In the Tracks of Old Bulls: Reflections on Our 2025 Eland and Buffalo

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

This year has been nothing short of remarkable for buffalo and eland hunting at Tally-Ho. As a self-sustaining operation, basically all animals hunted on our property are born right here under our ethical management practices. All our buffalo and eland this season were taken after tough walk-and-stalk sessions, ensuring fair-chase hunting experiences that reflect the true spirit of the African bush.

Our herds continue to flourish, and this year produced several outstanding old bulls—proof of strong genetics, disciplined game and veld management, and the natural balance we maintain on the property.

Below are some of the standout highlights from an unforgettable season:

BUFFALO HUNTING HIGHLIGHTS

A total of 8 buffalo bulls and 1 cow were taken, here are some highlights and pics.

A Long-Standing Client’s Unexpected Hunt

One of the most meaningful hunts of the season came from our longest-standing client—truly more like family at this point. He originally arrived simply to unwind and spend a quiet holiday in the bushveld while his friends hunted, but as every hunter knows, once you step into the veld, the urge to hunt often finds you.

Hunting alongside outfitter Stuart, he made a spontaneous decision: this year, he wanted to take a buffalo.

What followed was a beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable experience. The old bull they eventually found was full of character—and full of fight. After the shot, he gave both Stuart and Rudi a proper little fright, a reminder of just how powerful and unpredictable these old dugga boys can be. He has definitely stayed in the back of their minds on every follow-up since then.

It was a special moment shared between lifelong clients and friends, and a hunt that will be remembered at Tally-Ho for many years.

The Determined Polish Hunter

Another unforgettable moment came from a new client from Poland, guided by PH Rudi. This hunt was defined by sheer dedication and effort: early mornings long before the rest of the group woke, late evenings returning after dark, and countless kilometres walked through some pretty thick bush. There was sweat, hard work, and maybe even a few tears from Rudi!

The bull they were after was a clever, elusive old bull who lived deep inside the thickest cover and drank only at night. But persistence paid off. As the shot finally rang out, Stuart on his way to the lodge for coffee with the clients, about to start his day, caught sight of Rudi in the distance waving his arms in pure triumph. The first shot was in and it was true. After a good follow up and a few more shots They had done it. They had finally outsmarted the old ghost of the block.

The Legendary “Melted Horn Cow”

A story years in the making unfolded when one of our American hunters finally crossed paths with the notorious “melting horns cow.”

This cow was known on Tally-Ho, with her distinctive horns, she was ancient, wise, and nearly impossible to get close to. Many hunters had tried over the years, but she always slipped away. This season, one lucky client found himself in the right place at exactly the right time.

Being far past breeding age, her time had come—and the opportunity to take her was both rare and significant. A true moment of respect for a remarkable old cow who had roamed Tally-Ho for many years.

ELAND HUNTING HIGHLIGHTS

6 amazing big old bulls were taken this season, here are some highlights

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Bull on Day One

Eland at Tally-Ho are notoriously sharp and far more skittish than buffalo. The simple sound of a bakkie engine is often enough to send them disappearing into thick bush, making each successful hunt a genuine achievement.

One of the standout moments this season came from an American client who originally visited for bushpig and hyena. On day one, he found himself face-to-face with an absolute monster eland bull.

Even the tracker remarked, “Yoh”—and when the tracker is left without words, you know it’s something truly special.

After a good stalk following the famous “clicking” sound, A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, taken with perfect execution.

Hunting big eland bulls on foot is truly an achievement, when u hear that click and know its close, your heart races, adrenaline pumping, you hear the breaking of branches as the eland looks for fresh leaves then suddenly its silent, not a movement, not a click for a few minutes and you think you’ve been spotted or the eland has moved off… then suddenly u spot a leg or the swish of a tail and there he is, majestic, huge(but stealthy) with a nice mop and old worn horns. … the rest of this story should be told by you!

This season has reaffirmed Tally-Ho’s reputation for ethical, challenging, and deeply rewarding walk-and-stalk hunting.

Our commitment to conservation, sustainable herd management, and authentic bushveld experiences continues to set us apart—and 2025 has proven yet again why Tally-Ho is a destination hunters return to year after year.

 

[AZDAVE]

Looks like a very successful year!

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

hard work but yes, very succesful

we have an amazing team that all buy in to our "end goal"
we strive to make each and every clients hunt an experience they wont forget

we manage our area strictly and with long term goals in mind