Trophy Measurements

[Speedster]

I have a question to the collective. I am going next year to SA in Limpopo on a 10 day hunt. I have read in previous threads regards discussing with your PH beforehand as to any expectations of the size of the trophies you want. I know this is somewhat of a loaded question as each person has his or her personal requirements as to what they want. That being said I would like good representative trophies. I also would not want to settle for a smaller animal such as a 48" kudu or 33" gemsbok if larger ones are readily huntable. I have listed below what I was thinking of talking with the PH. Does this sound reasonable to achieve in a 10 day hunt? If my expectations are too high please give me input on something more reasonable. I am truly a rank amateur so I am asking the "old hands" here for input. Also, I don't want to get too hung up on this but as I stated, I don't want to shoot a young animal. And if maybe I should set my sights higher let me know that as well.

Kudu 53"
Gemsbok 37"
Impala 24"
Waterbuck 27"
Blesbok 17"

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I have a question to the collective. I am going next year to SA in Limpopo on a 10 day hunt. I have read in previous threads regards discussing with your PH beforehand as to any expectations of the size of the trophies you want. I know this is somewhat of a loaded question as each person has his or her personal requirements as to what they want. That being said I would like good representative trophies. I also would not want to settle for a smaller animal such as a 48" kudu or 33" gemsbok if larger ones are readily huntable. I have listed below what I was thinking of talking with the PH. Does this sound reasonable to achieve in a 10 day hunt? If my expectations are too high please give me input on something more reasonable. I am truly a rank amateur so I am asking the "old hands" here for input. Also, I don't want to get too hung up on this but as I stated, I don't want to shoot a young animal. And if maybe I should set my sights higher let me know that as well.

Kudu 53"
Gemsbok 37"
Impala 24"
Waterbuck 27"
Blesbok 17"

I don't get quite so interested in the tape as I once did.....unless it's kudu, something about them. A 53" Kudu is a pretty good bull, you might be expecting a little high depending on the area, but not outrageous.

I would say a 24" impala is pretty stout in RSA, that one may be hard to live up to. The others seem reasonable, but you need more opinions than mine.

 

[Speedster]

That is exactly the feedback I was looking for. Thanks Phil.

 

[fourfive8]

Agree with Phil. A 24" impala is nearer the upper end while the other expectations you listed seem fairly reasonable.

 

[billc]

The Limpopo has big kudu and impala but they don't get big by being dumb. For your list your not to far off what would be good animals to try for. Smaller horns does not always mean younger though. Some younger animals may be bigger then older ones.

Kudu any bull over 50" is good but Limpopo 53" is more then ok to search for.
Impala 22" is good with 23 very nice with 24" around if you pass and can hold out.
waterbuck 27" is not out of line with many bulls being over 28"
Blesbuck 16" is good with 17" a top ram in most places.
Oryx of 37"is a good goal but a 36" male is a trophy and should be looked at real hard before you pass. Limpopo is not prime oryx area but there is plenty around.

Really depend so much on the ranch and ph but those animals in 10 days will give you time to be picky.

 

[steve ahrenberg]

As you said...loaded question. I would certainly discus your expectations prior. I would also ask about "put & take" concession hunting. It would be difficult to meet your expectations on some properties.

My opinion on Kudu, some 51-52 inch Kudu have a much more handsome appearance than some larger ones. I like a certain look to my Kudu, if they meet my expectations on look...

 

[BRICKBURN]

..................
Kudu 53"
Gemsbok 37"
Impala 24"
Waterbuck 27"
Blesbok 17"

Nothing wrong with setting a target.
The numbers you stated are not just "representative" trophies.

So, all you need to say: "I want Rowland Ward everything!"

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[cpr0312]

27" waterbuck is a good one, 24' impala is a real good one, 17" blesbok is a real good one. I would "settle" for a little less on each of those. 37' gemsbok again a good one but not unreasonable, same with kudu, a 53' is pretty darn good but really over 50' is a good one, just depends on how it looks to you with curl, spread etc..

I also don't get hung on on measurements anymore, if its a good specimen for the area and I like the way it looks, and its old/older, then I'm happy

 

[Speedster]

Brickburn:

I guess according you I put my foot in my mouth. As I stated I am not experienced so I was asking as someone trying to see if I was being unreasonable. Fair enough. I read in this forum once that someone said there are no dumb questions here. Apparently there is. I apologize for asking.

 

[Speedster]

Thank you billc. I appreciate your input.

 

[GA Hunter]

I’m with Phil in that I don’t get too wrapped up in measuring anything anymore. I have learned that the experience is worth WAY more than anything that will ever adorn my trophy room. Maybe you should ask your outfitter what he thinks are reasonable objectives on the property you will be hunting. After all who would know better than him? Good luck!!

 

[Speedster]

That is what I was trying to determine. I have read a few posts where some were dissatisfied and felt pressured to shoot. I don't want to be in that situation so I was asking for information.I don't know anything about the Rowland Ward measurements (obviously), have never looked at what qualifies, and I am not interested in making the book. If I do fine. If not, ok too. I was just wanting to get an idea of what to expect. I don't want to travel all the way to Africa for the equivalent of a spike buck in the US. It appears I overestimated what representative animals are. No problem.

 

[TXhunter65]

Speed, I don’t think Brick had any ill will in his response. Just pointing out your numbers match up pretty close to RW.

Welcome and hope you have a wonderful hunt. My first safari was also in Limpopo. It’s truly an unbelievable experience.

 

[twilly24]

I went to the Eastern Cape. I shot the only Kudu bull I seen. I shot him on the second day. He measured at 52 3/8. The question is are you willing to come home without a kudu? You dont have to answer to us on here. You only have to answer to yourself. Its hunting. You never know what's gonna happen. The weather sucked on my trip. 3days we had wind over 40 mph. The spiral horns weren't out on the second half of my trip. I never got an Eland.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Brickburn:

I guess according you I put my foot in my mouth. As I stated I am not experienced so I was asking as someone trying to see if I was being unreasonable. Fair enough. I read in this forum once that someone said there are no dumb questions here. Apparently there is. I apologize for asking.

You did not put your foot in anything. Just some information for you.
I used the exact statement suggested in my hunts. Rowland Ward trophies was my goal for every trophy on your list and plenty more. Blue Duiker, Roosevelt Sable, Kudu, Blue Wildebeest to Buffalo, it was the stated goal to every PH and Outfitter.

Go for it, not everyone will be able to accommodate you.

 

[K-man]

Measurements are a double edge sword. We need a "system" to have realistic expectations, but too much emphasis on inches will ruin your hunt and those around you. Know what a trophy measurement is, but go for old animals and enjoy yourself. When the trackers and P.H. get excited, shoot!

 

[BRICKBURN]

I'll keep hunting for a 60 inch Kudu fair chase any day.
I have gone away from hunts without taking a trophy. It's hunting.

Everyone, has to decide on their goal and that's what the OP is after.
I wish him well finding the trophies he will be happy with.

 

[K-man]

I'll keep hunting for a 60 inch Kudu fair chase any day.
I have gone away from hunts without taking a trophy. It's hunting.

Everyone, has to decide on their goal and that's what the OP is after.
I wish him well finding the trophies he will be happy with.

Just a question, Brick, when you shoot your next kudu and the tape says 59, will you be disappointed? Or happy? For me, i wouldn't pass one like that. Again, set your standards and enjoy the hunt. I remember your report about hunting Vallies, your dedication is impressive.

 

[BRICKBURN]

You decide! I'm on the right!

I have two great mounts of incredible bulls that measure just under 60 inches.
Kudu are still hard for me to judge that closely. I have not taken a tape measure, but know PH's who know how to use them.

I just have to go back for more. I get to watch a lot of Kudu bulls walk away.

Oh yeah, any old Rowland Ward Kudu will do with the bow.

I have taken two Vaalies that make Rowland Ward with the rifle, and I passed up lots on the way to taking them. That success caused a shift to the bow. @K-man you read the result. I'd do it again in a minute.

 

[jpr792]

Dear @Speedster

Great question... It's very important to communicate with your Professional Hunter about your expectations, and he will be the one that will be able to give you an honest and accurate opinion on trophy sizes for that specific area. It's great that you asked the question to determine if your expectations are too high or maybe too low. Regarding your question, your comment on not wanting to shoot young animals is very important, so congrats on that! Your on the right road...!

Have fun and enjoy setting your expectations...

My opinion for what it's worth:

Kudu 53" - That is a reasonable expectation, but do not turn down an old 52" Kudu bull....
Gemsbok 37" - For a cow, that's a bit low, maybe 38"... for a bull 35-36" is very good.
Impala 24" - I would rather say 23", a 24" impala is very big in my opinion.
Waterbuck 27" - I would rather say 28"
Blesbok 17" - I would rather say 16"

Any old animal with character, beats another animal even if it has that extra that inch you were looking for....

I hope that you will have a great hunt! Remember, memories aren't measured in inches. The most important thing is have fun while your going after your goals you set for yourself.

My best
Jacques