<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Some of the flesh was ok, but the horns never made it to the pan/broiler/grill/stew-pot etc. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>

Funny how that works. None of my deer meat have ever made it to my wall either!<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Every animal I've ever taken while hunting has left me a vivid memory that will stay with me as long as I live. All have been extremely enjoyable experiences, but I've definitely received different levels of satisfaction when considering the actual animal taken. My first deer was a trophy in the sense that it keeps an important memory alive. Same with my first buck. However, my expectations have risen as time has gone on. The more I've accomplished, the more I want to accomplish. At this point in time, a trophy has to be a mature buck. That is what I want, and I am somewhat disappointed if I don't accomplish it. I understand that many people have a lower expectation and are thrilled with anything. Nothing wrong there, just that for me, shooting a 1.5 yr buck is a very easy thing to do in my hunting area and it gives me no big thrill.

I still enjoy every minute while hunting, and I love venison as much as the next person, but meat and trophies are two totally different things. When I shoot a doe, it's for meat, althought I can definitely envision mounting one, if I had the extra space for lots of mounts. When I'm looking for a trophy, it's not to put meat in the freezer, although the meat is certainly a nice side benefit.

Not everyone has the same goals. I shoot does for meat and I hunt for the thrill of taking a mature buck. Displaying large antlers is satisfying for me. So remember, you don't eat your antlers, and I don't hang meat on my wall (or tiny four pointers).