GR8,
Great post. really makes you think while reading it.

I have 5 deer on my wall. My best "trophy" is not there (i'll get back to this one). When i go into my den and see the deer on the wall what comes to mind is memories of the hunt that put them there.
When people ask about them i find myself getting into the story of who was with me, the odd thing the deer did, how i got so lucky etc. I give thanks for every deer that created those memories. I have no idea what they would score
Now, my best trophy.
I would trade all of the deer on my wall for a doe that i didn't even shoot myself. My first hunt ever was with my 12 year old daughter on a youth hunt. We went out all day and she took a doe at 125 yards at last light. It ranks up there with the best days of my life.
I should have mounted that doe. It's the story i think of and tell the most about hunting.