To all you outfitters/PHs and hunters who have done so, when is the best time to hunt leopard over bait: during the dark of the moon or during the full moon?
I don't remember if there was a moon or not when I took my leopard. He came during day light and the last thing on my mind at the time was the moon.
The leopard was an extra quota and so we baited for one once we found spoor. He came, we oogled him, video'd him and then I shot him. It really takes your breath away when they come during day light.
-------------------- ~Ann
Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.
The lore I have heard says that the cats are less successful hunting in the dark of the moon so more likely to hit the bait. I can neither confirm nor deny that, although I hunted at that time and they did hit the bait (just not until after dark). On the other hand, where it is legal it would be easier to see to shoot one in the light of a full moon. We sat until I could not see the tree with my naked eye some nights.
I've hunted them at all phases of the moon and find that if you do it right, they'll come to bait whatever the moon phase and if you do it wrong, they won't come at all whatever the phase of the moon...... There's a lot of tricks but I've found that one of the most important is to put a roof on the blind......