I am going to hunt leopard in August. Should I apply for cities permit. I was told to wait until I get the leopard. Is there a chance of not getting one if I wait.

The correct way to do it as it says on the USF&WS website is to get it beforehand and if you leave it until after you've got the cat, there's always the chance they'll move the goalposts and you might not be able to get one or your trophy has to sit and wait somewhere for a while and time is always of the essence with a raw cat trophy.

Getting it beforehand does however mean you'll have to remember to renew it if it gets close to expiry before the import happens.

pheasantman,

Having the leopard CITES in hand before the hunt is the way to go. Avoid any potential hassles after the hunt and get it before the hunt. Allow at least 6 weeks from application to receiving the permit.

Mark