I've heard that some of these Eastern Cape operators actually import greater kudu and pass them off as cape kudu........

AD

That is the point of my question above. I am not planning to shoot a Kudu (Cape) during my upcoming hunt because all I can ascertain at this point is that it would be a smaller Kudu than the 3 Southerns that I already have. If it were truely different, like the Lessor, then it would be a different matter and I might reconsider.

According to Mammals of Africa, there are only two species of kudu, greater and lesser. Within the greater species, there are variations "Southern", "East African", and "Western".

Only the Southern Greater Kudu is found in South Africa.

I heard they also have longer hair than a Southern Greater Kudu.

I indeed do plan to save the money, although it won't be for a full mount of my lessor. Not enough room for full mounts--I go for the Lessor in '06, Ethiopia.

Arts - in my humble opinion...save the $'s for a full mount of your Lesser Kudu.

Mr. Atkinson--How does one distinguish a Cape Kudu from a Southern Kudu? I know the Cape is generally smaller, at least in horn. What else is distinguishing?

I'll be hunting with either Phillip Price or his brother Charles in 2 weeks.

A big part of the problem is the geographical "line" that distinguishes one from the other, sort of like brown versus grizzly bear. I shot a kudu that according to the outfitter and the export permit was an "Eastern Cape Kudu", and it was scored during taxidermy as such. However, it sure looks like a Southern Kudu to me...

On the average Eastern Cape Kudu are about 42 inches, with a good many of them in the 49 inch catagory, and a few at 50 to 52 inches, I have seen a precious few that got up to 56 or 58...I only know of one that went 60 inches and it was shot on Phillip Prices ranch out of Port Elizabeth....

So, it is possibe by highly unlikly that anyone will shoot a Eastern Cape Kudu over 50 inches...It would be pretty hard to slip in a Great Southern Kudu on me I believe, but I suppose it could be done with some folks..If it was and I shot a 60 incher, I sure as hell wouldn't wouldn't complain about it, I'd just be a happy hunter and call it a Great Southern and let it go at that...

I have never seen a mounted Western, but they seem to have darker hair than the others and the horns are not huge either. If any of you want to spend 20K in Tchad to confirm these suspicions, please do so now.

This website includes prices for a East Cape kudu over 60" is this just a little fanciful?http://www.africatrophyhunting.com/PriceList.asp?PageStack=%2FPrices%2Easp%3Ff%3D6&Id=2&Name=Trophy+Fees
Kudu - East Cape, less than 58 in. 1,350
Kudu - East Cape, 58 - 60 in. 1,550
Kudu - East Cape, larger than 60 in. 2,500
Kudu - South Greater, less than 58 in. 1,550
Kudu, South Greater, 58 - 60 in. 1,750
Kudu - South Greater, larger than 60 in. 2,500
I heard somewhere that some East Cape ranches purchase Southern Greater Kudu bulls at game auctions to ensure the hunter will get a 'nice surprise' and the genetics of their herd will be improved...any thoughts?

Here`s a goooood Western:
http://www.huntingreport.com/trophy_gallery.cfm

Might be the new number one SCI...