I have only hunter leopard once and was very successful. We hunted hard for 7 days and killed the leopard in daylight after sitting in the blind the first time and for only 3 hours.

Here is the complete story. There is nothing for sale on the site, it is just for my personal hunting.

http://www.cowislandoutdoors.com/Africa.php


1. Current prices for a 12-14 day hunt seem to be all over the board, as low as $8000 to as high as $20K. Why the great disparity?

Prices vary greatly between areas and countries. A Tanzania leopard will cost you north of $50,000.00. In Zambia a good area will run around $35,000, the $6000.00 concession fee is a killer. A good hunt in Zimbabwe will run around a $1000-$1100 per day for 14-15 days and a $4000 trophy fee, plus baits, transfer, etc.

2. What is a reasonable expectation of taking a leopard? How do you find out without sorting thru mounds of outfitter BS?

If you choose a proper outfitter in a good area with a good PH you should expect to take a leopard on a 15 day hunt. I believe Shaun Buffee told me he was successful on every leopard hunt he made except for one and the client left early on the hunt. IIRC in his young career he has hunted nearly 30 leopards. No easy way to sort through the good and bad outfitters. The forums help. Going to the shows help.

3. Assuming I want to hunt in 2013, how much lead time do outfitters need to line up permits, CITES stuff, etc.? Is a year's lead time reasonable, or do I need to allow for more time?

I finalized my hunt at DSC convention in January (I reserved a leopard hunt about two months earlier) and hunted in April/May of the same year.


4. How would you rate countries as to their ability to consistently produce good leopards, at some reasonable hunt price?

For the price Zim is hard to beat. Zambia and Tanzania also produce nice cats. I have had no interest in Namibia and South Africa so maybe somebody else could weigh in on those countries.


5. Every once in a while, some outfitter will post a smoking deal on a leopard, at a lowball price. Can these hunts be trusted?

Depends on the outfitter and PH. The good guys typically sell out by the SCI show. The real good guys could sell out for two years. You may luck out with a cancellation in a good area.

These are some good areas in no particular order.

Save Valley Conservancy:
Mokore Safaris: Any of the Duckworths are excellent hunters
Zambezi Hunters: A friend of mine loves these guys (PH Thierry Labat) and has killed three leopards.
There are many other good operators on the save such as Brooklands, CM Safaris, and Roger Whittal Safaris.

Omay Communal Areas: Martin Pieters Safaris

Bubye Valley Conservancy:
Shaun Buffee Safaris
John Sharp Safaris
Brent Hein Safaris
Pete Fick Safaris

CM Safaris operation in Dande

Walker Watson Safaris: Cliff Walker

And many others reputable Zim companies with reputable PHs. (Gavin Rorke, Peter Barnard, HHK, Chifuti)

There are areas to avoid.

Gwayi River is one. It is stolen land and illegal to import trophies to the US.

Other than Matetsi One (Mabalengwe) and Matetsi Three (HHK) be very cautious of the other Matetsi Areas.

Another thing to consider. If you hunt a conservancy or a communal area you can hunt at night. Safari areas in Zim are daylight only afairs. This affects your chances. The cats in the lowveld (Save and Bubye) are generally bigger than the Zambezi Valley cats and they are much smarter as for years they were considered vermin and shot on sight.

Book with a reputable Zim company with Zimbabwe licensed PHs and you will have taken the first step to enjoying a good hunt.

Good luck with your adventure.

Last edited by Mike70560; 02/18/12.