Still Waiting (and Baiting) for Leopard

by
posted on June 3, 2014
gunclub2015_fs.jpg (18)

undefinedI'm learning that hunting leopard requires a great deal of patience mixed with a healthy dose of optimism. PH Jamy Traut and I checked the bait in the creek bottom this morning, and even though the cat's activity at the site two nights ago showed great promise, there was no further sign this morning. Still, says Jamy, there is a good chance the leopard will feed and give me a shot before my safari comes to an end in a mere few days.

To improve our odds at bagging a cat, Jamy and another PH hung baits on a farm in the Great Escarpment, a rocky region just to the east of the Namib Desert and about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from base camp at Panorama. We checked three of the six baits this afternoon. There were leopard tracks at two of them, yet neither of the cats fed on the zebra meat hanging from the trees. Jamy says leopard living in this area have plenty of food--rock hyrax, steenbok, assorted birds, etc.--and are "spoiled." In other words, they aren't going hungry and view the bait with skepticism.

We remain hopeful. A lot can happen in three days in Namibia.

Latest

Screwworm Larva LEDE
Screwworm Larva LEDE

Invasive Screwworm Threat Headed for Our Southern Border

A New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak in Mexico has raised alarms at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The impact on livestock and wildlife—including game animals—could be devastating if the flying insect and the flesh-eating maggots it produces are not kept out.

The Bear Hunt That Went Bust—But Made Big History

The story of Holt Collier, the bear guide for President Theodore Roosevelt on his famous 1902 Mississippi hunt.

First Look: Zink Strikers and Box Call

Zink has announced the addition of two top-of-the-line tools to their turkey-calling lineup, the Thunder Ridge Pro Series Strikers and the premium Ridge Talker Box Call—both of which deliver true-to-life sounds that promise to quickly bring the woods to life.

Behind the Bullet: .33 Winchester

Phil Massaro dives into the history and performance of the .33 Winchester.

New for 2025: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Springfield Armory has announced the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker, a compact chassis-based rifle crafted for shooters who demand bolt-action precision and AR-style modularity in one uncompromising, suppressor-ready platform.

Selway Wilderness Outfitters: Your Gateway to the Backcountry

Looking for a new place to chase elk, deer, bear, mountain lion or wolvers, or even do some fishing in the offseason? Want to do it in the heart of Idaho's backcountry, far from towns or even road access? Check out Selway Wilderness Outfitters.



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.