this is exactly how I feel...
dont get me wrong.. if a fully mature 13" warthog comes walking out of the bush... I will certainly be excited about having the opportunity to hunt such a magnificent animal..
but for me.. I'll take an old, beat up, hard life, 10" pig with 1 tusk worn down an inch or two and the other broken... over a 12" that still had another year or two of growth left in him...
if the old beat up pig proves to be wiley and gives me a challenging hunt.. thats even better..
For me its about the memories and the experiences.. the trophy on the wall is just a tool that helps me recall the memory and relive the experience.. I will get more long term joy out of a marginal "trophy" (in inches) that provided a wonderful hunt than I will get from an above average "trophy" that was an easy take...
If I can pull off an above average or a world class "trophy" along with a challenging hunt... or take it during a week long hunt that was particularly memorable or wonderful.. thats icing on the cake!