What has happened to Africa.

Ever sat in the bush near a dying campfire, in the small hours, whilst being on camp-watch

Listening to the sounds of the bush

Then firing up a thermal ?

It is quite extraordinary

Second only to bundu bashing (at night) in an open top jeep

j
 
or lamps! Most Leopard shot have a hole in their paws

S
Having been an avid reader of all things African pertaining to hunting since I was a young boy I too have seen the progression from hunting/stalking leopards to baits, then baits at night in torchlight, then using hounds and of course next will be thermals and will be seen as normal.
 
Having been an avid reader of all things African pertaining to hunting since I was a young boy I too have seen the progression from hunting/stalking leopards to baits, then baits at night in torchlight, then using hounds and of course next will be thermals and will be seen as normal.
I might be wrong but I thing leopards have always been hunted over baits and the use of hounds is one of the most thrilling ways to hunt dangerous game.

I wouldn't want to lamp one but equally have never seen it offered or written about
 
I wouldn't want to lamp one but equally have never seen it offered or written about



On any of the African hunting forums there have been many instances of shooting reports of leopards on bait from blinds and with the light being turned on. Below are three separate excerpts from a quick search.

Leopard hunting over bait in day and night time​

These hunts are done over bait and blind, but the leopard can be hunted at night with artificial light. These hunts are conducted on private land or communal land, where this practice is permitted.

Shooting at night is perfectly legal in some areas, questionable in others, and absolutely illegal in some jurisdictions‚ Ķbut, whether in moonlight or with artificial light, the shot is more difficult at night and it is also more difficult to determine sex and size.


After that I hunted more leopards, but I have never had the desire to do it again with hounds. I am glad for the experience, and I like dogs. But I think that a leopard does not deserve this humiliation. Call me a sentimental fool. All my subsequent leopard hunts were done in a modified classical method, that is, from a blind over bait, but using artificial illumination or light enhancement.

Edited to add. Btw the leopard is/was regarded as one of the Big Five, many today just want something tangible and dont give a duck how they get it.

People of certain ethnicity have been well known to shoot quail in stubble paddocks at night...there is no honour it seems.
 
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Leopard hunting over bait in day and night time​

These hunts are done over bait and blind, but the leopard can be hunted at night with artificial light. These hunts are conducted on private land or communal land, where this practice is permitted.

Shooting at night is perfectly legal in some areas, questionable in others, and absolutely illegal in some jurisdictions‚ Ķbut, whether in moonlight or with artificial light, the shot is more difficult at night and it is also more difficult to determine sex and size.


After that I hunted more leopards, but I have never had the desire to do it again with hounds. I am glad for the experience, and I like dogs. But I think that a leopard does not deserve this humiliation. Call me a sentimental fool. All my subsequent leopard hunts were done in a modified classical method, that is, from a blind over bait, but using artificial illumination or light enhancement.

Edited to add. Btw the leopard is/was regarded as one of the Big Five, many today just want something tangible and dont give a duck how they get it.

People of certain ethnicity have been well known to shoot quail in stubble paddocks at night...there is no honour it seems.
Is that your experience or cut and paste?

.....any way my point was I think leopard gave always been hunted over baits and with hounds....not stalked.

I do agree with you about thermals being an abomination. I'd ban them for all shooting except urban or sensitive pest control done by professionals
 
ffs man, in context of your original line above it was demonstrative to let you know that it actually does happen.
Knowledge is no weight to carry, you need to beef up.
I wasn't trying to be clever.... I'm sure lots of things do happen. I was genuinely asking if you were writing about your own experiences hunting leopard with hounds....

My point was leopards aren't commonly hunted with lights....but have always been hunted with hounds and on baits.

Leopard quota is rare and expensive so the safari industry tends to hunt them correctly to give the proper experience of hunting them..... and that's with bait or hounds 👌

But I get your point about thermals etc....lol.....hard work this
 
I wasn't trying to be clever.... I'm sure lots of things do happen. I was genuinely asking if you were writing about your own experiences hunting leopard with hounds....

My point was leopards aren't commonly hunted with lights....but have always been hunted with hounds and on baits.

Leopard quota is rare and expensive so the safari industry tends to hunt them correctly to give the proper experience of hunting them..... and that's with bait or hounds 👌

But I get your point about thermals etc....lol.....hard work this
No
 
.....any way my point was I think leopard gave always been hunted over baits and with hounds....not stalked.

I do agree with you about thermals being an abomination. I'd ban them for all shooting except urban or sensitive pest control done by professionals
Odd that, as I’d keep thermals but ban the use of hounds unless tracking post shot.

To me - baying hounds are the lazy approach over having to stalk and approach a beastie quietly….you still need to do the leg work with thermal.

Regards,
Gixer
 
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