In 2003 when I have had the privilege to shoot my first buff I have a puzzling experience. My first shot spot on the shoulder of the big boss brought only a stampede of the herd. My cousin was filming the scene when he was pulled backward by the waterbearer to prevent him from being trampled. It's then that he remarked the last buff (mine) was bleeding and at less than 10 yards he shot him in the throat. The buff made a somersault, emitted a death bellow and stood still. Everybody clapped one another on the shoulders rejoicing. Then the buff regained his conscience and luckily blundered away from us at 10 yards. We couldn't shoot for the hunting team was standing between the departing buff and us. After trotting 105 minutes behind him (most in tall grass) and 9 bullets we finished the buff for good.
That's the way I learnt no to trust the praised Death Bellow. Your opinion and expertise, please
-------------------- "I don't want to create an encyclopedic atmosphere here when we might be having a beer instead" P H Capstick in "Safari the last adventure."
I have only heard the death bellow once out of 4 buffalo, so it does not seem to be a good predictor. In the instance where I did hear it, the buffalo was down but nowhere near to being dead.
I have heard bears, deer, zebra and duiker emit death bellows. Some really did die and a few "shockingly" were not near death but still, bellowed. I am not sure this is a reliable sound to base a kill upon.
-------------------- ~Ann
Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.
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