I guess I use the word "trophy" to coicide with my original post in this thread. As I stated earlier, for me, personally, I feel there are times when I WOULD shoot someones animal for them--BUT IF THEIR REASON WAS TO HANG IT ON THE WALL (as was what I gathered in the primary scenario of this thread)--THEN DEFINATELY NOT (just my personal opinion).
Let me describe a scenario
You and I were out whitetail hunting and we both had 1 (either sex) tag. I had already tagged out earlier in the day and now, we are both over-looking this grain field together. Evening is coming on and some deer are coming out across the other side of the field to feed. For one legitimate reason or another......whether you had hurt yourself that day, had poor eyesight, or were just apprehensive about your abilities at that yardage (this is just an example), you asked me to shoot a doe for you because you wanted some deer meat. If you were a trusted friend/hunting partner, I would do it without thinking twice.
If however, there was also a 180'' class buck over there and you wanted me to shoot him for you, I would not. Even if he was the only deer in the field and I belived you just wanted the meat, I would tell you that we'll have to wait for something else to show up.
This is my opinion, I don't really care if you think its right or wrong, because it would happen all the same. I thought this was a discussion. I was definately not tryting to be combative...I was just interested in hearing cases that were logical even if I disagreed with them. That is why I was really directing my last post at Spyro, because he stated he could make a legitimate argument for either side in the scenario he originally described. I hope he does not think that I was being accusatory of him...I was not or did not mean to be. Even though I do not agree with him on res/non-res issues, I believe he is knowledgeable (to a degree ) and I have gained respect after reading some other posts of his.
so this is so long but
now for my next scenario
same situation as before. But what if I had shot some doe or scrub as my deer (for meat purposes) and now you and I were both overlooking this field and a huge buck stepped out. Then, hypothetically, you said "since I can't make that shot, I'll take your deer and you can shoot that one if you want". Would I shoot?????????? Maybe. I would have to be there to really find out for sure.
First off I was not meaning to be combative and discussion is a meshing of ideals/opinions from various individuals of which not every one has to agree otherwise it wouldn't be a discussion! As such I simply didn't agree with the disclaimer that "Trophy" does or should garner more respect than a non-trophy! Basically two sets of rules be it legal, ethical or moral. To me it appears that your lack of ability to shoot a trophy class animal for a "Trusted" Pal or friend even if it is just for meat supports either a double standard or antler envy! I mean you state at the end you may if he agreed to swap tags/deer. I can see it is totally hypothetical in your case so not busting your b@lls just stating my opinion & obviously don't agree.
Once again I think another hunters animal should only be shot by others if wounded prior, other than that your tagged out the gun goes in the case and if he/she can't pull the trigger oh well better luck next time! In doing so regardless of the reason what benefit does it provide to either party?
In these hypothetical cases you have to assume the individual who is unable to pull pin is rather green, so it is your/our responsible to show/tote an ethical line and instill that belief in the next generation of hunter. Hunting isn't all about harvesting, that is just the final piece of the puzzle and I think we need to educate those new to the sport of this aspect plus all the other aspects that truly make a hunt successful!