Cow buffalo question...

[Tundra Tiger]

Greetings to all!

I am going to have an opportunity to fit a cow buff hunt into my upcoming plains game hunt in May. Maybe I'm just not typing in the right combination of words into the search function, but I have some questions.

What are the practical differences between a cow and a bull - how much smaller is the cow? Are there differences in the skeletal structure? I've seen diagrams showing the overlapping ribs in a bull; is this true for a cow as well? Any thoughts or insights pertaining to cow buff physiology and killing them is greatly appreciated; thanks in advance.

 

[crs]

Tundra Tiger asked "how much smaller is the cow?"

We saw dozens, maybe hundreds of buff in Kruger Park and watched them as they slowly walked from the river back to open country. The cows were taller and longer than the bulls which were shorter and more compact. I recommend you research on the Internet for typical size and weight ranges.

 

[Longwalker]

I am not an expert in Buffalo, but I have studied veterinary anatomy and physiology and related topics for cattle and similar critters. There are obvious differences between cow and bull buffalo, but the differences are a matter of degree, not basic structure.
My advice is - Don't over think it. Any buffalo shooting advice that you find for bulls can be applied equally to cows. A typical cow may be 70% of a bulls size or weight, and is built with somewhat lighter bone mass and not as muscular. If the cow you choose to shoot happens to be 60% of a typical bulls size, or 95%, would it really matter? And there is the small but real possibility that while in buffalo country, the unexpected could happen. You may have the opportunity or the need to shoot a bull any way. Use a rifle and bullet that is considered adequate for bulls, shoot straight, and enjoy your hunt.

 

[DWB]

Just be careful not to make the mistake of including the dewlap/extra skin on the chest of a bull when deciding on shot placement on a cow.

They are a tad smaller, less neck as well. But every bit as tough and maybe even more grumpy!

Don't underestimate those ladies...

 

[Serbian Hunter]

Same adrenaline, same chance that things can go wrong. Enjoy in every moment, those are life changer

 

[sierraone]

I hunted and killed a cow buff in 2018. One shot center of chest at 90 yards. Bullet came to rest in her stomach. She fell, got up, ran 30 yards and rolled to her right dead. Rifle was a RSM .404J shooting a 400 grain Barnes TSX. Buff was butchered that afternoon and taken to a local meat market for sale. As advised earlier, take a rifle big enough for a big bull and practice a lot before you go so you are confident in what you hit.......cow or bull.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have read that hunting cow buffalo can be even more dangerous than bulls. Supposedly they are more protective as a family group. Can’t remember where I read this, but I remember it was a story on culling buffalo.
If one isn't looking for a classic bull trophy to hang on the wall, it seems that you can have 3-4 times the excitement for the same price. Sounds like a grand time IMO!

 

[VertigoBE]

I have read that hunting cow buffalo can be even more dangerous than bulls. Supposedly they are more protective as a family group. Can’t remember where I read this, but I remember it was a story on culling buffalo.
If one isn't looking for a classic bull trophy to hang on the wall, it seems that you can have 3-4 times the excitement for the same price. Sounds like a grand time IMO!

I too have picked this up somewhere many years ago. That the most dangerous buffalo are old, barren cow's. They have proven to be able to protect themself and their offspring, and know that they will not reproduce anymore, so they have nothing to lose...

But for the life of me I cannot remember where this tidbit came from. Which is a shame, as it is what started my interest in once hunting in Africa.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Let me provide a bit of context for my situation. I have zero desire to use a rented gun. Each to their own... that is not for me, at all. The only plausible rifle I have is a .45-70. Modern Marlin, GBL... I have read everything I can dredge up on this caliber for buffalo. Some say yes, some say no... I get it. I guess my own opinion is close range, right bullet... yes. I was seeking input on cow versus bull anatomy as I try to make an informed decision about whether to do this. I am there for the plains game; this is a potential add-on that was offered. I would add I am trying to come up with a good cast load, if anyone has any thoughts along those lines. Thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate your experience and your willingness to share.

 

[sierraone]

I believe most buffalo hunters would agree a 45-70 is not enough gun. I have no experience with a 45-70 so I wouldn't argue with you or anyone else about it. As long as your PH agrees, it will be your decision.

 

[Serbian Hunter]

I took buff cow with Marlin Guide Gun 45-70 and it was more than enough gun. I dont believe that one buff makes me experienced buff hunter and dont give me rights to claim which cal/bullet perform well and which not but my believe is that energy transfer and hydra shock effect are far less relevant that penetration in case of huge animals such as buff. I understand (and witnessed) that 3.000-4.000 Joules have strong affect on 100-200 lbs deer but not sure if 1300-1400 lbs animal react the same. I made an frontal shot at 50m or so and bullet was found just under the skin next to the tail. If you need more detail pls read my comment but if you can found Punch bullets you will be ready for any buff

 

[Ridgewalker]

As long as your PH agrees, it will be your decision.

+1

 

[Ike85123]

The ones in kruger look smaller to me. Maybe they just look bigger when hunting ?
The only difference I can tell in mature buff is size and genitalia.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Thanks again for the responses. The outfitter has said he is OK with it. Serbian... I had seen the thread of your hunt, and the photo of your cow - it certainly inspired me as I consider this. What may shoot me down is the ammo crisis. I live in a remote hub community in SW Alaska. (Dillingham; a meal at the diner is on me for anyone passing through to hunt up here) Ammo and supplies are hideously limited everywhere anyway, and living where I do I can't just get in a car and go shopping. So I am pretty much limited to what I have on hand, and the bullet choice appears to be hard cast. I have not yet found the magic formula.

I really want to do this. But I am not willfully stupid. I want to believe there will be a second trip someday so I could wait. Neither though am I independently wealthy either, so this would seem to be a decent opportunity. While I have not yet hunted Africa, I have done my share of killing up here (moose, caribou, bear). I know how to walk away if the shot/conditions aren't right. I want to believe I am disciplined enough to wait for a viable opportunity, or pass on it.

Thanks again everyone. Happy Resurrection Sunday.

 

[Ike85123]

Thanks again for the responses. The outfitter has said he is OK with it. Serbian... I had seen the thread of your hunt, and the photo of your cow - it certainly inspired me as I consider this. What may shoot me down is the ammo crisis. I live in a remote hub community in SW Alaska. (Dillingham; a meal at the diner is on me for anyone passing through to hunt up here) Ammo and supplies are hideously limited everywhere anyway, and living where I do I can't just get in a car and go shopping. So I am pretty much limited to what I have on hand, and the bullet choice appears to be hard cast. I have not yet found the magic formula.

I really want to do this. But I am not willfully stupid. I want to believe there will be a second trip someday so I could wait. Neither though am I independently wealthy either, so this would seem to be a decent opportunity. While I have not yet hunted Africa, I have done my share of killing up here (moose, caribou, bear). I know how to walk away if the shot/conditions aren't right. I want to believe I am disciplined enough to wait for a viable opportunity, or pass on it.

Thanks again everyone. Happy Resurrection Sunday.

Have you contacted your ph regarding your ammunition dilemma? The price will be higher, but if you can send him payment now, he can possibly secure your ammo.
And everyone is different on opinion for ammo im sure, beating a dead horse again witha an old arguement.
My preference is a dr, with a soft and a solid. If the buff is in a herd, the soft wont usually come out the other side and wound another buff. Cause if so , then you have 2 trophy fees ! If he is slightly isolated, then a double tap with a soft then solid is always my plan. Which a bolt can do the same, soft on top and followed by solids. Some hunters and phs prefer only solids. And of course the other argument. I believe most prefer a bolt with a low power scope for the first shot. As for a 45-70 ? I believe it would do the job, since early hunters did it with mostly a .303. But the joules is too low to be legal for dg in some places. I would save the 45-70 for pg . If you have access to more funds, I would invest in another rifle .
Im no expert. There are alot of opinions on caliber to rifle type. Its your hunt and
If I was you, I would address all these questions to your ph ! He should be able to answer every question you have about rifle/caliber/ammo availability, as well as give you any suggestions.
He should only be an email or call away.

 

[meigsbucks]

I have to concur with others that a .45/70 is on the light side for buff. However a number of people have used it and if your PH gives his blessing, go for it. If I was going to use the Marlin, I’d consider the 400gr Barnes Buster bullet or a Buffalo Bore Ammo loading.

 

[CJW]

If you have time to get something ordered, Garrett Cartridges loads woodleigh weld core bullets.

Buffalo Bore loads this bad boy. Looks like pretty good real world velocities obtained as well.

DANGEROUS GAME 45-70 GVT MAGNUM - Mono-Metal

DANGEROUS GAME 45-70 GVT MAGNUM - Mono-Metal. Lead-Free. Field Proven rifle and gun ammo. Maximum firepower bullets. Best ammunition for rifles and guns for sale. Buffalo Bore. Strictly big bore. Strictly Business. BUFFALO-BARNES

www.buffalobore.com

I would hunt buffalo with one of these loads in a heart beat.