Apart from how hard you have hunted for a kudu bull, what do you look for in trying to assess a bull as a good trophy?

I've come to the conclusion, that the first thing to look for is that the tips are turned out.......but that is assuming he is a 2 and 1/2 turn bull.

I then look for a wide, long first turn, that sets the stage, as it were, for the second curl being good and long............and then good tops.

What makes life difficult is that a tightly twisted horned bull could actually measure less than a big open curled bull........

The other thing I find fascinating with other kudu nuts is their preference for narrow or wide heads.....

Here is a bull of mine that meets my criteria............





And what length do you think this bull (below) measured? 2 PH's and 3 clients got it wrong.......one PH was on the money to the inch. (the mount was taken off the wall and measured with a cable and tape)

62"

Ingwe

Go to my website and read the article on judging Kudu and selecting a trophy, I think it will help you in many decisions you will have when hunting them.
http://www.huntingadventures.net/index.php?nav=newsandarticles&id=2

Let me know if this helps you.

You asked us that that bad boy scores before, and never posted it, so let the cat out of the bag!

I will be going to Africa in May, and of course kudu is on the menu.

Given the choice, I would rather shoot a 52" narrow bull, over a 55" wide bull. I dont know why, I just like their looks alot more.

I'm with you on the narrow over the wide type horns.........and any decent outfitter should be able to get you a 55", given time and restraint on the hunter's part.

I want to see what other people reckon it measures before letting the cat out of the bag.............

I was out by 3" No shame in being wrong, just goes to show how hard they are to judge.

Whaddya reckon?

Thanks JJ. Very good article.

I didn't go into the contentious area of a bull being immature if the tips are turned inwards.......actually I don't believe it.

firstcouseswas80,

Here is a "narrow" bull shot in Zim in '98......he went 51"



And a mate's first ever Kudu.......as wide as they come; went 55". He was taken along with my 55" and 58" with Mike Kibble in 2006.

59"

My rule of thumb is, if you like 'em, shoot 'em. Can't go wrong.

Pretty good rule of thumb!

Well, I will be hunting Cape Kudu, so I have to set my mark a little lower. Never seen a Kudu, so I dont know.

Tell us what that thing scores already!