Buff and ??, advice

13 January 2013, 03:36

LittleJoe

Buff and ??, advice

Headed to SCI in a week or so and my goal is to line up a Buff hunt for my 40th birthday in two years.

I have been on two very successful plains game hunts in RSA and Botswana. I just cannot go back without pursuing buff. I have an addiction for them.

I am wondering what is a good combo with buff other than just plains game.

I had thought Buff/Tuskless, Hippo, Sable, etc but want opinions from those that have been there and done that.

I don't have much desire for Croc at this point for some reason but very intrigued by Hippo.

I think Tuskless would be the ultimate in up close as I know that financially I will never be able to afford a trophy ele safari.

Your advice and opinions are appreciated.

Justin

LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show.
Not all who wander are lost.
NEVER TRUST A FART!!!
Cecil Leonard

13 January 2013, 03:44

Todd Williams

I've done a couple of buff/tuskless hunts and they offer quite a bit of excitement. Highly recommend them if you want to pursue something other than PG. I've also done buff/leopard but that is a different ball of wax altogether.

Buff/tuskless will be lots of tracking and action up close. Buff/leopard will likely be get the buff on the ground quickly then hanging baits, driving in the cruiser for hours and days on end checking baits, building and sitting in blinds. The leopard trophy is better but it isn't as much action.

Hippo in the water isn't much sport quite frankly.

13 January 2013, 06:42

Marty

Definitely buff/tuskless in Zim if you want action. Usually, you will buy seven days for each species, so will work for a nice, logical 14 day safari. Most likely these will both be tracking hunts, and in the valley it will probably be up close and personal. Depending on the area, there will be some PG available as well.
The boys at CM Safaris would be a good place to start looking, but there are several fine operators.

13 January 2013, 07:00

shootaway

Lion,leopard,buff,ele, plainsgame,individually or combined all make great hunts,IMO, BUT,two very important things are area and PH.If the area is good and has quality trophies and the PH is ``into it`` and you are in good shape,you have the ingredients for something good.BTW,if you are going to hunt mainly buff,do a double or triple buff hunt if you have the funds.Going over there for one buff is crap.

Charl van Rooyen
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13 January 2013, 09:59

LittleJoe

Charl, PM returned.

Thanks for the suggestions.

What is reasonable on timing for buff, second species like tuskless and plains game? 10, 12, 14 or more days?

Will most places allow two buff? I would gladly hunt two buff and plains game and not worry about ele or hippo on this trip if possible.

13 January 2013, 14:37

Thierry Labat

Hi Justin,

Double buff in an area that has quality and quantity of buff would be a lot of fun too. I'll be in Reno if you are keen to meet?

Cheers

Website: www.thierrylabat.com

13 January 2013, 15:45

tendrams

quote:
Originally posted by Thierry Labat:
Hi Justin,

Double buff in an area that has quality and quantity of buff would be a lot of fun too. I'll be in Reno if you are keen to meet?

Cheers

This. A buff tuskless would be great too. I also think you are wise to pass on the leopard this trip. You do not want to spend your 40th whacking the first decent buff you spot and then watching meat rot for 12 more days. Would be great to get a cat, but a major bummer to go home empty on your 40th.

JMHO

13 January 2013, 17:05

shootaway

A double buff and a tuskless looks interesting.Also if you combine animals like you said above it may end up costing you close to the price of an ele bull hunt,IMO.

13 January 2013, 18:32

Buzz Charlton

Hi Justin!

Hard to beat a buff tuskless plains game with a spot of tiger fishing on the Zambezi to celebrate the big 40! See you in Reno we are booth #2649 Cheers Buzz

13 January 2013, 18:40

bwana cecil

Little Joe
I'm doing a double buff hunt with Thierry in July.
Because of quota issues, it will be a bull & cow combo, I don't care, I just want to hunt buff!
Check with Alistair Poole at Zambezi Hunters in Reno.

LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show.
Not all who wander are lost.
NEVER TRUST A FART!!!
Cecil Leonard

13 January 2013, 19:16

Marty

Whatever you choose, you will have a great time. I am a bit jealous, I didn't go to Africa until I was 48. So much to do, so little time (and money.)
I booked an ele bull for my 60th next year, you see where this will lead....

13 January 2013, 20:25

LittleJoe

Thierry, look forward to chatting at SCI.

Buzz, I definitely want to hunt ele with you once in my life.

I am justifying this safari with my wife as my bday present. She just shakes her head right now and politely reminds me we are running out of room but knows and understands that Africa is my passion and obsession.

Buff is by far my top priority right now. I am so so intrigued by them. Cannot watch and learn enough about them.

Website: www.thierrylabat.com

14 January 2013, 01:22

Blank

Justin: Get together with David and I in Reno and will intro you to my hunting partners. Have to admit that my buff/tuskless in the Valley was fantastic, and hunting tuskless in herds is possibly the most exciting hunt I have ever done.. I would hunt them every year if possible!

14 January 2013, 01:25

LittleJoe

Sounds good. Chatted with David today. Look forward to meeting you as well. I am very intrigued by the pucker factor of a tuskless hunt.