Thanks for the replies guys. That kind of reasoning was exactly what I was hoping to get. To address a couple of things, as mentioned in my original post, I DO WANT to hunt cape buffalo, but it isn't really at the top. As you mentioned there are other animals I would rather hunt before the cape, and I never thought of it in terms of the burgeoning illegalizing of many species in many areas - and that is definitely something to consider if you love to hunt African game. However a major part of my problem is funding. I am going with Chifuti Safaris and I believe we will be hunting the Zambezi Valley. But more on the funding, I actually wouldn't be able to go on this hunt, but a couple of friends are helping me financially. This is for a couple of reasons, they want me to join them, and they know that financially I am struggling - not paying the house payment struggling, but paying for a $16,000 hunt struggling. Anyway, they would help me with any hunt I wanted, but they are only helping to the tune of $10,000 and that is GREAT, however I have to come up with the remainder, and as it is an easy understanding, coming up with the balance of $6,000 is much easier than coming up with a balance of $15,000 plus. So I know I am blessed with friends like this as well as this opportunity, but I am torn as to exactly which to do - that is why I asked you experienced guys. Both the tuskless and the cape hunt are almost identical in price, and because the elephant isn't a PAC hunt, I can bring home skin panels, ears, and any other part that I want, however, and I appreciate the thoughts on how to preserve my trophy, but as a taxidermist, I have had experience with an abundance of plains game - I have also been on five safaris in South Africa - I was planning to mount the Cape myself. But again I will have a mount that I can appreciate for years to come versus a pair of elephant skin boots, or a belt, or etc. Anyway, again, I am very grateful to have this opportunity, but I was simply asking for guidance for those who have done both, which you guys have provided and I believe I am erring on the side of the cape. But if anyone else have thoughts I am very open to ideas and thoughts. Thanks again to you guys and I hope you have a great leopard and elie safari, especially so, since you said that it will be the last time you hunt in this manner in the areas that you will be hunting.