I guess a little of trophy hunter but mostly meat hunter. I much prefer to take the meat and antlers but I' m not really into record book animals and could never leave meat behind for the trophy even if it was a world record animal. It' s kind of a spritual thing with me. I believe I would dishonor the animals sprit if I wasted the meat. I don' t judge anyone else by my standards though, they are free to make thier own chioces, althougth I think it looks a lot better for hunting if everyone takes and uses the meat. I also have very little respect for people who hunt just for the antlers and leave the meat to rot in the woods, at least donate it to a food bank. That being said if I can get a great animal I' m more than happy to! As far as spikes vs. does/cows I would take a cow/dow every time before I take a spike but if a spike was my only shot I have gotten late in the hunt/season it' s down.