I have hunted buffalo and have taken three to date. I plan to hunt them again next year while I hunt lion. I would agree there are some American hunters that hunt with a tape. I myself do look for trophy quality of the animal before I pull the trigger provided there is time. Sometimes there is not. However that is not why I hunt. As mentioned by others, I long for the memories of the hunt itself. The very first buffalo I took involved stalking, tracking and running with the herds until we caught up to them for a shot. This took well over 4 hours one day after we got into the herd. I will NEVER forget that day for as long as I live. Two days later I shot a very large bossed 17 3/4" --41" wide buffalo---much larger than the first one, however the hunt was much easier, total time elapsed from when we found the first spore to the shot was probably 1 1/2 hours--I was very happy with the second buffalo but it is still the first one that I always think about. Being with 30 to 40 yards from the herd and not being able to get off a shot. Feeling the wind on the back of your neck and knowing its over..running with the herd again until they stop and maybe this time you can spot the bull for a shot.. it is awesome to say the least. I WILL NOT SHOOT AN ANIMAL FROM THE TRUCK. If I want to just shoot I will go to the gun range. Hunting is so much more than that.

I have taken will over 30 big game animals with my bow. None of them are SCI record book animals and yet those were some of the most enjoyable hunts of my life. Hiking in the mountains while feeling the cool fall air on your face, listening for the elk to bugle off in the distance, getting within 30 yards of a herd as they walk by you, those are the reasons I like to hunt.

Having said that, I disagree with HOPDOC as to not being able to tell a 37 from a 40 or better.. most that have studdied their quarry and hunted the animal can and will tell the difference. I believe once you come back from your first trip you will also. I would suggest reading Dr. Robertson's book, "The Perfect Shot" before you go. It is an excellent reference book from the standpoint of shot placement at various positions as well as trophy judgement in the field. One hands width past the outside of the ears equals 40".

Ripp