Once a big-cat hunt begins, outcomes are shaped primarily by ecological and environmental factors rather than preparation alone. Readiness determines whether a team can operate competently, but operational reality is governed by animal behaviour, landscape, and conditions that evolve continuously. Solitary big cats occur at low density and occupy defined home ranges that shift over time. At any given moment, a suitable animal may or may not be present within the accessible area. This variability is fundamental to wild systems and is the primary reason outcomes differ between hunts conducted under similar conditions. Time in the field does not progress in a predictable or linear way. Extended periods without usable spoor or visible movement are normal. Activity tends to occur in brief, irregular windows influenced by weather, prey movement, and human presence. Progress is episodic rather than cumulative. Hounds expand detection capability by increasing the area and conditions under which cats can be located. Their role is to interpret the landscape through scent and movement rather than to guarantee location. In many cases, hounds confirm absence as clearly as presence, providing accurate information on how the system is functioning at that time. Operational decisions are made continuously and often under time pressure. Choices regarding spoor quality, pursuit duration, and whether to disengage are informed by hound condition, environmental factors, and long-term area considerations. Passing opportunities or calling off a run is a normal part of operating responsibly in these environments. Weather and substrate exert constant influence on both animal movement and human activity. Wind, heat, rainfall, and ground conditions affect track visibility, scenting, and endurance. Adaptation to changing conditions is routine and integral to field operations. Human activity forms part of the landscape within which big cats operate. Land use, seasonal movement of people and livestock, and external pressures influence cat behaviour and spatial use. These influences vary over time and require ongoing adjustment rather than fixed planning assumptions.