Thoughts on Cape Buffalo under 40"

I just got the shipment from my Selous hunt in 2023 (SSI screwed the pooch on CITES permit, so it took forever) and thought it might be of interest to see the skulls from 4 different Tanzania bulls, all of which are older bulls ranging from estimated 10 to 13/14 years old. All mature Dugga Boy bulls. All these fully mature bulls were as big as they were going to get and ALL of them have a gap between their fully developed bosses.

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The bull on far left came from Mlele, in SW Tanzania. The next bull came from Maswa North, in NW Tanzania. The 3rd & 4th bulls were from the Selous in SE Tanzania. The actual skulls (not horns, skulls) of the Selous bulls are noticeably larger than the other bulls. I didn’t expect that and find it interesting.
 
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These are a few very different buffalo trophies from my collection and from various countries of Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and at the front one from Burkina Faso, but West African buffaloes cannot be compared to cape buffalo. All my other African buffalo trophies are also under 40 inches.

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migrabill said:
I am making plans for my 2nd trek to South Africa. It will not occur until 2028 (I'm a planner). On my first trip, I took 10 heads of Plains Game. On my return trip I will also be mainly Plains Game hunting, but I have a pretty good price available on a "Male Cape Buffalo less than 40". Here is my question- is a buff under 40 still considered a formidable specimen? Will it look smallish when shoulder mounted? As stated, I am new to Dangerous Game hunting and just want to get an idea if that is too small or not.
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Age is my tape measure. For me it's about the hunt and animal, not the size. Obviously, to each their own, good luck with your decision.
 
MLindsay said:
The bull in my picture is under 35 but OLD
Heading to BVC tomorrow for 2 non trophy, which means under 39
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Bueno suerte amigo!
 
So much more than just spread that makes a trophy impressive. Personally I would take a 17-18 inch boss over ANY spread. But I also like volume in the horn as well.
 
migrabill said:
I am making plans for my 2nd trek to South Africa. It will not occur until 2028 (I'm a planner). On my first trip, I took 10 heads of Plains Game. On my return trip I will also be mainly Plains Game hunting, but I have a pretty good price available on a "Male Cape Buffalo less than 40". Here is my question- is a buff under 40 still considered a formidable specimen? Will it look smallish when shoulder mounted? As stated, I am new to Dangerous Game hunting and just want to get an idea if that is too small or not.
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buffalo are measured in three ways. 1. pure width from tip to tip don’t be surprised as the best are still breeding bulls. 2. The boss width… an 18 inch boss makes a smaller width very acceptable. 3. if you find a scrap cab buck or close to that is an entirely different trophy
 
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