Newbie Cape Buffalo Question

[WAB]

Not even 30 but to me an exceptional trophyView attachment 489281

That is an outstanding trophy, well done!

 

[Traveler1]

I don't know Traveler1, I will enquire for you.

Kevin,
Here is the Judge. The picture was taken in July/Aug 1984 at the Tourist Office in Hwange National Park. That is Paul Huggins with me.

Kelley

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

What a memento, it is probably still there?

 

[Sideshow]

We stalked on seven herds before we found a non-trophy - now it was down to the second last day. The stalk got us to about 130 metres, then open ground so that was it. The four bulls milled around under their shade tree, we thought the one was sub 36", but my PH wasnt certain He just wouldn't look straight at us for a good gauge on the ears. Then thet lay down and went to sleep. Still we stood behind that little bush waiting and waiting. "What happens if I shoot him and he is just over 36"? I asked. "Then it is 8 grand", he replied. Not him you understand, but the concession owner was strict he said. So we waited some more and just before I stiffened totally they stood up. Mine looked straight at us, the PH did his thing through his Swaros and said "shoot". The buff heard, wheeled to his left and was about to take off, and I fired. All hell broke loose, but I had buggared up the shot, damn, and it would be tomorrow and plenty of heart pounding before this encounter would end... That is another story.
So in summary Machinistbutler, a PH can gauge pretty accurately and, yes, you pay if you misjudge!

Hey Kevin you have a link to the rest of that story sounds just what I’m looking for in a Buff hunt cheers

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Hi Sideshow, I wrote it up as a word document for our Carruthers book and havent figured out how to attach it here, but if you pm me your email address I will send it to you. Regards, Kevin.

 

[Rare Breed]

Hey guys, I've searched the site to try and find the answer but haven't quite found a picture of what im looking for.. I read the judging cape buffalo thread and learned a lot about it but my question is basically is a 37 inch cape buffalo a small bull? Average? I ask because on our upcoming trip my dad has a buffalo hunt for a 37 inch bull and can upgrade but I believe it's about $7000 to go from a 37 to a 40 inch bull. Ive come to understand that width doesn't equate to a trophy especially when the bull is young and his boss isn't hardened and wide but width is obviously impressive. So I guess after all the rambling I am hoping someone has a pic of a 37 inch bull for me to see vs a 40? Would it be worth $7000 to get an extra 3 inches? Are there 37 inch bulls that are still impressive trophies to take home? Thanks for any help and sorry if this has come up before!

You are hearing what most of us think…no size limitations, experience worth more than size, older warrior bull past breeding. I was fortunate to get all three producing the attached 43+ bull you see for $8,000. Every year is different for pricing. I hunted during COVID years where there were strong discounts. I recommend realizing prices need to be a little higher due to inflation pressures but hopefully you see my point

 

[Nevada Mike]

I know little about hunting buff... I've only shot three. It is great fun with a touch of danger when following up. A legit PH/operation will only allow you to shoot an old bull that is past breeding prime.

Here are two old bulls - the first is about 11 years old and about 37", the second about 10 years old and 38-1/2" wide.

 

[Rare Breed]

Good Day Browens

Good luck with your your upcoming trip.Hunting buffalo is always a great experience.

Here is a pic of a 40" for your reference.

In my opinion the PH should always have the last say in judging animals but keep in mind it's not an exact science.So with us if we shoot something bigger it's no issue and you pay for what you wanted and agreed on.

Also keep in mind that SA game farmers have done very well in breeding back the bigger animals that might have been around years ago.Those genes are available on more and more hunting areas and if you take good care of them by not always shooting the biggest animal but let them mature naturally these genes are past on.I can promise you that there are very good properties in SA that will give a you a great buff hunting experience.

I will also add a pic of a bull on our 10 000 acres property that we estimate to be above 47".He is not totally hard and we will not hunt him until then.Looks like he is walking with few cows and hopefully passing on his genes until he gets pushed out by another stronger bull.

View attachment 385604

View attachment 385605

Regards

Rouan

The bull I showed and my comments came from hunting with these two awesome people and PHs at TSALA!!! I will be hunting hopefully for my third bull with them in 2024. To me there hunting model is exactly like they describe and the experience was incredible!!!