Looking for thoughts on my recent African Trophies

[BryceM]

Looks like a fantastic hunt. All are nice, especially the giraffe. Be aware, anything involving giraffe taxidermy can be expensive. Do a carved leg bone if you can. Inexpensive, and high in cool factor.

Of course, larger examples of every one of those animals exist, but I'd be quite satisfied with these, especially for a first safari. The mass of the impala is cool, and I'll take that over total length (and score) every day of the week.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Know what I like about ‘em? I like the fact that you went and hunted them and had a grand time and can’t wait to get back to do it again somewhere else , hunting something else. That’s the true Trophy!

 

[migrabill]

They gave me the SCI points on the certificates but I’m not sure on their system

It's easily googleable.

 

[migrabill]

They gave me the SCI points on the certificates but I’m not sure on their system

SCI wont even let you measure a Warthog right after harvest until the tusks are removed.

 

[migrabill]

They gave me the SCI points on the certificates but I’m not sure on their system

Your trophies are fine, but your outfitters "medal system" means nothing. There are 2 standards. SCI and Rowland and Ward. Get them measured by real measurers and you will know what you have.

 

[375Fox]

It's easily googleable.

You might consider taking your own advice. The green scores line up to SCI gold. It’s not an official entry or official measurement but it is a field measurement that lines up to the certificates the outfitter gave him. Very few people care about entering their trophies in the book. Most would qualify for SCI if you’d like to pay for the entry.

 

[BRICKBURN]

....Only reason I truly care is to judge the trophy quality of the outfitter/lodge I used so when I return(after convincing the boss(wife)) I can decide if I will return to them to target some true trophies!
.........

"...target true trophies!" If what you mean by that is "the big guys" then you need to study before you head back.

That being Rowland Ward, period. Anything hitting Rowland Ward mins will easily make SCI.


Here is the measuring handbook
https://rowlandward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Measuring-Handbook-1.pdf

minimums and methods used to score African trophies.
https://rowlandward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/01-Africa-1.pdf

Various forms
https://rowlandward.org/method-forms/

Good representative trophies are nothing to sneeze at.

 

[migrabill]

You might consider taking your own advice. The green scores line up to SCI gold. It’s not an official entry or official measurement but it is a field measurement that lines up to the certificates the outfitter gave him. Very few people care about entering their trophies in the book. Most would qualify for SCI if you’d like to pay for the entry.

Well then why wouldn't his outfitter put these on actual SCI scoring sheets - which would have an actual meaning to a large sub-group of hunters?

 

[375Fox]

Well then why wouldn't his outfitter put these on actual SCI scoring sheets - which would have an actual meaning to a large sub-group of hunters?

Because no one cares. Very few hunters put their trophies in the book unless it’s maybe a top 10. SCI score for length of both horns plus circumference of both bases isn’t a difficult measure. It’s just a nice gesture the outfitter did. It’s not an SCI entry.

 

[Noah Hutchens]

Looks like a fantastic hunt. All are nice, especially the giraffe. Be aware, anything involving giraffe taxidermy can be expensive. Do a carved leg bone if you can. Inexpensive, and high in cool factor.

Of course, larger examples of every one of those animals exist, but I'd be quite satisfied with these, especially for a first safari. The mass of the impala is cool, and I'll take that over total length (and score) every day of the week.

I found that out lol, I paid to have the head Euro’d and the hide tanned, which was more than the trophy fee :,). The neck will go towards a rifle bag and a few slings and a belt and the rest will be a rug!

 

[Noah Hutchens]

Know what I like about ‘em? I like the fact that you went and hunted them and had a grand time and can’t wait to get back to do it again somewhere else , hunting something else. That’s the true Trophy!

I 100% agree! I had an amazing time in Africa and will definitely be back soon! I was there with my entire family in tow and created a lifetime of memories.

 

[Noah Hutchens]

"...target true trophies!" If what you mean by that is "the big guys" then you need to study before you head back.

That being Rowland Ward, period. Anything hitting Rowland Ward mins will easily make SCI.


Here is the measuring handbook
https://rowlandward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Measuring-Handbook-1.pdf

minimums and methods used to score African trophies.
https://rowlandward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/01-Africa-1.pdf

Various forms
https://rowlandward.org/method-forms/

Good representative trophies are nothing to sneeze at.

By that I meant hunting a few of the “typical trophies” people target such as a Kudu, Sable and Gemsbok, I don’t need the largest example(nor could I afford it) just a fine typical example to remember! I am truly satisfied with the animals I hunted!

 

[Noah Hutchens]

Well then why wouldn't his outfitter put these on actual SCI scoring sheets - which would have an actual meaning to a large sub-group of hunters?

Because no one cares. Very few hunters put their trophies in the book unless it’s maybe a top 10. SCI score for length of both horns plus circumference of both bases isn’t a difficult measure. It’s just a nice gesture the outfitter did. It’s not an SCI entry.

Before giving me the certificates they showed me the individual measurements in their book/records where they scored it and everything, but like I said in my first message I wasn’t even aware of the system before I went there so it didn’t matter much to me! I’m just happy I had the chance to go to Africa and hunt!

 

[BRICKBURN]

By that I meant hunting a few of the “typical trophies” people target such as a Kudu, Sable and Gemsbok, I don’t need the largest example(nor could I afford it) just a fine typical example to remember! I am truly satisfied with the animals I hunted!

If you are not after record book critters, then you are set.
Have a look at some photographs of the various species and see what moves you.
Hunting Kudu and Bushbuck are a favorite of mine no matter what province or country.
Enjoy yourself.

 

[Andrew62]

Noah, you’ve taken some wonderful trophies, congratulations! Your impala has nice mass, warthog is a brut, the caramel color in your zebra looks great, and the dark color of your giraffe is awesome! Job well done!

 

[112Savage]

Dude those are great trophies. I don’t care about the measurements, they are good old animals with good length, good mass, and good color. As long as the hunting was good and didn’t look like they just came from a wild game auction, then I would be very happy.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Well then why wouldn't his outfitter put these on actual SCI scoring sheets - which would have an actual meaning to a large sub-group of hunters?

Likely because the outfitter is not an Official SCI Measurer, and because the trophies haven’t passed the required drying period for official measurements.

If the OP wants to enter him into the record books that’s up to him, but they’re great trophies.

 

[Spartan5]

Congratulations on some beautiful animals and a great hunt. As many others said, they are great representations of Africa. Are you having your taxidermy done over there or stateside?

 

[hoytcanon]

Nice pig...

 

[AZDAVE]

You did very well. Shot fine representative of the species. Sounds like the African bug bit you like many of us here on AH. Enjoy planning your next safari.