Buffalo Toughness Bull or Cow?

[jand]

With all the Buffalo cows that get hunted over recent years and certainly now during the drought , I was wondering what other PH's experiences are concerning the toughness of these animals as opposed to Buffalo Bulls.
We like to say that its the same hunt and that they are as tough to kill .
My experience however , If I am totally objective , is different. I find them on average ( if there is such a thing ) , to expire faster than the Bulls given the same caliber and similar shots. There are of course always the exceptions -- my son shot one with the 600 NE that just would not go down.
Pure bulk and body mass might have a lot to do with it.

What says the experts ?

Hunting regards

 

[Patrick R]

Jan,

I have shot bulls and cows, both of them challenging...I have see bulls take 5-9 shots and some that looked like "cattle" has been shot...easy! Then I have experienced just the opposite on a buffalo cow hunt...very dangerous situations, absorbing just as many bullets...the experience in the bush and around the herd are the same...and I assume if it is the hunters 1st time it is always exciting doesn't matter if shooting a buffalo bull or cow...

 

[Catahoula]

Jan,
I have shot bulls and cows, both of them challenging...I have see bulls take 5-9 shots and some that looked like "cattle" has been shot...easy! Then I have experienced just the opposite on a buffalo cow hunt...very dangerous situations, absorbing just as many bullets...the experience in the bush and around the herd are the same...and I assume if it is the hunters 1st time it is always exciting doesn't matter if shooting a buffalo bull or cow...

That's good to hear! I'm headed over for a cow and plains game hunt with Pawprint a month from now.

 

[Newboomer]

That's good to hear! I'm headed over for a cow and plains game hunt with Pawprint a month from now.

How does horn size compare--cows to bulls?

 

[Catahoula]

How does horn size compare--cows to bulls?

I have only seen pictures, but in general they look to be much smaller. I'm not concerned about trophy quality on the cow hunt. I'm doing it as an affordable way to enjoy the experience of tracking and getting in close to the herd.

 

[BRICKBURN]

How does horn size compare--cows to bulls?

This should illustrate the difference in horns and body mass.

Jan's signature line shows some nice bulls.

 

[peras]

Jan, I must agree that bulls in general absorb more shots, however( and this is just my personal experience) I have had more dangerous situations with cows.

 

[siml]

I think the biggest difference is the pure look a bull gives you compared the a cow........the common saying..." he looks at you as though you owe him money".......

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I think the biggest difference is the pure look a bull gives you compared the a cow........the common saying..." he looks at you as though you owe him money".......

Yes, but that cow might look at you like your wife after you've left the toilet seat up........and have the same temperament as well!!!!

 

[DWB]

In my own experience, yes a cow maybe smaller, but never be fooled into thinking you'll get away with a marginal shot!

 

[HeinrichH]

I think it also has to do with which you hunt more often. If you hunt more bulls than cows, you have a bigger chance of getting into a confrontation with a bull than a cow, and the other way around. From animal to animal i believe they differ, some go down easy and some not, bulls and cows. However I've had more close encounters with cows than bulls, and it was a cow that almost got me 2 years ago.
My personal opinion is a cow with some calf or being pregnant have a will to fight more than an old bull. But then again from animal to animal and situation to situation its different.

Just my opinion. A bull is much more intimidating. But hunting a cow is just as exciting.

 

[Newboomer]

Then there's the old saying "The most treacherous of any species is the female."

 

[edward]

Jan, I must agree that bulls in general absorb more shots, however( and this is just my personal experience) I have had more dangerous situations with cows.

kinda like cow elephants.