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Big Cat Hunting

Big Cat Hunting in Mozambique or Zimbabwe

Wilma Worsley

9/20/20261 min read

Choosing the Right Animal

Choosing the right animal is an important part of a responsible hunting safari and can take a considerable amount of time. The aim is not simply to take the first animal that appears in front of the camera or rifle. Instead, the focus is on carefully selecting a suitable, fully mature animal.

If a guest wishes to hunt a leopard or lion, suitable locations are first selected where bait can be placed and trail cameras installed. The camera footage is then checked daily. This allows us to determine whether a leopard or lion is taking the bait and which individual animal is regularly visiting the site.

Particular attention is paid to the animal’s sex, age, and physical condition. The Professional Hunter is responsible for assessing the animal and deciding whether it is a suitable animal to hunt. Females are not hunted. Likewise, young male leopards or lions that are still in their prime breeding and reproductive years are not selected as targets. Instead, the focus is on an older, fully mature male that meets the relevant criteria.

In addition, in Mozambique, lions belonging to an established pride are not selected as targets. No lion is hunted if its removal could negatively impact the social structure or stability of the pride.

This approach requires patience, experience, and an in-depth knowledge of the wildlife. Only once the Professional Hunter is satisfied that an animal meets the relevant criteria will a hunt for that individual be considered. This careful process is intended to ensure that the hunt is conducted in a targeted and responsible manner.