I have often wondered if "trophy" fees are actually legal. I am talking about fees charged only if the animal is above a certain size, not ones that are charged if you kill any animal.

Legally, the animals belong to the people of the state that they reside in. Landowners and outfitters can only charge for guiding or a "tresspass fee" to hunt their property. They can not "sell" game. It seems to me that legally, that is what they are doing when they charge a trophy fee: selling an animal because its antlers are bigger than average. I doubt anyone will ever challange this in court, but I am not sure it would stand up to a court challange.

It certainly seems to me that phycologically, the guides would work harder if they know they are going to get more if successful, so from that angle it makes sense. Bottom line is that it would depend on the outfitter as to whether or not I would consider it. If 2 reputable outfitters charge the same price up front and one charges a trophy fee, I would probably hunt with the other one.