well.
26 September 2012, 19:50
graybirdI'm surprised Mozambique hasn't been mentioned much yet. It seems as though Kambako Safaris has been scoring on daytime leopards, just ask Tim Herald.
Graybird
"Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after ... it's the reckoning."
26 September 2012, 20:00
Greg BrownleeJim, the Niassa would be a great, exotic option for daylight leopards. There's a few good operators in the area that have excellent track records on nice toms. Check out the McLean's are Jumbo Moore's areas.
Let me know if you need some info on McLean, not much out there at this point but they're very good.
26 September 2012, 20:46
Frostbitquote:
Originally posted by Mark Vallaro:
Hi
In the Zambezi Valley with Chifuti Safaris. We can only hunt leopards in the day time and have had good success on them in recent years. Chewore North in very nice with the Zambezi river as the northern boundary.
Theirry Labat is busy doing a hunt at the moment but should be back shortly. He is very good as well. Don't know how many get shot in daylight though.
Hi Mark,
Allow me to welcome you to AR. Always good to have PH's posting here.
Cheers
Jim
26 September 2012, 21:30
wtnutMark Welcome to the AR forum , hope all is well in the valley. Had a great hunt with Mark and Chifuti last year in Chewore South. Killed a very nice leopard and had another nice tom on a lion bait that we saw numerous times in daylight.
26 September 2012, 21:43
Die Ou JagterWant a challenge try Norm Crooks (Pro Safari Africa) last I talked with him he is doing only cats - in the West Nicholson, area. Ranch cats in the day with dogs. It is not so easy and not so boring as setting in a blind.
26 September 2012, 21:44
matt uquote:
Originally posted by wtnut:
Mark Welcome to the AR forum .
Glad to have you on board.
26 September 2012, 23:51
FishN4Eyesquote:
Originally posted by Mark Vallaro:
Hi
In the Zambezi Valley with Chifuti Safaris. We can only hunt leopards in the day time and have had good success on them in recent years. Chewore North in very nice with the Zambezi river as the northern boundary.
Theirry Labat is busy doing a hunt at the moment but should be back shortly. He is very good as well. Don't know how many get shot in daylight though.
Heard great things from the Leesmays about you, Mark.
Welcome, really cool to see more and more PH's showing up on the forums providing valuable "in the field" insight.
Great help to all us planning hunts!
27 September 2012, 01:18
BigBBearJim, to get this back on topic rather than a "welcome to" but a daylight hunt in the valley is pretty tough as the leopards are harrassed quite much. I think the advice here is pretty sound and the best daylight cats are either with dogs (not cheap), or in Tanzania and it does take a 21 day which is more even. Frik and Luis Muller, Bruce Watson and Cliff Walker all hunt Rifa and I am not sure but I think cats must be daylight there. They do have a huge success rate and I can help you contact them if you want to talk. Better have a scope on something accurate rather than my old A/N. Also, the recommendation for CMS is always sound but I do not knwo the daylight factor there. Buzz could tell you more.
good to hear you are going back over.
Larry
York, SC
27 September 2012, 02:25
Peglegquote:
Originally posted by Mark Vallaro:
Hi
In the Zambezi Valley with Chifuti Safaris. We can only hunt leopards in the day time and have had good success on them in recent years. Chewore North in very nice with the Zambezi river as the northern boundary.
Theirry Labat is busy doing a hunt at the moment but should be back shortly. He is very good as well. Don't know how many get shot in daylight though.
Mark- It is great that you have become on AR member. The more experienced PH's we have posting here the better. Thierry speaks very highly of you and your abilities. I met you with Thierry and Suzie in that upstairs night club in Harare after my exciting leopard hunt with Thierry where we stalked mister spots through the woods in the darkest night I think I've spent in Zimbabwe. Was a great time.
Cheers to you.
The only easy day is yesterday!
27 September 2012, 02:41
Frostbitquote:
Originally posted by BigBBear:
Jim, to get this back on topic rather than a "welcome to" but a daylight hunt in the valley is pretty tough as the leopards are harrassed quite much. I think the advice here is pretty sound and the best daylight cats are either with dogs (not cheap), or in Tanzania and it does take a 21 day which is more even. Frik and Luis Muller, Bruce Watson and Cliff Walker all hunt Rifa and I am not sure but I think cats must be daylight there. They do have a huge success rate and I can help you contact them if you want to talk. Better have a scope on something accurate rather than my old A/N. Also, the recommendation for CMS is always sound but I do not knwo the daylight factor there. Buzz could tell you more.
good to hear you are going back over.
Larry
Hi Larry,
Thanks for the advice. I would rate my .375 as "accurate". Still love shooting your old A&N though. Perhaps a tusker will fall to it in the future.
Cheers
Jim
27 September 2012, 11:08
BrettAKSCIquote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by BigBBear:
Jim, to get this back on topic rather than a "welcome to" but a daylight hunt in the valley is pretty tough as the leopards are harrassed quite much. I think the advice here is pretty sound and the best daylight cats are either with dogs (not cheap), or in Tanzania and it does take a 21 day which is more even. Frik and Luis Muller, Bruce Watson and Cliff Walker all hunt Rifa and I am not sure but I think cats must be daylight there. They do have a huge success rate and I can help you contact them if you want to talk. Better have a scope on something accurate rather than my old A/N. Also, the recommendation for CMS is always sound but I do not knwo the daylight factor there. Buzz could tell you more.
good to hear you are going back over.
Larry
Hi Larry,
Thanks for the advice. I would rate my .375 as "accurate". Still love shooting your old A&N though. Perhaps a tusker will fall to it in the future.
Cheers
Jim
I may have to hide your .375.......
Brett
DRSS
Life Member SCI
Life Member NRA
Life Member WSF
Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter
May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick.
And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too.
May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep.
May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip.
-Seth Peterson
27 September 2012, 11:39
Mark VallaroHi Jim. To clear up a bit of confusion here. The Zambezi Valley is huge. Rifa which is run by the Mullers, Watson and walker is at the top of the Valley, you then got Nyakasanga, then Mana Pools National Park, then Sapi, then Chewore North and South run by Chifuti then Dande North and South. CMS is in Dande North who are our Neighbours. By the way the cats in the vallay have not been harassed as much as in other areas of Zim. In Chewore North I think our success rate is around 90%.
27 September 2012, 12:16
BrettAKSCISelous, Nyassa, Zambezi Valley, Luangwa Valley.....but what do I know? Money wise I'd be looking at the Nyassa and Zambezi Valley....but again that's me with 0 leopard experience.
Brett
PS> I suppose Nyassa has more unique plains game, but the Zambezi Valley has tuskless and importable bull elephant!!!!
DRSS
Life Member SCI
Life Member NRA
Life Member WSF
Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter
May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick.
And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too.
May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep.
May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip.
-Seth Peterson
27 September 2012, 14:24
Mike AngelidesAs said previously Leopard in Tanzania is a 21 day license but one does not necessarily have to stay for 21 days, some outfitters will give you a deal if you stay for less days, you will have to pay the government fees for 21 days but that does not amount to too much.
I would make sure the outfitter acknowledges that you want a day time cat, some my say yeah yeah and once you are there with a night time feeder they may pressure you to take it anyway, but all the PHs mentioned above I would rate as very honest and ethical and wouldn't sell you a hunt that they couldn't provide ie: day time leopard!
Professional Hunter
GM Danny McCallum Safaris
Executive Officer APHA
27 September 2012, 14:40
Safari2I am suprised that no one has mentioned Nuanetsi??
27 September 2012, 15:42
Die Ou JagterNorm Crooks is the Muller boys father-in-law and he (when I hunted with him) hunted the West Nicholson area for ranch cats much smarter than the cats in the valley. All that said Norm is truly a cat man. Peter his houndsman is second to none.
27 September 2012, 16:03
fujotupuIt doesn't matter where you go - Mr. Spots is a nocturnal character by nature; feeds by night and sleeps during the day.
If you want to shoot him in the light of day it means getting into the blind about 1 hour before daybreak and in all likelihood will shoot and pose with him in daylight.
It is highly unlikely to find a leopard walking around in the sweltering heat during the day (though very rare) or if driving by his resting place may spook it.
On such occasions not always will one have the time to 'sex' it and not necessarily may it be a monster or even a shooter.