"Trophy Hunter" are YOU one?

L

lifeisgood

Guest
Its obvious we all hunt "at different levels" for different reasons.
I want to know who labels themself a "trophy hunter", and if you do, how you define that and what does it mean to you?

life IS good

Hey, that sounds like a question on a weekly test. How 'bout keepin it 50 words or less. No multiple choice here.
 
I just want a better than last years animal! I feel each year I am a better hunter than the year before and having only gotten serious(meaning can shoot an meat buck every year hear in Ca if wanted) about hunting 8 or 9 yrs(for deer) now I can pass on smaller bucks because skill has gotten better over the years so now it means "I can eat an tag if expections are not met"!
rm

THE ONLY rackmaster wondering THE TRUE MEANING OF PISSCUTTER: QUALITY OF WARM HANDS AND THE NEED TO RELEIVE ONE SELF OUTSIDE AND ITS 13 DEG AND IF YOU USE THE WORD PISSCUTTER YOU'D BETTER KNOW WHAT IT MEANS OR EVERY M.M. MEMBER & EVERY PERSON ON THE WWW WILL BE LAUGHING THEIR ASSES OFF AT YOU, ALL YOU FORKIE-SHOOTERS CAN KISS MY URNAIL CAKES ALSO, YOU MUST BE A GREAT WHITE HUNTER WHEN YOU BRAGG YOU DRANK ALL NIGHT LONG,HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN YOU KILL 2 OR 3 SIX PACKS, AND THAT AIN'T A NICE STREAM WHEN YOUR HAND SLIPS ....SHOOT...DANG!!!
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-31-06 AT 01:05AM (MST)[p]I do not consider myself a Trophy Hunter. Just try to find one that will keep me happy till next year.

In my opinion a Trophy hunter has a predetermined size deer, elk, etc in mind and will only take an animal of that size or better. A Trophy Hunter will go home empty handed if they dont find what they are looking for.
 
On draw tags for out of state like a buck, I'd rather not shoot anything under 4pts.... width not so much a factor as points.. or a drawn elk tag I like atleast a 5x6 bull.....

On general tags like my Ut. bow elk/deer.... it is easier to hold out because of the 'Front' on deer but as far as elk go in general units.... the whole bow hunt experience of stalking getting under 40 yards.. I'll be happy with a cow or spike..raghorn...

Too many of the so called trophy hunters are more really like One Tag Wonders.....check out the trophy rooms at their house...it kinda gets overblown on size vs quality...
 
lifeisgood!!!

MAN DOES THAT MOOSE HUNT OF YOURS NEED TO SHOW UP SOON!!!

EVERYBODY HAS ANIMALS THEY'RE PROUD OF & PROBABLY CONSIDER SOME OF THEM TROPHIES!!!

THEY DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE B&C BOOK ANIMALS EITHER!!!

SOME PEOPLE HAVE BOOK ANIMALS THAT AIN'T ENTERED IN THE BOOKS!!!

I'M SURE YOU MUST HAVE A TROPHY DOE,RIGHT???

WITH THE MONEY THATS BEEN INVOLVED IN TROPHY HUNTING THE LAST 15 YEARS I DO BELIEVE THERE ARE ALOT OF TRUE HUNTERS THAT DON'T CARE MUCH FOR THE WORD TROPHYHUNTER!!!

THERE ARE MANY OF TYPES OF TROPHY HUNTERS!!!

SOME LIKED & SOME HATED!!!

THESE RICH BICHES THAT SPEND 100,000.00 ON THE PERMIT & THEN MONEY FOR GUIDES,OUTFITTERS & FINDERS FEE'S CONSIDER THEIRSELVES TROPHY HUNTERS BUT ARE THEY???

THEN THERE ARE THE TYPE OF TROPHY HUNTERS THAT HUNT WITHOUT SPENDING BIG MONEY THAT EARN EVERYTHING THEY EVER GET!!!

YA SEE,YOU CAN BUY YOUR TROPHIES THESE DAYS(IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY!!!)MORE OF A SHOOT THAN A HUNT IN MY EYES!!!

IS IT A GOOD DEAL???

EVERYBODY'S GOT THEIR OWN OPPINION ON THAT,SURE WE NEED MORE MONEY FOR WILDLIFE BUT IS IT WORTH TAKING THE CREAM OF THE CROP???

ARE YOU GONNA SEND ME A MOOSE STEAK,PLEASE???

THE ONLY bobcat WITH THE TRUE MEANING OF PISSCUTTER:SUB TROPHY QUALITY OF THE SPECIES,IF YOU USE THE WORD PISSCUTTER YOU'D BETTER KNOW WHAT IT MEANS OR EVERY M.M. MEMBER & EVERY PERSON ON THE WWW WILL BE LAUGHING THEIR ASSES OFF AT YOU,ALL YOU DOE-SHOOTERS CAN KISS MY TAIL ALSO,YOU MUST BE A GREAT WHITE HUNTER WHEN YOU BRAGG YOU SHOOT DOES,HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN YOU KILL 2 OR 3 DEER WITH ONE SHOT,FRICKEN FAWN KILLERS,THAT AIN'T A HUNT THATS A SHOOT!!!
 
I've digested many high quality permits looking for a monster pisscutter. Does that make me a trophy hunter? Some say I'am a dumb arse for passing up a 190+ pisscutter and that I have rocks in my head. Could be. I think when you've whacked stacked and packed many a big game, you start setting your standards much higher. Plus, honestly for me it's not the killing anymore its the pursuing that makes the hunt. I love to hunt!
 
What's it coming to when you have to defend trophy hunting on Monster Muleys? sounds like some are jelous.
 
Yes, VERY jeleous dude, and I bet if you posted those pics of your B&C Trophies you were braggin about, I would be even MORE jeleous. This post has nothing to do with defending "trophy hunting", yet the defenition threof.

life IS good (and boy am I jeleous of the pics you never posted)
 
Do I consider myself a trophy hunter?? Hmmm..while I've never referred to myself as a "Trophy Hunter", I would say the answer is yes I am, because I consider every animal I've ever taken a trophy to me.

That goes from the first forkie I took at 14 years old with my father watching, to the 28" wide buck I took 2 years ago, which is technically my biggest to date. However, both bucks are equally trophies to me because of the invaluable memories they produced.

A few years ago, things came full circle, and my son took his first deer, which happened to be a doe. Is that a trophy doe? It is to me and my son - I've got framed pictures of him with that doe in my office.

I don't shoot dinks anymore, and I'm pretty selective on the bucks I shoot. They don't have to be B&C bucks, but as someone mentioned earlier, I like the challenge of trying to get something better than I've alreday got. More often than not, that now leads to eating tag soup.

Bottom line is, in my opinion, you should consider every animal you harvest a trophy in some aspect (size, memories, experience, feeding your family, etc.), no matter what size it is. Otherwise, why are you shooting it?
 
Lifeisgood,
Yes there are two and some real close ones but I wasn't bragging you ask, I know hunters with many more booners than me and I'm a little jelous but not near as much as you. we've had our spat bug someone else.
 
dude,
With all due respect, why did you enter your "trophies" in "the book"? Im curious about this.

life IS good
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-31-06 AT 09:22AM (MST)[p]If you live in CA hunting general season, trophy hunting is relative. I set my sights at 160 but will take a nice or unique mature buck what ever it will score.

But it has to be wide, 28 or better
 
The measuring tape out of my backpack is the only tape that will be put on any buck I harvest. My goal has always been a 30 incher. I still like my goals at age 52. I think the best is yet to come.

The outside spread will be the only measurement taken. I don't give a hoot how much mass or how many points it is.

Boone @ Crockett to me may as well be a fairy tale. My respect and admiration for a magnificent buck far transcends any numbers put on it.


Dean Parisian
Chippewa Partners
http://chippewapartners.blogspot.com/
Team Muleys Pro Staff
 
Yes! I will admit it and am not in the least ashamed of it! I have high standards in everything that I do. I refuse to shoot does, cow elk, any whitetail or mulie that isnt past it's ears, any blacktail that is less than a 3 point (or a huuuge 2 pt) any bear that is under 250 lbs or any raghorn bull period! I dont expect anyone else to adhere to the limitations, that would be rediculous. I have shot more nice critters in the past 25 years than most people will ever see in the wild and it is because of perserverance (sp?), determination and not settling for less than what I set out for. My wife compares me to Tred Barta when it comes to hunting, attitude and all (but not so hyper). And no, I am not higher and mightier than anyone else, just personally selective.

Eric
 
I'm definately not a trophy hunter, though could envision myself becoming one someday if I ever become willing to give up the meat (not a neccesity, I just love wild meat!). Right now I guess I want the steaks more than the big rack.

I really have a ton of respect for you guys that consistently take, or could take, mature bucks and bulls. The odd one could be luck, but it takes a high level of dedication and skill to be consisitent. I do have to admit that I am jealous of some people's latitude in the amount of time they can take to hunt and in some circumstance the $$ they can dedicate to it. I don't begrudge them of it though. We all have different blessings and privileges in our lives.
 
>>>>Bottom line is, in my opinion, you should consider every animal you harvest a trophy in some aspect (size, memories, experience, feeding your family, etc.), no matter what size it is. Otherwise, why are you shooting it? >>>>



bingo,,,, enuff said
 
Lifeisgood,
Because I want to, not for anyone else but me. I like to look at the award next to the mount because I have great respect for B&C and Teddy Roosevelt is my # 1 hero, it's about as close as I'll ever get to knowing him. now I even have to defend B&C ? come on.
 
Me a trophy hunter? Hell no! That would mean I would actually have to kill something once in a while. I just use deer season to get me through 'til the bird hunting starts.

Rut
 
Yes I do , every single animal is a trophy to me , but not by book and scores.So if thats the catagory , I'm out, I just love to hunt and inches don't matter a whole lot.Don't get me wrong I'd love some big horn/antler but don't put much worry into either..
 
A well devised plan that results in fun, excitment, anticipation and perhaps a buck makes me a happy hunter. Does it make me a trophy hunter, I have a trophy wife, trophy kids and several 4pts. I guess I'm a trophy hunter. I love life, love the nature, love looking for Trophy animals. Any animal that has horn above the ears is fun for me to look at, any animal that has four points or more is a trophy and that to me in my book is a trophy animal. I've seen several 3pts I would be very happy to have on my wall too.

It's always funny, my brothers and I always say, "what are you willing to shoot? would you shoot a nice high 3pt, how about a good high 2pt with mass and width?" As we drive to our spots, we all have a trophy in our minds, but when the daylight presents itself on opening day and adrenaline kicks in, our trophy change to the circumstances of the day or the hunt. Thats what's so fun about hunting, the unexpected.

Utaz
 
Jackmaster went passed the word limit!!! In Summary; never will shoot a spike. Two point -dead, unless It is a limited hunt. Never shot a doe, though I do like venison.....
 
I do not consider myself a trophy hunter, I do pass up deer my hunting buddies would take, but usally take an average sized buck for the area I hunt. The trophy for me is getting away from work, the congestion of the city, and having a full freezer.





If we're not supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat?
 
Dude, your funny. The thing is I am selective as well. VERY SELECTIVE, I have the option to do that because of the several areas I can call home (and still have access to and knowledge of) my good health, the good relations I have made durring my lifetime, and a "job" that allows me to get out and peak around some new country every once in a while. Not everyone is blessed with the opprotunities myself, or yourself has had.
The reason I give you such a hard time is because of the statements you have made in your other posts that were most surely derogitory, and belittleing of those that have a "different" OR AS YOU IMPLY A "LOWER" STANDARD THAN YOU MIGHTY HUNTER.
Im glad you are proud of yourself, you very well should be, whenever you have a bad day you can open up "the book" and admire your name (that was put there for YOU might I add, not me or Joe Blow to see, just for YOU)
Polarbear sounds like he is selective as well, a little cocky too, but a "selective" or "trophy" hunter as some may label him.
The difference is how he (apparently) feels about "standards" in general. I am hoping he is sincere in his remarks about others having different standards, and acknowleging that others arent any lesser for having a different "goal" than he has.
I too, am a selective hunter for ME, just for me. Although I set my standards high, (or at least in MY book) thats where I keep my "memories" of ALL my hunts, in MY "book."
Bottom line is I wasnt too fond of you pickin on other ethical hunters that legally harvest animals with good intentions just because of the animals they harvested werent a TROPHY in your darn book. (or THE book, sorry)

life IS good
 
dude, also, call me an Idiot (I know you would like to) but what does Teddy Rossevelt have to do with the Boone and Crockett record book? I thought it was Daniel Boone and Davey Crockett (king of the wild frontier)
I know Im gonna catch heck for my ignorance (I prefer to call it a lack of being educated on a certain subject) but I honestly dont know.
Explaination please, anyone?

life IS good
 
lifeisgood!!!

DO I GET A MOOSE STEAK???

THE ONLY bobcat WITH THE TRUE MEANING OF PISSCUTTER:SUB TROPHY QUALITY OF THE SPECIES,IF YOU USE THE WORD PISSCUTTER YOU'D BETTER KNOW WHAT IT MEANS OR EVERY M.M. MEMBER & EVERY PERSON ON THE WWW WILL BE LAUGHING THEIR ASSES OFF AT YOU,ALL YOU DOE-SHOOTERS CAN KISS MY TAIL ALSO,YOU MUST BE A GREAT WHITE HUNTER WHEN YOU BRAGG YOU SHOOT DOES,HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL WHEN YOU KILL 2 OR 3 DEER WITH ONE SHOT,FRICKEN FAWN KILLERS,THAT AIN'T A HUNT THATS A SHOOT!!!
 
THE ONLY........

HUNTERCAMERON THAT WILL GET A SHOT AT THAT 200 INCH TYPICAL BETWEEN LITTLE , AND BIG !!!

I JUST RECORDED HIS FIRST MOVES OF THE SUMMER !!

IN THE SAME DANG STEEP ASS HILL WITH CLIFFS FOR HIS PERIMETER!

I WILL BE PUTTING STOCKS ON HIM THIS COMING WEEKEND TILL THE HUNT ENDS ON THE NOV 30TH ...

THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS THIS PIG PATTERNED !!

THIS COMING NOV. HE WILL BE POSTED ON M.M.!!

M.M. PREPARE FOR AN ABSOLUTE PIG FROM THE FRONT ..

THE ONLY PERSON QUESTIONNING MY SAFETY WHEN I HIKE UP THAT VERTICAL HILL OF 9000 FEET !!

I WATCH HIS MOVES FROM BELOW WITH A SPOTTING SCOPE !!

HE IS THE SMARTEST SOB I HAVE EVER SEEN!!

ITS OBVIOUS WHY HE IS STILL ALIVE AT HIS OLD AGE OF 8 1/2 !

THE ONLY PERSON THAT WILL BE GETTING OPPORTUNITIES STALKS ON THIS BUCK !!

BEFORE HE DIES OF OLD AGE !!
 
Life...I consider myself an opportunistic trophy hunter. By that I mean, yes, I want to take the biggest animal I can when I hunt by myself. However, when I hunt with my girls and the opportunity comes along to harvest a nice 2 point buck with them by my side I won't hesitate, because to me, that 2 point buck with my girls is as much of a trophy as the 190 class buck on the wall. I have shot several "trophy class" animals and the feeling is not any better than the ones shot with my kids. As for the doe argument, I have never shot a doe. I have shot a cow elk however and had a great time doing it. I know in the Eastern states that it is more of a necessity to shoot does to keep the population in check than it is in the mule deer population out here in the West. I don't criticize anybody that shoots a doe as long as they use the meat.

www.awholelottabull.com
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-31-06 AT 11:46PM (MST) by BCBOY (moderator)[p]Life,
Teddy Roosevelt and some friends started the Boone&Crockett, the very first consevation club in America. I don't have the time nor do I think you're worth a history lesson but records keeping is only a small part of what the B&C club does . see Roosevelt was an avid hunter and since you didn't know that you probably don't know the Teddy Bear got it's name from Teddy Roosevelt refusing to shoot a cub bear, many made fun of him for it. if Teddy could refuse to shoot a cub I can refuse to shoot a fawn . taking words out of context just to start fights is low even for you, spend the time you try to fight with me reading up a little and you'll find Buffalo Bill wasn't really a Bison either.
 
>when I
>hunt with my girls and
>the opportunity comes along to
>harvest a nice 2 point
>buck with them by my
>side I won't hesitate, because
>to me, that 2 point
>buck with my girls is
>as much of a trophy
>as the 190 class buck
>on the wall. I
>have shot several "trophy class"
>animals and the feeling is
>not any better than the
>ones shot with my kids.

Best post on this thread. Thanks for putting things back into perspective.

If I'm a "trophy hunter" does that mean I can't shoot a dear with my daughter unless it goes book??? No wait, that would be FOOL hunter.
 
Dude, I didnt know that (That T.R. started B&C). Ignorant I am. Although I misspell many words, C O N S E R V A T I O N... I can spell, (I think) At least you can spell (properly) the words... T R O P H Y H U N T E R
I DO know about Mr. Roosevelt being an avid hunter (for the day and age) and the "Teddy" bear story. Learned that part in the 3rd grade. I dont recall being taught that many made fun of him for not shooting a bear, but maybe there is a lesson you could learn from in that bit of history. I also didnt know he was instrumental in starting B&C. (uneducated in THAT department I am)
Making fun of a SPORTSMAN for "conserving", hmmmm, how could somone do such a thing? Im sure YOU could tell me.

life IS good
 
I personally dont think there are really trophy hunters out there. I think it is more of a game hunter so to speak. trying to outwit a big ol mature buck in his game and on his terms is what some of these people have wrote to me. Some people like to play chess or checkers or cards. My game is hunting. It takes alot of time to throw down a checkmate on a mature buck that has been threw more seasons and more dangers than I will ever be threw.
It seems that alot of people enjoy playing the game than just pulling the trigger. There is nothing wrong with any other hunters either. People that enjoy wild game and help keep the population in check. Some people just happen to have more time on there hands and the money to enjoy more of the experience to play the game of hunting. I wish everyone had the same amount of time and money to hunt. But thats why us as humans have differnce of opinions. each thinks of different things or voices them differently. So everyone enjoy there hunting season as it is upon us now.
I will be heading out in the morning to drop a bait site. Good luck to all on MM for a safe and rewarding hunt this season.


fca2e9e9.jpg
 
Trophy Hunter" are YOU one? nope if it is brown it is down!!!!lol





FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU! Walk soft and carry a 300 RUM,
 
Is there something wrong with being a trophy hunter? I think all of us have a goal in mind when we get out on the mountain, whether it be to shoot a record book buck or a meat buck or whatever. I don't really consider myself a trophy hunter, but I definately not a meat hunter. I can buy meat at the store, but I can't buy the experience of chasing a buck around the mountain anywhere. I lost interest in killing small 2 and 3 points long ago, but I hunt with guys who haven't and that's fine by me. I have never killed a doe or cow and frankly just don't have any interest in ever killing one.

My standard is my standard alone and it is unreasonable to apply that to anyone else. I would like to kill a 30 inch buck someday...regardles of its other attributes you just don't see that many 30 inch bucks. I would like to kill a big gnarly non-typical some day but that is about as specific as my goals get. I like to measure bucks just so I can see for myself what makes a B&C buck, but I don't really care if I ever kill a buck that makes book. Give me a smaller buck with a lot of character and I'll probably kill it. For the most part, I'm intrested in 4 point or better although that wouldn't exclude a big 3 point.
 
Dont tell my wife but I tell her Im trophy hunting so I can spend the entire season out backpacking.
 
Dahlmer,

No, there isnt anything wrong with being one, but there also isnt any thing wrong with not being one.

life IS good
 
Hmmm,
I think I am but a trophy to me is a mature animal that I got without the assistance of a guide or outfitter. I feel much more reward from a hunt I do myself than if somebody takes me out and points to a deer or elk. Best trophy for me so far is the Cow Elk in my freezer. Shot by my ten year old daughter on public land scouted and guided by me. Her third big game animal with only three shots fired from her 243. Not counting range time of course(yea, I'm braggin)...
Mike
 
MTBullhunter70 said it best:
Do I consider myself a trophy hunter?? Hmmm..while I've never referred to myself as a "Trophy Hunter", I would say the answer is yes I am, because I consider every animal I've ever taken a trophy to me.
 
Dahlmer and Supersider34 pretty much summed up my feelings."Trophy Hunter" is just a couple of words.In the other thread,lifeisgood quoted "that sounds bad to me".Well,that statement sounds "politically correct" to me!As supersider said,hunting the 2&3 year old bucks doesn't get it anymore.Although I don't shoot does,I don't begrudge those that do in areas where muley numbers are stable or increasing.I love getting my hands on a great rack,though.Whether a shed horn,my buddies buck,or my own.There is absolutely NO challenge in whacking a doe or yearling buck!Period!If you aren't a "Trophy Hunter",that is your choice.Don't make trophy hunting out to be a BAD thing.We as hunters should EMBRACE the term,no matter what it means to each individual!We should be PROUD to be hunters,not try to hide the fact or hide behind some politically correct terminology so other people don't think bad of us!Lifeisgood,I get the feeling from this thread that you look down on "Trophy Hunters"!Isn't that what riled YOU up so bad on the "Shoot a doe" thread?Just an observation........
 
Nontypical, My standards (with recurve OR 300 win) are 370"+ gross bull, 200" + gross muley buck, 160+ gross whitetail buck OR does/cows (when it makes sense.) Nothing in between.

Its interesting you mention that "trophy hunter" is just a couple words, then go on to say, ... "there is absolutely NO challenge in wacking a doe or yearling buck, PERIOD)
At what age/sex/species/weapon does the "challenge begin"??

life IS good
 
LAST EDITED ON Sep-02-06 AT 08:25AM (MST)[p]Here's the lead and a bit more from an article I wrote on this topic several years ago. -TONY

IS IT A TROPHY?


The fire had grown smaller now, explaining the slight chill I felt. Two other guides and our six hunters from Ohio and New Jersey competed for some of the warmth and swapped the usual litany of hunting tales. The Colorado deer season would open the next day.

I placed another log on the coals, then watched as the flames preyed upon the hunk of pine. The pitch warmed quickly and began smoking. With no breeze to alter their route, the thin curls lingered a bit longer before fading away into the night sky. Looking up at the star-flecked blackness, I smiled. The disappearing smoke trails had made me think about a question my now 35-year-old son, Keith, had asked when he was still an inquisitive 5-yr.old.

We had camped in the White Mountains of Arizona. Although it was mid-summer, the night temperature had slid toward the low 40s. Keith, wrapped in his heaviest coat, had cozied up to my wife for extra warmth. He intently focused on the fire and hadn't said a thing in 15 minutes. Then, out of nowhere, he turned to me and asked, "Daddy, where does the smoke go." My wife laughed, knowing I was stuck for an answer.

I was still smiling when the anxious hunter's question interrupted my musings.

"Tony, what do you think our chances of taking a good trophy are?"

I heard only my name. "Sorry, I was day-dreaming. What did you say?"

He repeated the question, and I thought of the irony. It wasn't as far-fetched as my son's had been, but in my mind his question had no definitive answer. I simply didn't know what HE considered a trophy.

At one time or another, most of us have harbored the spirit of a trophy hunter. The problem is one of interpretation; a trophy to me might not be a trophy to the next guy. It's the perfect example where the time-worn adage, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder," seems to fit.

Estimates show hunters kill about a million deer for every one that makes the Boone & Crockett (B&C) listings. If my hunter wanted a B&C mule deer, the odds obviously would be nearly astronomical. In contrast, knowing we had lots of excellent, older bucks in our area and the results of our earlier hunts, I could easily tell him he had a 50/50 chance at a nice, representative head. My answer simply depended on his parameters, which surely could cover a wide range.

If we stay with the dictionary definition, any memento of the hunt would be a trophy. And many deer hunters do follow Mr. Webster's interpretation. Certainly any youngster who kills his first buck will cherish it as a trophy, regardless of antler or body size. In fact, even a spike or a doe, where legal, likely would qualify to a neophyte hunter.

And then there's the middle ground --- the place most hunters undoubtedly fit. To them, any mature, above-average buck rates trophy status. When these hunters are in the field, they look for decent bucks but pay little attention to concise parameters. They rarely worry about how many B&C points it scores. Nor do they fret over a lack of symmetry or the number of points per side. All they want is a set of antlers that look big, basically ones they can proudly hang on the wall of their den. Not surprisingly, the majority of these hunters also will shoot any buck that comes along as the season winds down to its final days.

Then we have the other extreme --- those who feel only a buck that makes one of the various record books deserves trophy recognition. Of course, not every deer these committed nimrods shoot actually make the record minimums, but each one will be an outstanding trophy, nonetheless.

Those who limit their hunting to these monster bucks are the dedicated types who have paid their dues early on. They have gained enough knowledge, experience and skills to find and outsmart big deer. More importantly, they have learned to be patient, often passing on bucks the average hunter would kill in a heartbeat. They realize once they pull the trigger the hunt is over. To do this, they all have one thing in common; they can spot a buck on the hoof, give it a quick going over and come to a fairly accurate evaluation of its trophy proportions, at least where they fit within their personal criteria. The ability to make this sort of judgment comes from practice and knowing what to look for.

Understandably, the limited time each of us spends in the woods every year makes it difficult to practice, especially if we see few deer. Yet there are other ways. Visiting a local taxidermist or somewhere else where mounted heads are on display and playing a little game of "guess how big" surely will help. The most helpful knowledge, however, is an awareness of the average body and antler measurements for the deer species you will hunt. Then if you know the antler measurements for trophy-class bucks, you have some basis for comparison.

A few years ago a friend from Ohio hunted mule deer with me on the North Kaibab in northern Arizona. It was his first visit to the West, so he had never seen a live mule deer. Like those in the middle area, he wanted a trophy but would settle for any buck later in the season. On the first morning, he killed a two-year-old with a spindly 2x3 rack. The inside spread was about 16 inches. The buck came up far short of the quality of trophies available on the North Kaibab. Jim, however, spent his time hunting whitetails on his Ohio farm, where few bucks rarely live over three years. To him, the 2X3 mulie looked like a monster.

**************
 
Lifeisgood,you sure like to argue,huh??!!I don't think our feelings on hunting are too far apart.Surely you see what I'm saying when I say there is absolutely no challenge to taking a yearling buck or a doe(of course,there is always a small challenge to taking any critter;maybe the term "absolutely" is a bit out of line to some people).My criteria for a trophy is quite simple:if it looks good to me,I'm going to try for it;score means very little to me-it's just kind of a guideline.Mass and cheaters;character-that's what gets my switch flipped.Anyway,good hunting to you this season,and for God's sake would you send Bess his moose steak???!!!
 
nontyp... Not to be argumentative BUT, Im not sure I like to argue as much as I like to be sure my "point of veiw" is understood. My "ideas" more often than not, on this sight, are misconstrued by many and the sensible point I was trying to get folks to acknowledge is lost in a heated debate.
I surely do not agree with you when you say there is ABSOLUTELY NO CHALLENGE in taking a yearling buck or doe. You can say its not a challenge, (to you), but be certain it is a tremendous challenge to alot of people. I am not refering to JUST hunters that are less experienced, or jut beginning, I am also refering to those limited to hunting local populations of game (that may be very different than the game you have access to), that chose to use a close range weapon, maybe to those that are physically impared, to them this very well may be a big challenge.
You have obviously missed "my point" of this post. Most people that "trophy" hunt apparently do so because it is a "challenge" TO THEM. We all need to realize EVERYONE feels differently about what is a CHALLENGE to them, and what is a trophy TO THEM. Your standards are not my standards are not BOBCATS standards or my daughters standards. Thats ok.
Dont tell somone else the animal they have harvested isnt a "trophy" or wasnt a "challenge" to kill. To them, it may be a TROPHY and it may have been VERY challenging for them to kill. Thats not your business nor mine.
Until you understand that, I can assure you "our feelings" on hunting are VERY far apart.

life IS good
 
LAST EDITED ON Sep-03-06 AT 01:46AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Sep-03-06 AT 01:42?AM (MST)

I think that most on this thread will agree that a "trophy" is in the eye of the beholder. Oppinions evolve over time and may change as well with the different experiences we have. What is a trophy to you today may not be as significant in later years. It doesn't mean that you are less of a hunter or for that matter, a superior hunter. It just means that your priorities have changed. For those of you who have kids you understand what I am talking about. There was a point in my hunting career when I was so arrogant as to think that people were stupid taking "sub-standard" animals. I felt like they were just lazy and couldn't get their butts out of the truck to pursue the "real trophies". I had this thought process for a long time until I had an opportunity to guide a guy from New York that taught me a thing or two about a thing or two. He went home empty handed that hunt after paying top dollar to the outfitter that I worked for. I couldn't believe he wasn't mad. Although we had opportunities to see the game it just didn't come together for us. He described the bugling and mountains and said that he would have paid double the price to see what he got to see on this hunt. He told me that he felt privelaged to be there with me and wanted me to know that we were 2 guys in a very small percentage of people in the world that got to experience what we had just experienced. That hunt has stuck with me for 15 years now and has since changed the way I prepare my mindset for the upcoming hunting seasons. We are still great friends to this day. In fact he is coming out this week to hunt spike elk while I hunt my big bull tag.

www.awholelottabull.com
 
I think we can all agree on one thing we are hunters.
Trophy Hunter is often not what it is labeled and easily misunderstood.
I like meat!! I do not like sitting at home while there is a hunting season on. I like above average animals i.e. record book quality. Pope and Young, Boone and Crockett, SCI, whatever weapon you choose.
Like Theridge stated after you have whacked and stacked I prefer havested enough animals it is all about pursuit and being out there.
Record books are there for our human egos. There is nothing wrong with getting some recognition for a job well done. Every sport there is keeps track of the exceptional athletes why should our sport be any different.
Each and every hunter has their own bench mark for what a trophy is to them.
As lifeisgood states there is nothing wrong with being a trophy hunter or just being a hunter mind you both by definition.
Bottom line and main goal is enjoy hunting period.
Bowguy
 
Lifeisgood-I don't think I've ever seen a guy with a bigger ego on this site.I totally understand your point.You just like to argue.Everything you accuse me of YOU TOTALLY "MISCONSTRUE".I said before that when I said "no challenge" intaking a doe or yearling that that statement was not true for everyone.You choose to overlook that statement so you can keep the arguement going.My trophy standards are different from yours(same thing you said).Why do you want to keep arguing??I guess until everyone conforms to your standards and agrees with everything you say,you will keep on arguing.You're right-we are WORLDS apart on our viewpoints.I can agree to disagree with someone.YOU obviously can't.Have a good doe hunt,my friend.I'm out!
 
A type of guy that will argue till they think you think there way. Thats how my brother puts it.

fca2e9e9.jpg
 
Nontyp- Your amusing kid. Dont have time to pacify your need for self justification this morning. Gotta take care of business so I can take the next few months of and harvest any combination of the following....


Nontypical, My standards (with recurve OR 300 win) are 370"+ gross bull, 200" + gross muley buck, 160+ gross whitetail buck OR does/cows (when it makes sense.) Nothing in between.

That was from my previous post, guess you just saw the "doe" part.

life IS good (even with an apparently monstourous ego such as myself, which is of course why I publicly admit to harvesting female deer)
 

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