Both leopard and lion are most commonly hunted using baits. Baits will be shot in the form of impala or much smaller game for leopard, and in the case of lion more substantial bait is used like buffalo, elephant legs, giraffe or other larger antelope.

A series of baits will be hung in areas we know the cats move and then they will be checked on a daily basis. It is important when setting the baits to set a line through good hunting so that other game may be hunted while checking the baits.

Once the cat has fed on the bait, a blind is erected and the hunters sit in the late evening or the early morning, depending on when we think the cats will have been feeding... this is the most difficult part... to be absolutely silent in the blind for a few hours is not easy.

Ideal shot placement for leopard hunting.

Ideal shot placement for lion hunting.

I recommend bringing a good book to read in this scenario maybe even a gameboy!! Of course it must be a silent model. Fleece is very quiet clothing and will allow for more silent movement than ordinary cotton clothing. It can get chilly in the blind so some warm clothing is a must.

For your cat you will need some expanding bullets. Neither leopard nor lion are heavy boned or thick skinned and a well placed shot will always drop them in their tracks(unusual for african game).