Best time of year for Lion in Zambia

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07 October 2010, 12:23

ozhunter

Although my two came from south and east of Zambia. August would be my pick, but you could give or take a month.

07 October 2010, 12:39

BrettAKSCI

I'd specify where Jim. Kafue, North Luangwa, South Luangwa? It could make a difference.

Brett

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07 October 2010, 20:27

Frostbit

North Luangwa or Kafue

07 October 2010, 20:32

MARK H. YOUNG

Jim,

When I was picking a date for my own lion hunt with Muchinga Adventures in 2012 I had several dates to choose from. I discussed it with the Du Plooys. They told me that over the years that they have had Nyaminga/Chanjusi that the later dates have produced the best lions with some dandy cats being taken in October. I chose a September booking because we wanted to also hunt leopard and they become more difficult in the October heat.

Mark

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07 October 2010, 21:52

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Jim,

When I was picking a date for my own lion hunt with Muchinga Adventures in 2012 I had several dates to choose from. I discussed it with the Du Plooys. They told me that over the years that they have had Nyaminga/Chanjusi that the later dates have produced the best lions with some dandy cats being taken in October. I chose a September booking because we wanted to also hunt leopard and they become more difficult in the October heat.

Mark

I guess that makes it tough if you want to do both on the same trip.

07 October 2010, 22:42

ledvm

Again...I'd get Fairgame's opinion.

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07 October 2010, 22:49

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
Again...I'd get Fairgame's opinion.

Waiting for him to weight in. Speaking of absent, anyone know where Steve (Nganga) is?

07 October 2010, 22:50

SGraves155

For about a month after the predominate prey species calve, the predators have relatively easy pickings and may not come to baits as well as before or 2-3 months after the calving season. That could figure into the equation.

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07 October 2010, 23:41

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by SGraves155:
For about a month after the predominate prey species calve, the predators have relatively easy pickings and may not come to baits as well as before or 2-3 months after the calving season. That could figure into the equation.

Never afraid to admit my ignorance.....when is calving season in the Luangwa?

08 October 2010, 00:54

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
Again...I'd get Fairgame's opinion.

Waiting for him to weight in. Speaking of absent, anyone know where Steve (Nganga) is?

Andrew (Fairgame) is probably in the bush. Don't know about Steve right now.

08 October 2010, 01:40

fairgame

Best time for cats is early. May/June - July is prime. August fine.

08 October 2010, 01:47

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
Best time for cats is early. May/June - July is prime. August fine.

Thanks Andrew! When is calving?

08 October 2010, 02:01

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
Best time for cats is early. May/June - July is prime. August fine.

Thanks Andrew! When is calving?

October.

08 October 2010, 02:43

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
Best time for cats is early. May/June - July is prime. August fine.

100 Million percent, good advice.

08 October 2010, 11:27

fairgame

If the cats are your priority then book the first hunt of the season. You will see very little other game due to the grass. Hippo will be your bait and you can probably track up some buffalo.

Reasons? Game is scattered as there is a lot of water about and therefore the cats are hungry and come readily to bait. Cats feel comfortable in the long grass. The last shots fired were last season. There are other factors but believe me this is prime time.

Nganga will disagree as he shot his late in the season. But then again he has only shot one magnificent Lion so what does he know?

08 October 2010, 14:09

BrettAKSCI

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
If the cats are your priority then book the first hunt of the season. You will see very little other game due to the grass. Hippo will be your bait and you can probably track up some buffalo.

Reasons? Game is scattered as there is a lot of water about and therefore the cats are hungry and come readily to bait. Cats feel comfortable in the long grass. The last shots fired were last season. There are other factors but believe me this is prime time.

Nganga will disagree as he shot his late in the season. But then again he has only shot one magnificent Lion so what does he know?

Andrew,

Would you say this advice varies what so ever from Kafue to Luangwa or from concession to concession? Or is this a good general rule for Zambia?

Brett

08 October 2010, 17:54

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
If the cats are your priority then book the first hunt of the season. You will see very little other game due to the grass. Hippo will be your bait and you can probably track up some buffalo.

Reasons? Game is scattered as there is a lot of water about and therefore the cats are hungry and come readily to bait. Cats feel comfortable in the long grass. The last shots fired were last season. There are other factors but believe me this is prime time.

Nganga will disagree as he shot his late in the season. But then again he has only shot one magnificent Lion so what does he know?

Andrew,

Would you say this advice varies what so ever from Kafue to Luangwa or from concession to concession? Or is this a good general rule for Zambia?

Brett

Brett - Not just a general rule, but the "rule" for Zambian cat hunting! Not sure where these August, September, October recommendations come from, but listen to FAIRGAME if you want to cat hunt anywhere in Zambia. Go May - July as prime for cats in Zambia!

08 October 2010, 21:28

fairgame

Brett,

I speak of Zambia. It is a general rule of thumb. The Luangwa opens a little later due to the rains.

Some concession have an amazing concentration of Lion and these cats are taken throughout the season. The hot season can play havoc with your baits, but Zambia has a large variety of plains game species and this time of year bait is not hard to find.

Nganga took a terrific cat late season and it would be interesting to hear what he has to say?

09 October 2010, 13:24

BrettAKSCI

Thanks Aaron and Andrew!

Brett