my buff trophy is at home- finally after 17 month

[Foxi]

Hi folks,
my trophy arrived safely at my home early this morning—excellently packaged—17 months after the animal was taken and following €3,000 in repatriation costs (all-inclusive). You really ought to check out the taxidermy company's website. It’s called Splitting Image (RSA). They are true artists. But, like all artists, they aren't the fastest—nor are they cheap. However, the quality is certainly there, as is their professionalism. That said, I don't think I'll be bringing home another buffalo trophy anytime soon. The costs for a "European Style" mount for a buffalo alone are substantial, and I really ought to start saving some money again.
€ 1,375.- for taxidermy (including the tail for €150—though that’s a minor detail).
€ 570.- for crating and shipping to Frankfurt Airport.
€ 1,000.- for the trophy freight forwarder, customs clearance, and final delivery to my doorstep.
Roughly €3,000 in total—those are certainly significant sums.

If you already own one, would you consider leaving the trophy behind next time and simply living with the photos and memories?

I feel like I could do that now. Nevertheless, I am absolutely delighted with today's delivery—and as of today, I’m putting the costs out of my mind!

Since the subject of brain shots comes up quite often here, take a look at one of the photos; it shows exactly where the spinal cord enters the skull. The cavity is roughly the size of a tube of toothpaste—and about the same length, too. So, a shot placed dead center between the horns hits the bullseye perfectly.

I could hunt buffaloes every day
Foxi

 

[JPbowhunter]

Very nice. What did you have the tail made into?

 

[Altitude sickness]

Nice Euro !

The shot angle you describe only works if the bull has his head held very low. As when they are very close and about to impact you.

If the head is held in the normal position. As when looking at you. If you aimed at the bosses you would stun him. But you would most likely never see him again because that is all just Skull. The brain is much lower.

Normally the nose is the brain shot. Or just above the nose if the bull is staring at you.

Looking down the sinus shows the spinal column you point out.

Above the red line at this angle and he may go down. But will jump back up. And live

 

[migrabill]

Congrats. I only offer this because you asked - You asked if we could shoot one and leave it behind and only bring home memories. Not only do I say No to that, I also would say no to a euro mount. If I get a Buff, it is definitely going to be a floor pedestal. To me the character of the face on the cape buffalo is worth perserving.

 

[deewayne2003]

I'm glad you posted this, I have a buff hunt in 2027 and I'm considering leaving it behind.

 

[mark-hunter]

If you already own one, would you consider leaving the trophy behind next time and simply living with the photos and memories?

This is absolutely my idea!
My next buffalos, will be non exportable, own use, whatever comes cheaper. One at home, is enough for me!

 

[Mekaniks]

Very Nice. Congratulations!

 

[Foxi]

Altitude S.

I can see the cavity, and the brain is inside it.
If I shoot him there, he’ll fall like a stone.
According to Mark Sullivan, a shot to the nose usually doesn’t do anything.
In his videos, he only has one—but it’s very spectacular—that actually works (he always use fullmetall bullets.).
Otherwise, he doesn’t recommend it much.

You can't exactly choose how he'll position his head when he's right on top of you at 5 meters.
Usually, you just go all out and hope it's enough.
Figuring it all out only works in theory.
You can't really choose how to position your head when he's standing right above you, five meters away.
Most of the time, you just give it your all and hope it's enough.
Planning all of this in advance only works in theory—it all happens in a matter of milliseconds.
if you can even raise the gun in the thick brush (under 5 meters)

 

[Foxi]

Very nice. What did you have the tail made into?

They did a nice job with it.
It has a black ebony handle, so now I have a fly swatter like an ancient African dignitary. A lovely keepsake.
My wife, however, said I could finally start dusting the house with it—so trophies can actually be good for something for once

 

[Charlie64]

.

Congratulations & hope he rekindles the memories when you look at him on the wall or wherever you decide to hang / place him.

As you asked, my first buff I did as an offset shoulder mount. I then shot a few non trophy / non export buff which I photographed & left behind. The last few few have been Euro mounts that are hanging in the garage along with a few dozen impala skulls. A couple still to come from Highveld Taxidermy.

I will likely not do another SM & may do a few more Euros or just take pictures.

We will see .....

.

 

[Nyati]

Nice buff @Foxi, congratulations

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Interesting bosses and sharp horn tips. Doesn't appear this old boy did a lot of fighting.

That was a LOT more than I paid for my buffalo skulls. Hunters & Collectors in Port Elizabeth does all my skulls now. First class work. Not sure what they charge for buffalo but other skulls they have done are slightly higher than first taxidermist I used but that outfit was awful. Always shop around for quotes from shipping agents. Taxidermists and shipping agents are not necessarily adverse to colluding. Avoid Rex Forwarders!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Foxi, I don’t want to hijack your thread. But people may have never shot a buffalo and or studied the anatomy and rely on your post. So let’s straighten it out.

You posted :
“Since the subject of brain shots comes up quite often here, take a look at one of the photos; it shows exactly where the spinal cord enters the skull. The cavity is roughly the size of a tube of toothpaste—and about the same length, too. So, a shot placed dead center between the horns hits the bullseye perfectly.”

My point is if you aim “dead center between the horns”. That only works in one particular head position. And no one should be taking that as the first shot.

In your picture if you shot him dead Center between the horns, you hit nothing but honeycomb Skull

to


To aim between the horns the head would need to be in the below angle as is the case at the last moment before it contacts someone.

 

[Red Leg]

Beautiful bull my friend. They did a great job preserving the base of the bosses. Your total bill was very reasonable.

 

[Altitude sickness]

For our fellow Nimrods

 

[Foxi]

Altidude S.,
You're not hijacking anything.
On the contrary, I appreciate your views.
Although I would like to politely disagree.
Buff 1 no
Buff 2-the mine, yes
Buff A -ok
Buff B na ja,ok
Buff C - I would never do that.


We have to find out, if they attack.
The survivor must marry the widow.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Maybe I misread your post. I thought you were promoting aiming between the bosses.

 

[Adam Stevens]

Glad you got your horns back. Very nice! Neat idea with the tail too.

That does seem alittle high for the work done, I had my euro just dip/pack and I did the work at home. I know shipping has gone crazy these days compared to my 2018 hunt.

It was quite easy to get my euro "wall ready" did my research, made a paste from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and rubbed it on the skull. Not the horns. And maybe did that 2-3 times. To the level of whiteness you want.

A secret tip, my taxidermist told me too. If it's ever not white enough, "chalk white" spray paint works great. I actually ended up trying it on my kudu euro mount and it works!! You can see in photo is much whiter then the buff

 

[Foxi]

Maybe I misread your post. I thought you were promoting aiming between the bosses.

I think I may not have expressed myself clearly
you know, the English language is for a stranger not so easy.
Googel Translater helps a lot,but sometime you have to belive what Google writes.
And the finer points often get completely lost.

@Adam Stevens
thank you very much for the tip with chalk powder.
That's one hell of a kudu you bagged there—hats off to you.
From this perspective, it's hard to tell, but is it 55 inches ?
And the curl is one of a kind

 

[Adam Stevens]

I think I may not have expressed myself clearly
you know, the English language is for a stranger not so easy.
Googel Translater helps a lot,but sometime you have to belive what Google writes.
And the finer points often get completely lost.

@Adam Stevens
thank you very much for the tip with chalk powder.
That's one hell of a kudu you bagged there—hats off to you.
From this perspective, it's hard to tell, but is it 55 inches ?
And the curl is one of a kind

Thankyou!

Yes very deep curl. Looking down the spiral could fit a beer can almost. I'd have to take down to measure but you're spot on if memory is correct. I think one was just under 56 and the other 56.5"

Beyond lucky and fortunate. Took on my very first day in wilds of Zim.