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Aging Buffalo ?
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Picture of Thunder Head
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As i was reading JTEXs wonderful hunting report i noticed that his bulls bosses were almost completly polished smooth. How much of a factor is this when determining age?


I have walked in the foot prints of the elephant, listened to lion roar and met the buffalo on his turf. I shall never be the same.
 
Posts: 813 | Location: In the shadow of Currahee | Registered: 29 January 2009Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Thunder Head:
As i was reading JTEXs wonderful hunting report i noticed that his bulls bosses were almost completly polished smooth. How much of a factor is this when determining age?


IMO, there are no real hard and fast ways of ageing Cape Buffalo other than dissecting a tooth! All others can and does sometimes give false information on age.

That being said, the closed bosses are the most frequent measure used by most hunters, and PHs to age a buffalo. The wear on the bosses that make the surface smooth is simply a matter of that buffalo’s habit of polishing his horns, nothing more! The fact is even the unclosed bosses is not always an indication that a buffalo is too young. Some buffalo live long lives and the bosses never close. Many think spread is a good indicator but is the least reliable of thing used to age a Cape buffalo.

IMO a better way is the accumulation of factors like heavy boss, closed boss, the amount of turn back of the horn tips when viewed from the side, but the real tale-tell is wrinkles on the body and loss of facial hair around the eyes, and across the head below the bosses combined with any one or more of the other factors!
................................................ old


....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

 
Posts: 14634 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: 08 June 2000Reply With Quote
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Picture of David Hulme
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quote:
Originally posted by MacD37:
quote:
Originally posted by Thunder Head:
As i was reading JTEXs wonderful hunting report i noticed that his bulls bosses were almost completly polished smooth. How much of a factor is this when determining age?


IMO, there are no real hard and fast ways of ageing Cape Buffalo other than dissecting a tooth! All others can and does sometimes give false information on age.

That being said, the closed bosses are the most frequent measure used by most hunters, and PHs to age a buffalo. The wear on the bosses that make the surface smooth is simply a matter of that buffalo’s habit of polishing his horns, nothing more! The fact is even the unclosed bosses is not always an indication that a buffalo is too young. Some buffalo live long lives and the bosses never close. Many think spread is a good indicator but is the least reliable of thing used to age a Cape buffalo.

IMO a better way is the accumulation of factors like heavy boss, closed boss, the amount of turn back of the horn tips when viewed from the side, but the real tale-tell is wrinkles on the body and loss of facial hair around the eyes, and across the head below the bosses combined with any one or more of the other factors!
................................................ old


A good explanation
 
Posts: 2270 | Location: Zimbabwe | Registered: 28 February 2007Reply With Quote
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I agree with Mac. An old grey faced bull is probably a shooter regardless of horn configuration. As far as what bull to shoot follow you PH's lead. Discussing the merits of the trophy once you are on the sticks will inevitably result in a lost opportunity. Talk over with your PH beforehand what you want and then leave the choice up to him and just make the shot.

Mark


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Posts: 13115 | Location: LAS VEGAS, NV USA | Registered: 04 August 2002Reply With Quote
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Im a deep drop, big curl fan myself.

In reality any old, ugly and mean buff will do just fine. I just like to now what im looking at.


I have walked in the foot prints of the elephant, listened to lion roar and met the buffalo on his turf. I shall never be the same.
 
Posts: 813 | Location: In the shadow of Currahee | Registered: 29 January 2009Reply With Quote
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I have no idea AT ALL but the PH said my Buff was most likely 15 or 16 years old. You can see his body was in pretty poor condition, it looked to me like he was declining.

But again all I know about Buffalo is I LOVE to hunt them.

.
 
Posts: 42532 | Location: Crosby and Barksdale, Texas | Registered: 18 September 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by JTEX:


But again all I know about Buffalo is I LOVE to hunt them.

.



tu2
 
Posts: 2270 | Location: Zimbabwe | Registered: 28 February 2007Reply With Quote
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An old bull will often have a substantial dewlap and a roman nose.


Have gun- Will travel
The value of a trophy is computed directly in terms of personal investment in its acquisition. Robert Ruark
 
Posts: 3831 | Location: Cave Creek, AZ | Registered: 09 August 2001Reply With Quote
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