a 2 1/2 old bull is just as they say "eatin size". if you want a trophy go up to a 5 year old or better. you can see the differance. a 2 1/2 year is about 1000 lbs. a mature bull at 5 or 6 years old will push 2000 lbs. and the shoulder will be 4ft belly to top of back. as a meat cutter i have seen a few buffalo.
have you decided on a place to hunt these? you might try cheyenne buffalo ranch. located in wyoming. cluade smith is the owner. he has brought in 4 to me to cut in the last 3 weeks. he says he just isn't getting many sold right now. thay are some good eating also!