22 August 2015, 04:57
Aurelium FitchWhere & When?- Masaailand
If I want to hunt Masaailand with the objective of taking a very big buff (42" or more) and it is only possible for me to go during either July or August, during which month would I have better chance of taking said buffalo?
Which area between Lobo and Lolkisale would be better for each month (for example: Lolkisale is good for August and Lobo for July).
22 August 2015, 07:03
crbutlerI am not so sure Lokisale is that great early (and August is early there...)
There have been some changes there regarding a photo lodge that has been built, and the spots that were places folks shot the good buff before the migration out of Tarangire are now off limits. The spot that I shot a 45" is now off limits in the concession (according to the PH that I shot the buff with...)
Lobo was always a bit harder to hunt and didn't have the rep as far as numerous big buffalo compared to Lokisale.
When I asked him where to go if I wanted to do better than my current best (47") his suggestions were 21 days in Simanjiro (the old Samaras area) from July thru August, or to go to Lokisale Jan-Mar.
So to answer your question, if all you can do is July-August and the choice is Lobo or Lokisale, I would go to Lobo as it is not as migration dependent as Lokisale, and they do pull some big ones out of there, or else try Simanjiro.
I am not a PH or an operator, and while I shot in Lokisale, it was in December... I have not hunted Simanjiro or Lobo; mostly passing on what the PH's I talked to said while I was in the Selous over the last several weeks.
22 August 2015, 18:25
Aaron Neilsonquote:
Originally posted by crbutler:
I am not so sure Lokisale is that great early (and August is early there...)
There have been some changes there regarding a photo lodge that has been built, and the spots that were places folks shot the good buff before the migration out of Tarangire are now off limits. The spot that I shot a 45" is now off limits in the concession (according to the PH that I shot the buff with...)
Lobo was always a bit harder to hunt and didn't have the rep as far as numerous big buffalo compared to Lokisale.
When I asked him where to go if I wanted to do better than my current best (47") his suggestions were 21 days in Simanjiro (the old Samaras area) from July thru August, or to go to Lokisale Jan-Mar.
So to answer your question, if all you can do is July-August and the choice is Lobo or Lokisale, I would go to Lobo as it is not as migration dependent as Lokisale, and they do pull some big ones out of there, or else try Simanjiro.
I am not a PH or an operator, and while I shot in Lokisale, it was in December... I have not hunted Simanjiro or Lobo; mostly passing on what the PH's I talked to said while I was in the Selous over the last several weeks.
Fairly accurate assessment in my estimation too. Fujo might be able to add some info we don't know about, as could Bwanamich if they see this thread.
I'm just waiting for KNS to get one of the areas they were awarded, back online (long story)
. Same area this 49" buff (see below) came from just a couple of years ago. Fingers crossed for 2016!!!
22 August 2015, 21:22
fujotupuquote:
When I asked him where to go if I wanted to do better than my current best (47") his suggestions were 21 days in Simanjiro (the old Samaras area) from July thru August
Ever since this area changed hands it has declined dramatically.
I understand the local hunters have done a pretty good job in decimating the resident herds and the Maasai have contributed their fair share in deforestation in order to create arable land (that lasts a season) which shortly thereafter drifts into a state of abandonment.
You might need to look further West and maybe have a chat with Aaron.
24 August 2015, 19:01
butchloc42" is one big buff - if that is your goal i would be prepared to make more than 1 trip. huge animals are a trophy hunters dream but they just don't grow on trees
July/August is too early in Lokisale in my opinion. Either Lobo or Siminjaro would be very good at those times, but the hunting would be different. I think the comment about Sim being decimated is overblown and it is still a very good area. So is Lobo. What's important is having a good PH who knows the areas and also the Masai in the area. The Masai know where the old guys are hanging out, which karango they are living in and their habits. They see them all the time when tending their cattle. So the hunting is different than in many other areas, but lots of fun.
25 August 2015, 02:35
bwanajayIf you can find a PH who will go into the thick stuff, in either Lobo or Siminjaro, you might get a look at an old monster in late October through December. I've done it with the best and things can happen very fast. Most hunters will not like it.
25 August 2015, 04:12
ManuelMAaron were was that monster shot
? Was it out of Lunda?
25 August 2015, 08:42
lavacaI've never been to Simanjiro in the months you want to hunt. In late March, at the beginning of the rains, I've never seen so many buffalo. Huge numbers coming out of the park.
25 August 2015, 17:22
bwanajayI've hunted those rainy months as well but keep in mind that's more of a shoot than a hunt. No tracking... just glassing herds.
quote:
Originally posted by bwanajay:
If you can find a PH who will go into the thick stuff, in either Lobo or Siminjaro, you might get a look at an old monster in late October through December. I've done it with the best and things can happen very fast. Most hunters will not like it.
Unless they really like to hunt buffalo! Then it's the best!
25 August 2015, 23:26
fujotupuquote:
Originally posted by bwanajay:
I've hunted those rainy months as well but keep in mind that's more of a shoot than a hunt. No tracking... just glassing herds.
Very true - if you want to experience buffalo hunting with a difference then you need to have the mettle to track those old boys in the korongos around Kitiangare.
http://s140.photobucket.com/us....jpg.html?sort=3&o=0This old guy was killing cattle and attacking women in Lobo. We caught up with him on dusk of the third day we were hunting him. There were a few tense moments in the dark when we were tracking him after the shot knowing that if he was out there all night and not fully sorted out, a Masai herd boy was likely to pay the price in the morning.
26 August 2015, 03:53
Aurelium FitchThank you all for the replies. I understand that the ideal dates to hunt the areas in masaailand which are migration-dependent are with the start of the small remains.
However, I am afraid that it is only possible for me to make it either July or August. I think I will stick with Lobo during early August?
