That one with the massive bosses and ridiculously tiny hooks is a definite Outer Circle entry.

I just don't understand how a set of horns could grow that way.

That is from the one with the white face.

What do you think of these horns of a buffalo a client shot about 5 days ago in Zimbabwe?

Looks like the boss grew over the buffs eyes?

No, he could see alright!

Interesting images Saeed. So much variation in the bosses. Were any of these buff particularly deep in the bottom curve? Another question: Is there much hollow area in buff horns -- enough that the hunters of old would have made powder or salt horns from them?

Saeed, thanks for the diverse display of one of my favorite animals. Like many animals the stylized view that we hold in our minds is often quite different from the reality. Occasionally this accounts for the terms; "ground shrinkage" or "non-typical. There are only Gods creatures and the "big" ones get called trophies, the little ones dinner. The truth is right before our eyes, in that consider the differences in human faces, and gross anatomy. Now why should other species be different? It's not like they clone each other to reproduce.

Saeed,
#1 and #15 are definite honorable mentions for the Outer Circle Non-Awards Non-Banquet this year. Many much appreciated banquets came of 15 dead buffalo in Tanzania, however.

Karl S,
That is definitely a qualifier for the Outer Circle also, but it might score well for SCI too.

Excuse my stupidity/ ignorance, but what is the "outer circle awards"?

quote:

Originally posted by Karl S:
Excuse my stupidity/ ignorance, but what is the "outer circle awards"?

The OUTER CIRCLE AWARD is in direct competition to SCI INNER CIRCLE.

These animals have to meet certain criteria.

Like one horn is missing, one tusk is missing, some deformation in the horns or tusks. Very small horns - as photos 1 and 15. These bulls were very old, but their horns barely cleared their ears.

I think they make absolutley smashing trophies

They all look beatiful for me....
L

Saeed,

Great pics! I had a great time checking out all those heads in person. Its very interesting to be able to look closely and poke at, etc, that many buff at once. Gives you a real appreciation for how different they all are and how differently they develope/age. I agree with you 100%....every buffalo is a trophy!

I would like to make an official application for entrance into the Outer Circle.

Alan, Don and I had a fantastic hunt one morning, following a couple dugga boys from the river up onto one of the low hills in the area. While tracking these buff we had a short adventure with about 4 elephant cows/calves that did not like us being so close. It was very cool.

Anyway, after we finally caught up to the dugga boys, Alan could see that none of them were good trophies but that they were pretty old. After we followed them a bit trying to get a shot opportunity, Alan figured we wouldn't be able to get close enough to shoot one with a bow and if I wanted to shoot one. I said, as long as it looks old I'll be satisfied...and so after another stalk I got a shot at this bull...



He has one deformed horn, and you can see in the picture of his skull/horns below, that he at some point in his life sustained a pretty damaging blow to his head. The whole right side of his head is angled to the side! You can also see from the fusing of the joints that he is an old bull.



It was a great hunt that I will remember for the rest of my days, and the memories of that day are a trophy that to me exceeds any record book set of horns.

It was great to share that experience with two guys like Don and Alan and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

Cheers,
Canuck