What makes a buffaloes boses either smooth like this:



Or with character like this:

The level of fiber in their fat free diet. Contributing factors could include life style choices, PSA levels, the amount of daily exercise, sexual preferences, restricting caffiene and salt intake, genetics, immune deficiencies, the extent of physical and psychological scarring from close encounters, and identification of paternal contributors.

The effects of global warming have not yet been assessed.

SBT,

The difference between horn character is purely genetics and age. The older they get the "smoother" the boss gets from rubbing against trees, bushes, mud, etc. Its a bit like sand paper effect.

The first buff in your pics is a lot younger than the second one. Once a buffs' boss has hardened, they often have rough ridges and grooves which smooth out with years of rubbing (as in your 2nd pic). Also an old wound can add character to a boss. In 4-5 years time, your 1st buffs' bosses would look like the 2nd buff.

Age.

The first one looks less mature and a bit soft in the boss to me. Also it still has hard points, less worn down. I would pass up the first buff no matter how long it is.

I would not be too keen on shooting the first buffalo. I bet a bunch of his boss boiled away.

Is a soft boss actually spongey to the touch? How old must a buff be before it hardens?

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
The level of fiber in their fat free diet. Contributing factors could include life style choices, PSA levels, the amount of daily exercise, sexual preferences, restricting caffiene and salt intake, genetics, immune deficiencies, the extent of physical and psychological scarring from close encounters, and identification of paternal contributors.

The effects of global warming have not yet been assessed.

Who'd of thunk?

I thought it was age too.

Shows what little we actually know.

I'm with 500 grains on this one.

quote:

Originally posted by Mickey1:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
The level of fiber in their fat free diet. Contributing factors could include life style choices, PSA levels, the amount of daily exercise, sexual preferences, restricting caffiene and salt intake, genetics, immune deficiencies, the extent of physical and psychological scarring from close encounters, and identification of paternal contributors.

The effects of global warming have not yet been assessed.

Who'd of thunk?

I thought it was age too.

Shows what little we actually know.

It's whodda thunk to you city folks.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
The level of fiber in their fat free diet. Contributing factors could include life style choices, PSA levels, the amount of daily exercise, sexual preferences, restricting caffiene and salt intake, genetics, immune deficiencies, the extent of physical and psychological scarring from close encounters, and identification of paternal contributors.

The effects of global warming have not yet been assessed.

You left out the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, chlorofluorohydrocarbons and sexually transmitted diseases, but I think you're on the right track.

The 2nd buffalo I shot was a dugga boy that was traveling with one other. He was not huge, but the top of his boss seemed pretty rough. In fact, it seems like a portion of the top layer of his boss actually cracked off.







Tim


P.S. - Hey SBT, what do you think of the rifle I'm holding in the photo? Looks to be a proven "DG Killer". Glad you did it proud in Zambia!

Looks like a Ruger RSM .458 Lott, is it?

It is a Ruger 416 Rigby that will shoot most any type of 400 grain bullet into the same hole at 100 yards.

Of course, like a dummy, I sold it to SBT and he then proceeded to take it to Zambia and terrorize a poor little lion and buffalo with it.

You gotta love the boss on Shumba's bull!

By the way Shumba, only SBT has the magic with your rifle. I tried it on a Hartebeest about a 100 yards away and missed.

John