Leopard
Scientific Name:
Panthera pardus
The Perfect Shot Location
This is a good position for ashot.
The preferred shot is 1/3 up from
the body, using the back of the
front leg as your line.
The big difference between
Leopard and Lion is the low
posture when charging, normally
from a short distance at
lightning speed.
Detailed Information
Weight:
60 – 90kg
(130 – 220 lb)
Height at Shoulder:
Around 70 cm
(28inches)
Length:
Around 1,8 meters
(6 ft)
Hunt from Age:
Min 6 Years
Lifespan:
Around 15 years
Caliber:
Min .375
Ammo:
Soft
Type of Sight:
Scope
Charging Speed:
60 km/h
(40 mph)
Hunting Regions
Bushmanland
14 Days @ p/d – $2,500
Total Daily Rates – $35,000
Trophy Fee – $10,0000
Total Package Price – $45,000
Namibia
14 Days @ p/d – $2,500
Total Daily Rates – $35,000
Trophy Fee – $10,0000
Total Package Price – $45,000
South Africa
N/A
Zambia
14 Days @ p/d – $2,500
Total Daily Rates – $35,000
Trophy Fee – $10,0000
Total Package Price – $45,000
More About Our Leopard Hunting
This elusive and dangerous cat is one of the most resilient animals of the Big 5 to hunt.
At Dzombo Hunting Safaris, we are extremely selective in trophy quality and hunt only in the most pristine areas with high Leopard population densities, creating a perfect opportunity to take a magnificent mature male Leopard. Experience the Leopard hunt of a lifetime with Dzombo Hunting Safaris and get the once of a life time opportunity on a big Tom.
Leopord Hunting In Namibia
If you are looking for a Leopard hunting safari, Namibia has an excellent Leopard population and amongst them are some very big Toms that are an intensely satisfying challenge to hunt. Big smart Leopards like we have must be earned, be ready and willing to be patient and put in the time and you may experience one of the ultimate thrills and satisfaction that hunting has to offer! As you can see from our pictures we have excellent trophy quality Leopards for those of you who are seeking this.
Leopards are incredibly shy but intelligent cats being the most elusive member of the Big 5, with excellent senses. For the trophy hunter, the challenge cannot be greater. It is the thrill of this hunt that for centuries gets the pulse of the trophy hunter going. Hunting this dangerous game takes the right amount of planning and a combination of techniques to fool this animal. It requires physical strength, mental fortitude, patience and endurance. Tracking, baiting and hunting a leopard is one of the greatest challenges one can experience on an African hunting safari.
Pre-baiting
Baiting is a traditional way of hunting, and is essential to a successful leopard hunt. We will shoot bait-warthog or bait-baboons and scout the area for large male Leopard tracks in preparation for the hunt. We are highly selective in trophy quality, baits (a carcass) are only placed in areas where the presence of a large older male Leopard is confirmed by either myself or one of my trackers.
After a large Leopard track is discovered, we start to consider factors like where the nearest water source is from which the Leopard might be drinking, if old and new tracks are present one will have to identify which general direction the Leopard moves to and from. The general wind direction will obviously play a huge roll when we select the bait and blind location.
The bait location is of utmost importance, this selection can be very challenging especially when one has to consider the general wind direction as well as the direction the leopard moves to and from and also where we will build the blind. The bait is typically placed in a dense area or thick bush close to his favourite travel routes or waterholes. The dense bush helps the cat to feel secure and encourages him to feed in daylight hours. After a suitable location (tree) is identified, The carcass will be hang from a inclining tree limb to ensure the leopard is in a comfortable position while feeding on the bait, the bait will be hanged on the opposite side of the tree limb away from the blind, that the leopard feeds in a direction away from the blind. The bait will be securely tied with a steel wire to ensure it is secured and attached to the tree that the leopard cannot pull it off. The bait will also be covered with a skirt made out of grass, this keep the bait protected from the sun, also from scavengers like vultures and also provide a sound barrier while feeding to allow the PH to communicate with the client on when to take the shot.
After the carcass is hanged in the bait tree a ‘drag’ also needs to be done.
The bait and the way we put the bait up is very important, but to the ‘drag’ is probably one of the most important parts of preparing the bait location, you can have the perfect bait location but the Leopard still has to find the bait and most of the times find the bait by following the drag that is made towards the tree using the bait carcass intestines and stomach by dragging them on the habitual path of a Leopard in order to entice him towards a baited tree. Usually the drag is done from a water source closest to a fresh Leopard track, and dragged towards the baited tree.
One needs to keep the drag fresh, and re-drag every few days depending on the climate and time of the year. In general, during winter the drag needs to refreshed every third to fourth day, but in summer it might have to be done every second day.
Enough meat needs to be put up in the bait tree for a large male Leopard to feed for consecutive nights on the carcass. A small carcass, like that of a warthog, might be cleaned off by a large hungry male Leopard in one sitting and he will not return to that bait.
Warthog is probably the most common bait animal but Baboon and Zebra meat are also very often used. The reason why zebra is being used is that Zebra meat will last longer than an warthog and not spoil as fast as it has a higher fat percentage. However, Zebra meat tends to form a layer and not produce a strong scent whereas warthog meat does produce a scent that will attract a Leopard more easily. Sometimes the Leopard does not find the bait by following the drag and only by picking up the scent of the bait. There are many factors the considers even when selecting a bait carcass.
This pre baiting process will be conducted months in advance before your arrival in order to stimulate the leopard activity to keep the Leopards interested to return and check on the baited areas and increase your chances. We set up from time to time trail cameras to monitor the cats coming in and trail cameras are used more extensively prior and during the Leopard hunt. We try to maintain the cat(s) on the bait, which is a tricky balance, sometimes if baiting is done for too long a leopard may loose interest for some time, only to come back later. We observe and gauge all aspects prior to the hunt to keep the Leopard’s interest going to maximize success and trophy quality. We begin baiting more consistently and setting up hides in key locations several weeks before your arrival in order to stimulate the Leopard activity and increase your chances of taking a big Leopard. By the time you arrive for your leopard hunt, there will be good leopard activity on the baits.
The preparation process
Due to their secretive nature it would be very difficult to successfully hunt leopard on a 14 or 21 day safari without baiting. Baiting is the most popular method.
As soon as the leopard starts feeding on the bait, we make use of trail cameras to help us see what time these cats visit the bait site and also to determine their behavior and size. If a trophy male is visible clearly on the the trail camera pictures, a blind is set up from where the hunter waits. Blind location is determined by terrain and wind direction. A well camouflaged blind is essential, it should be strategically placed and dark inside, to eliminate movement detection in the blind. We prefer to use pop-up blinds, this blinds contain the human scent and also keeps any noise contained to a certain extent. The approach to the blind is also very important. When an ideal location is selected, the blind will be pop up and cover with natural brush, to camouflage into the surrounding terrain and look as natural as possible. The blind will be equipped with a sleeping mat to shoot in the prone position or two chairs for the guide and the client, this all depends on the baiting tree location and shot trajectory. There will be a steady dead rest aimed precisely on the bait carcass, there will also be a clear path to the bait to ensure there is a shot option available if the leopard is sitting underneath the tree. Leopard hunting has its high-tech elements these days. We will place a 2 movement detecting sensor on the drag path towards the tree and also 1 sensor at the base of the tree and 1 sensor in the tree facing the bait, this sensors will detect motion and communicate with a vibrating box carried by your guide to alert him to any movement at the bait. This ensures that the client has enough time to prepare and that he is calm to take the shot and not be surprised by the leopard suddenly being in the tree.
This measurements help us to ensure that our hunters are comfortable and that they are able to make a good shot.
Leopards have phenomenal eyesight and almost telepathic hearing. The slightest unnatural sound or flicker of movement will arouse his suspicion and make him disappear.
That is why we build our blinds further from the tree as normal with a hazard are between the tree and the blind to ensure there is a sound barrier, the normal shooting distance is 85-100 yards.
The shot
You hardly ever see a Leopard getting into the tree so one will be sitting there and suddenly you will hear the Leopard trying to get to the carcass. That is probably one of the most beautiful and exciting sounds that one can experience on any hunting Safari. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into hunt. A 14-day hunt comes down to those few minutes
Leopard are very alert, usually coming to the bait the last few minutes before complete darkness (Note – Namibian Law states Leopard may only be hunted 30 min prior to sunrise till 30 min after sunset).
Quality optics with strong light gathering capabilities is necessary. To increase visibility of the Leopard position in the tree. Once the Leopard is in the tree he will ”open” the bait by scratching through and pulling on the grass skirt which has been placed around the carcass so it is possible for him to feed.
Once the Leopard is feeding and feels comfortable, your guide will make sure that it is the male that is been monitored on the trail cam. He will first look if he can see the prominent yellow testicals on the cat to determine gender, he will then look at the thickness of the tail, the length of the cat, the arch of the cats back, the weight of the cats shoulder, thickness of the neck and the size of the ears compared to the head, this factors will be used to determine the cats maturity. The guides have years of experience and will give the green light if they feel this cat is a mature 7 year old plus trophy leopard male. He will the indicate to the client to get ready to take the shot. Once the Leopard is feeding and the client is ready and can clearly see the Leopard (Take note of how the leopard is sitting on the bait and listen to your PH’s advice as to where to aim. Studying the anatomy of the leopard is essential.) the guide will decide on the right moment for the client to take the shot.
We take great care to ensure that all these important details are covered, to give you the best opportunity to take a once in a life time Big Tom.
Frequently asked questions
Rifle to use
Any medium caliber rifle from 30.06 and upwards is adequate with the best shot being for the shoulder and vitals area. Use the best quality soft nosed ammunition you can get.
Is Leopard hunting legal in Namibia?
Contrary to popular belief, Leopard are NOT endangered in Namibia. Leopard hunting is strictly controlled by the Namibian government, and is both legal and sustainable. Every year the authorities issue a very limited amount of licenses, dependent on the size of the hunting area, the estimated leopard population in the area, and the success rate of the hunts in the past years.
Leopard Hunt Duration and Time of year
The better months for Leopard hunting in Namibia are May through November, although Leopards are present and can be hunted throughout the hunting season from 1 February to 30 November. We do not charge for baiting and a minimum of 14 hunting days (15 nights in camp) is required. Possibility to do 12 full hunting days if hunter cannot do 14. Most hunters enjoy combining their Leopard hunt with plains game hunting which makes the safari more interesting and active.
How is Leopard hunting regulated?
You hardly ever see a Leopard getting into the tree so one will be sitting there and suddenly you will hear the Leopard trying to get to the carcass. That is probably one of the most beautiful and exciting sounds that one can experience on any hunting Safari. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into hunt. A 14-day hunt comes down to those few minutes
Leopard are very alert, usually coming to the bait the last few minutes before complete darkness (Note – Namibian Law states Leopard may only be hunted 30 min prior to sunrise till 30 min after sunset).
Quality optics with strong light gathering capabilities is necessary. To increase visibility of the Leopard position in the tree. Once the Leopard is in the tree he will ”open” the bait by scratching through and pulling on the grass skirt which has been placed around the carcass so it is possible for him to feed.
Once the Leopard is feeding and feels comfortable, your guide will make sure that it is the male that is been monitored on the trail cam. He will first look if he can see the prominent yellow testicals on the cat to determine gender, he will then look at the thickness of the tail, the length of the cat, the arch of the cats back, the weight of the cats shoulder, thickness of the neck and the size of the ears compared to the head, this factors will be used to determine the cats maturity. The guides have years of experience and will give the green light if they feel this cat is a mature 7 year old plus trophy leopard male. He will the indicate to the client to get ready to take the shot. Once the Leopard is feeding and the client is ready and can clearly see the Leopard (Take note of how the leopard is sitting on the bait and listen to your PH’s advice as to where to aim. Studying the anatomy of the leopard is essential.) the guide will decide on the right moment for the client to take the shot.
We take great care to ensure that all these important details are covered, to give you the best opportunity to take a once in a life time Big Tom.
What are the risks of Leopard hunting?
Leopard hunting can be a dangerous activity, as these large carnivores are known for their strength, agility, and unpredictable behaviour. There are also ethical considerations surrounding leopard hunting, as many people find the practice to be morally objectionable.
How does Leopard hunting impact conservation efforts?
Leopard hunting can have both positive and negative impacts on conservation efforts. On the one hand, regulated hunting can provide revenue for conservation programs and incentivize landowners to maintain wildlife habitats. On the other hand, there are concerns that hunting can lead to overhunting and can have negative impacts on leopard populations. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the potential impacts of leopard hunting and to ensure that it is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Leopard Hunting Permits and Rules
The United States, as well as some other countries, require a CITES permit for the importation of a Leopard hunting trophy, which ideally should be applied for before the Leopard hunt takes place.
An application for a predator trophy hunting permit must be submitted to the Permit Office of the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) 14 days before the hunt commences. A copy of the passport of the trophy hunter must be attached to the application for a predator trophy hunting permit. Namibia does not allow bowhunting Leopard as dangerous game species cannot be hunted in Namibia by bow.
Predator trophy hunting may not take place during the period between 30 minutes after sunset in any day and 30 minutes before sunrise the following day and artificial light is prohibited. Only free roaming, self-sustaining and adult predators may be hunted as trophies with a minimum skull measurement of 32cm for a Leopard. A female Leopard may not be hunted as a trophy. A predator may be stalked, tracked or ambushed, but dogs or horses may not be used to hunt it. A Leopard may be baited, but a live animal may not be used as bait.
Important You need to have a CITES import permit approved from country of origin, before you hunt the animal. It is advisable to apply well in advance because the process can take up to 90 days for approval. ALSO the country where you shoot the Leopard will not issue you with and export permit unless you have your import permit in hand!
Leopard Anatomy
Description:
Distinguished by its exceptionally beautiful, black-spotted coat, the leopard (Panthera Pardus) is also recognized for its supreme stealth and its remarkable versatility.
The leopard has an average body length of 140 – 230 cm. Their tail length reaches 70 – 95 cm. At shoulder height they stand 45 – 80 cm tall. Males are heavier, weighing around 45 – 85 kg while the females average 25 – 45 kg.
An individual leopard can potentially live up to 20 years. The leopard gestation period is between 90 – 100 days (3 months).
Despite being the smallest of the ‘big cats’, the leopard is the most widespread of all the wild cat species, and is well known for the variety of prey it takes, as well as its ability to occupy a range of habitats, from deserts and mountains to jungles and swamps. These predators adapt well to their environment, and use their muscular rigour to bring down their prey.
The leopard can be individually identified by its spot pattern. Its distinctive black spots contrast with the pale background coat colour and the white underparts. Small, solid black spots mark the head, throat, chest and lower limbs, with larger black patches on the belly. The leopard’s back, flanks and upper limbs are patterned with pale-centred rosettes, which vary greatly in shape and size. There is huge variation in coat colour, pattern and body size across the leopard’s range, and the appearance of this species is often associated with its habitat.
Leopards inhabiting savanna regions have a reddish or yellow-brown body, while desert leopards are usually pale cream or yellow-brown. Leopards from cooler regions generally appear greyer, and rainforest and high-mountain leopards typically have dark golden coats. Leopards that live in more open country tend to be larger than individuals that live in forests.
A superb predator, the leopard has a long, well-muscled body, thick, short limbs, and broad, powerful paws. Its powerful jaws enable it to kill and dismember prey, while particularly long, sensitive whiskers allow the leopard to ‘feel’ its way as it hunts at night. Several long hairs in the eyebrows help protect the eyes from vegetation as it moves through the undergrowth. The leopard is also an extremely agile climber, with heavily-muscled shoulders and forelimbs which aids it in climbing, pinning down prey and hauling prey into trees.
Habitat:
Dense bush in rocky surroundings and riverine forest are their favourite habitats, but leopards adapt to many places in both warm and cold climates. Their adaptability, in fact, has helped them survive the loss of habitat to increasing human settlement. Leopards are primarily nocturnal, usually resting during the daytime in trees or thick bush. The spotted coat provides almost perfect camouflage.
Behaviour:
When a leopard stalks its prey, it keeps a low profile and slinks through the grass or bush until it is close enough to launch an attack. When not hunting, it can move through herds of antelopes without unduly disturbing them by flipping its tail over its back to reveal the white underside, a sign that it is not seeking prey.
Leopards are basically solitary and go out of their way to avoid one another. Each animal has a home range that overlaps with its neighbours; the males’ range is much larger and generally overlaps with those of several females. A leopard usually does not tolerate intrusion into its own range except to mate. Unexpected encounters between leopards can lead to fights.
Leopards growl and spit with a screaming roar of fury when angry and they purr when content. They announce their presence to other leopards with a rasping or sawing cough. They have a good sense of smell and mark their ranges with urine; they also leave claw marks on trees to warn other leopards to stay away.
Leopards continually move about their home ranges, seldom staying in an area for more than two or three days at a time. With marking and calling, they usually know one another’s whereabouts. A male will accompany a female in estrus for a week or so before they part and return to solitude.
Diet:
The leopard is a cunning, stealthy hunter, and its prey ranges from strong-scented carrion, fish, reptiles and birds to mammals such as rodents, hares, hyraxes, warthogs, antelopes, monkeys and baboons.
