Like anything in life, it's what each person defines for themselves. That being said, to me, a trophy is that extra special deer. A deer is a deer and I love deer hunting more than anything, but (when) I finally tag that big buck, you know the kind that takes your breath away when you first see him., then I'll have my trophy. A hunter's first deer is probably the biggest trophy of all, regardless of size.

I am also a diehard fly fisherman. I have caught many trout but it's that 10 pounder that has been eluding me thru the years. When I finally net him, it will truly be my trophy. It's the same for me when deer hunting. I hunt areas with low deer density, so I don't have the luxury to see deer every time out in the woods, so any legal deer is special, but is it a trophy, no to me. A spike is nice, but that 12 pointer than dresses over 200 pounds is what I personally call my trophy.