RickP,
I respect your thoughts, and honestly appreciate your stance in that we hunt for the experience of the hunt. The trophy at the end of the day is ultimately an added appreciation to a good hunt. I for one am not the type who would hunt small, high fenced properties and pay extra because my deers antler was an inch larger than id hoped for.
I must however inform you that these type of hunts are not completely what one may think of the "GAME of bigger costs more".
The reserves in these areas are all large, unfenced and free range concessions open to large national parks and hunted under fair chase conditions. All of the reserves have scientifically allocated quotas of certain sized old buffalo bulls in order to- 1. create funds for the reserves maintenance and anti poaching and 2. manage the and maintain the fantastic quality of game these areas all have.
Note that there are "unrestricted bulls" to hunt which will allow the hunter to shoot a mature buffalo of any size he wishes be it 34" or 44".
The "Dagga bulls & Classic bulls" are not to be discredited, but play an important part in managing the trophy quality in the reserves as they are more affordable to those who wish just to hunt for a mature bull and enjoy the experience of a great buffalo hunt. These hunts also ensure that the reserves do not "over shoot" all the top genetic bulls and maintain great quality for the future. I fully support these management policies and stand by it firmly.
At the end of the day sir, it is every hunter to themselves. I will guide a hunter with pleasure who books to hunt a "Dagga Bull" with me, be it because he/she finds it more financially attractive, or is just wanting to experience the thrill of a buffalo hunt.
Again, I fully respect your approach to a hunt and appreciate it. If you are one who would like to hunt a free range buffalo without "restrictions" then I would like to invite you to come to one of my other concession which is in Mozambique bordering the same national park. My buffalo here are going for $25,000 all in, and you are welcome to hunt any bull, be it 34" or 44".
Best regards
Alex