Zambia Buffalo hunt Chifunda expectations

[Jetjockey]

We are a little less than 1 year away from a 10 day buff/plains game hunt in the Chifunda concession of the Luangwa valley. This will be my first Buffalo hunt, and I’m wondering what my expectation should be on what size buff to hold out for? I know there are big Buffalo there, but are they common, or just run across on rare occasions?

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

The real trophy is a really old bull despite the width.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

The real trophy is a really old bull despite the width.

+1

 

[WAB]

I totally agree with Kevin. However, you are correct, the genetics in the Luangwa valley are very good.

Personally I’d rather shoot a scrum cap than anything at this point. However, where you are going the chance for an old worn down dugga boy that still pushes 40” is a real possibility. Personally, I would try not to shoot
An 8 yr old herd bull even if he sports 46” horns.

 

[Rare Breed]

It’s tough on your first hunt. I well remember. Typically you are looking for at least 40 inches wide and a hard boss mature bull. My first was mature and almost 44 inches wide far exceeding my expectations. After you take your first, you will find taking an older bull regardless of width becomes more appealing for you as it now does me. For my next hunt to Zim I want really heavy boss not concerned about the length. Hope this helps

 

[Rare Breed]

Width

 

[Firebird]

This is definitely a conversation to have with your ph. Find out what is the real expectation in that specific area. Then temper your dreams accordingly. A scrum cap or one horn is very cool, but is that the one you want for your first and possibly only Buffalo bull? One way or another make sure your ph knows your feelings on the matter.
I agree-the preparation and effort put into the hunt have as much value as the shoulder mount at the end of it

 

[Jetjockey]

It’s tough on your first hunt. I well remember. Typically you are looking for at least 40 inches wide and a hard boss mature bull. My first was mature and almost 44 inches wide far exceeding my expectations. After you take your first, you will find taking an older bull regardless of width becomes more appealing for you as it now does me. For my next hunt to Zim I want really heavy boss not concerned about the length. Hope this helps

Thank you, that’s more along the lines of what I’m looking for.
Here in Colorado, we have hunting areas where you shoot the first legal bull elk you see. We have other areas where you don’t waste a tag on anything less than 330inches I know the area we will be hunting has big Buffalo, and I’ll probably shoot the animal my PH tells me to shoot after I’ve explained what Im looking for, but short of flying out there to judge really Buffalo, Im just trying to get a feel of what to expect. I don’t want to shoot a good Buffalo on day one when I could wait a couple of days, and have a good chance at a great Buffalo.

 

[Frederik]

Jetjockey, I see a few post doing rounds on how succesful everyone has been on buffalo really and it seems that hunters don't always connect and talk about it.
So the buff can be there but the bush could still be thick and difficult to hunt. Luck also a big role in it when on that first day the PH gets exited about the buff don't question him.

If I was you and really wanted to make sure to get a proper buffalo I would rather ask in advance for an extra tag just in case and save up for it since you are still a year out. Just in case you take a monster and bumb into an even bigger monster. Just imagine twice the fun on buffalo.

 

[BRICKBURN]

That is trophy hunting.

Look up the photos of the Buffalo taken in the area you will hunt. From there determine what you like and go hunt for it. Put the effort in and hunt hard and you’ll at minimum come away with a hell of an experience.
Good luck finding the bull of your dreams.

 

[mark-hunter]

You may ask the outfitter to send you the photos of buffalo from the area. And what size of horn you can expect.

 

[DLSJR]

You’ll get a good buffalo but more importantly, you’re going to have a very nice hunt. Johnny DuPlooy is a first rate PH and just a really good guy. Chifunda is a good area, so I suggest you explain your situation and what you’re generally hoping for and then trust Johnny’s judgement. He will take great care of you.

 

[375Fox]

Like others have said you need to ask your PH for photos of buffalo taken from area. Some areas 40” is an exceptional bull and some it can be an expectation. Luangwa is known for good buffalo, but only your PH can really answer. Also, there are many factors in a wilderness hunt. Buffalo numbers will change in concession daily and at different times of year. Hunting in May(?) could be a difficult hunt because the vegetation isn’t down yet like later in year. Sometimes you can hunt for an exceptional bull and sometimes passing any hard bossed bull might be a mistake. In general, anything over 38” is considered a nice trophy and under 35/36 is considered a non-trophy. Anything above 42 should be considered a great bull. Planning to hold out for above 40” and harvesting a 44” bull will only be predictable on a game farm (except for a few premier areas). There is a huge difference between hunting a game farm and wild area. You take what conditions at the time actually allow.

 

[IdaRam]

Hi Jetjockey and welcome to AH. A few random thoughts for you to ponder that may be helpful as you prepare for your buff hunt.
Your 10 days in the Luangwa is going to fly by way too quickly! It does for all of us. You mentioned you will be hunting buff and PG. How many plains game animals are you hoping for and how important are they to you? It is really easy to burn up a week or more chasing buffalo no matter how good the area. A 40 inch (or close to it) hard bossed bull is a great buffalo just about anywhere. If you are prepared to pass on this caliber of bull early in the hunt in hopes of something really special, you should also be prepared to go home empty handed or accept something less late in the hunt. If you‘re not you should shoot that bull if an opportunity presents itself. If some of you PG animals are high on your list and very important to you, you better allocate some time for those too.
Hunting buffalo in a wild area is a special experience and one to be cherished just for the experience itself. It can also be uncertain depending on many factors. Sometimes the buff just don’t cooperate. Sometimes everything just falls into place like magic. You might get shot opportunities practically on a daily basis, or you might spend the whole hunt working your butt off and finally be rewarded on day 10 with your only chance. That is buff hunting. It happens.
Will you be hunting 1 on 1 or 2 on 1 with your PH? This obviously may enter into the calculus. And if so, is your hunting partner also hunting buff?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and your PH by setting an expectation that may be difficult to meet. Setting a goal of a 40 inch hard bossed bull in a good area is reasonable, but it ain’t a chip shot. Not trying to discourage you, just hoping to help make sure you are well informed going in. And I think you are wise to be doing your homework well before your hunt. For all of us there is a first time going after any particular species of game and we don’t know what we don't know!
Best wishes on your hunt and I hope you will post a nice write up next year after you return.

 

[PeteG]

We are a little less than 1 year away from a 10 day buff/plains game hunt in the Chifunda concession of the Luangwa valley. This will be my first Buffalo hunt, and I’m wondering what my expectation should be on what size buff to hold out for? I know there are big Buffalo there, but are they common, or just run across on rare occasions?

Chifunda does produce some fantastic buff, i reckon you would be able to find a 40"+ mature bull in your 10 days.
as has been mentioned, ensure you chat to your operator and ph about your expectation.
When you hunt also has an impact on your options. Early season hunts can be tough due to the long grass.
Who have you booked/hunting with?

You’ll get a good buffalo but more importantly, you’re going to have a very nice hunt. Johnny DuPlooy is a first rate PH and just a really good guy. Chifunda is a good area, so I suggest you explain your situation and what you’re generally hoping for and then trust Johnny’s judgement. He will take great care of you.

@DLSJR Johnny is great, but i dont know if he is hunting chifunda next year.
I had a few extra days spare between hunts in chifunda last july/august and went with him after lion, roan and buff. We spent a bunch of time assessing a large herd of buff for his client. Very enjoyable and knowledgable

 

[Rare Breed]

Like others have said you need to ask your PH for photos of buffalo taken from area. Some areas 40” is an exceptional bull and some it can be an expectation. Luangwa is known for good buffalo, but only your PH can really answer. Also, there are many factors in a wilderness hunt. Buffalo numbers will change in concession daily and at different times of year. Hunting in May(?) could be a difficult hunt because the vegetation isn’t down yet like later in year. Sometimes you can hunt for an exceptional bull and sometimes passing any hard bossed bull might be a mistake. In general, anything over 38” is considered a nice trophy and under 35/36 is considered a non-trophy. Anything above 42 should be considered a great bull. Planning to hold out for above 40” and harvesting a 44” bull will only be predictable on a game farm (except for a few premier areas). There is a huge difference between hunting a game farm and wild area. You take what conditions at the time actually allow.

+1 on 375Fox