Have been researching the practical on the 'hoof' method of aging Lions in the Zambezi Valley Zimbabwe for an up coming hunt in 2013. Several sources of information seem to be in conflict on such basic information such as nose colour, black is mature any where else but not in the valley?, and that the mane colour should always be reddish to black for mature 6+ Lion?
Very much into the theory of taking mature age trophy animals regardless of what animal I am hunting. To me a large part of the hunt is the preperation, and that includes finding out as much as possible about the animals behaviour, habitat knowing the exact kill zones for each species, being able to have a reasonable go at both trophy assesment and age so as not totally relying on the PH own assessment.
Look forward to reading what the people that are in the field all the time look for.

Nose color is NOT a definitive factor in aging a lion, anywhere! The same goes for mane color, but it will normally be something other than white/blonde, once a lion is mature - regardless of where the lion lives.

For more info - see link below.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...1002751/m/6361081751

Thanks Aaron

A couple of recent photos of Lion from the valley.

Nice pics Fairgame! Only 357 days and will be over there hopefully getting a look at Lions similar too these.
Nearly frightened to comment but these fella's have that "over six" look, yes????
What part of the Valley did these pics get taken? And how has your hunting season been this year so far?
Scott