Why do you hunt for trophies?

[Elite Hunting Outfitters]

This was asked of me today and I thought it would make for an interesting discussion. The question is simple, the answer may not be. Folks understand hunting for food, but perhaps not trophies. So, a very simple question, why do you hunt for trophies?

Good evening,

Why do we hunt for trophies?

It’s a question that sparks discussion, debate, and even controversy: Why do you hunt for trophies? Many people understand hunting for food, but the idea of trophy hunting can be harder to grasp. The answer, however, is not simple and can vary per person.

For me, and for many ethical hunters, trophy hunting is not just about the animal—it’s about the memories. A mounted trophy is more than just a decoration; it’s a story, a moment frozen in time that represents the adventure, the challenge, and the people who shared in the experience

Every trophy on the wall holds a deeper meaning. It reminds us of the early mornings spent in the bush, the careful tracking of an animal, the patience and skill required to make an ethical shot, and the camaraderie of friends, guides, and fellow hunters. When I see a mount, I don’t just see an animal—I see the entire journey that led to that moment.

Ethical trophy hunting also plays a significant role in conservation. Responsible hunters contribute to wildlife management, habitat preservation, and local economies. In places like South Africa, well-regulated hunting supports anti-poaching efforts and provides funding for conservation initiatives that protect both game and non-game species.

At its core, hunting is deeply personal. Some hunt for sustenance, some for the thrill of the challenge, and others for the memories that last a lifetime. Trophy hunting, when done ethically and responsibly, is about honoring the experience, the animal, and the tradition of the hunt itself.

So, why do I hunt for trophies? Because each one tells a story—a story of adventure, respect, and the moments that make life truly unforgettable.

 

[bakerb]

I hunt simply because I must. I have an innate desire to pursue animals. It started at a young age. Even though nobody in my family hunted, I stalked song birds. If it snowed, I went out to find a track and trail it as far as I could. I did that alone at 7 and 8 years old. My parents gave me a lot of freedom to roam the woods where I grew up.

I hunt for trophies out of a desire to make an animal mine. To possess it. And therefore the memory of it and the hunt and the adventure. And all the hunts where I was cold or tired or hot, and I was unsuccessful (which is most hunts).

For instance, in 2023 I shot a great old elk. I should get him back soon and he will hang over my fireplace until I die. And when I look at that bull, and marvel at it, and feel the joy of possessing it, I will remember the hunt for that bull. And I’ll also remember the 15 years before of elk hunting without taking such a great animal, I’ll remember all those hunts. I’ll remember the “lesser” elk I took in that time. I’ll remember taking 8 hours to butcher and pack it out solo. I’ll remember the miles I walked and times I felt so tired I didn’t know if I could go on. I’ll think of 15 years of hunts. And I’m sure the hunts after too.

And that bull is mine. I own it. I worked for it.

Collecting and possessing may not be palatable to some. But I too am tired of the old “I hunt for meat” excuse. I love the meat. But that’s not why I hunt.

If someone asks me in a combative manner, I just tell them I was born this way. Usually shuts them up

 

[franzfmdavis]

Good evening,

Why do we hunt for trophies?

It’s a question that sparks discussion, debate, and even controversy: Why do you hunt for trophies? Many people understand hunting for food, but the idea of trophy hunting can be harder to grasp. The answer, however, is not simple and can vary per person.

For me, and for many ethical hunters, trophy hunting is not just about the animal—it’s about the memories. A mounted trophy is more than just a decoration; it’s a story, a moment frozen in time that represents the adventure, the challenge, and the people who shared in the experience

Every trophy on the wall holds a deeper meaning. It reminds us of the early mornings spent in the bush, the careful tracking of an animal, the patience and skill required to make an ethical shot, and the camaraderie of friends, guides, and fellow hunters. When I see a mount, I don’t just see an animal—I see the entire journey that led to that moment.

Ethical trophy hunting also plays a significant role in conservation. Responsible hunters contribute to wildlife management, habitat preservation, and local economies. In places like South Africa, well-regulated hunting supports anti-poaching efforts and provides funding for conservation initiatives that protect both game and non-game species.

At its core, hunting is deeply personal. Some hunt for sustenance, some for the thrill of the challenge, and others for the memories that last a lifetime. Trophy hunting, when done ethically and responsibly, is about honoring the experience, the animal, and the tradition of the hunt itself.

So, why do I hunt for trophies? Because each one tells a story—a story of adventure, respect, and the moments that make life truly unforgettable.

Well said!

There is a spiritual aspect to hunting, even trophies.

The poet, Khalil Gibran, wrote:

“But since you must kill to eat, and rob the newly born of its mother’s milk to quench your thirst, let it then be an act of worship.

And let your board stand an altar on which the pure and the innocent of forest and plain are sacrificed for that which is purer and still more innocent in man.

When you kill a beast say to him in your heart,

“By the same power that slays you, I too am slain; and I too shall be consumed.

For the law that delivered you into my hand shall deliver me into a mightier hand.

Your blood and my blood is naught but the sap that feeds the tree of heaven.”

I first wrote that on the inside lid of my fishing tackle box when I was 15-16 and have thought about it ever since every time I hunt or fish.

 

[Altitude sickness]

The answer depends on the person asking me the question. Is it a sincere question or a trap set by a person dwelling in fantasy land.

If it’s the later I give a very politically incorrect answer to cause as much mental anguish as possible.

 

[3chunter]

GOD allows me to do it, it’s fun and something you can do with friends. Hunting is life for me. When I vacation. I am hunting. During hunting seasons, I am hunting. When it’s not season I am thinking about hunting.
Don’t get caught up in the only hunting for trophy caliber animals. I did for years and glad I got back to just hunting and enjoying the hunt. Size should matter not.
When I go to Africa I am looking to get large trophies but I have taken meat animals to. Have always dreamed about a large trophy room to display my memories. Will have one soon but best memories didn’t have a size of animal attached to em.

 

[Chryss]

Trophy hunting and displaying symbols of wealth and social status are instinctive behaviors that stem from our genetic heritage. They are the result of natural selection that favored individuals who could demonstrate their strength, bravery, and ability to provide for their family.

These behaviors are deeply ingrained in our psyche and are triggered by unconscious mechanisms that drive us to seek symbols of our social status and ability to provide. Trophy hunting, wearing jewelry, watches, or luxury clothing... all of these are ways to demonstrate our value and ability to provide for our family.

There's no need to justify or feel guilty about these behaviors. They are part of our human nature and an integral part of our genetic heritage. We should simply accept and understand them for what they are: instinctive mechanisms that help us adapt to our social environment.

When people ask me, Why do you hunt for trophies? I always start by asking, 'And why don't you do it?

 

[CBeck]

Good evening,

Why do we hunt for trophies?

It’s a question that sparks discussion, debate, and even controversy: Why do you hunt for trophies? Many people understand hunting for food, but the idea of trophy hunting can be harder to grasp. The answer, however, is not simple and can vary per person.

For me, and for many ethical hunters, trophy hunting is not just about the animal—it’s about the memories. A mounted trophy is more than just a decoration; it’s a story, a moment frozen in time that represents the adventure, the challenge, and the people who shared in the experience

Every trophy on the wall holds a deeper meaning. It reminds us of the early mornings spent in the bush, the careful tracking of an animal, the patience and skill required to make an ethical shot, and the camaraderie of friends, guides, and fellow hunters. When I see a mount, I don’t just see an animal—I see the entire journey that led to that moment.

Ethical trophy hunting also plays a significant role in conservation. Responsible hunters contribute to wildlife management, habitat preservation, and local economies. In places like South Africa, well-regulated hunting supports anti-poaching efforts and provides funding for conservation initiatives that protect both game and non-game species.

At its core, hunting is deeply personal. Some hunt for sustenance, some for the thrill of the challenge, and others for the memories that last a lifetime. Trophy hunting, when done ethically and responsibly, is about honoring the experience, the animal, and the tradition of the hunt itself.

So, why do I hunt for trophies? Because each one tells a story—a story of adventure, respect, and the moments that make life truly unforgettable.

Nicely said!

 

[mark-hunter]

So, a very simple question, why do you hunt for trophies?

Same reason, why our civilization make memorials, grave stones, photo albums of family, weddings, birthdays, makes diaries, and various written forms or artifacts of achievements, books, history, and sport competitors get medals. It is all material form of memory of something.

Basically, it is the human eternal fight to reach immortality. And it has many forms. The sculptures, the script, the idea written in words, the photo of grandfather in family album, the movie, the painting, the philosophy text, the graveyard stone. Erase all above, and we, as a civilization have nothing, and we dont exist. Hunting is just the small part of the grand picture.
Civilizations and cultures which did not leave such trail in history, today dont exist.
Others do, like Persians, Romans, Greeks etc

In terms of hunting, it is to preserve memory of noble animal, it is keeping the trophy.

The best description of the subject and the point of trophy I ever found was from Harry Selby, in a book "The horn of a hunter" in a discussion with Robert Ruark. It is worth noting:

"You are not shooting to kill. You are shooting to make immortal the thing you shoot!"

It means, in short, keeping the memory in material form.
When memory fades, all else disappears like it never existed.

Hunt for meat? Fine. But it is just the basic form of hunting, for human need. It existed for thousands of years without a material trail, except for cave paintings. On the other hand the trophy is highest level of hunting, with much more added value to it. And today it can be traced in history in many hunting museums and famous trophy rooms, and in various organizations trophy record books.

 

[HankBuck]

It’s a burning passion in me that I can’t explain.
It just feels natural to me

I don’t try and convince people anymore

The hunting for meat excuse is lame because we know that’s not why we do it.

@dchum - Agree, the meat is a wonderful by product, I enjoy it and it is often unique but “meat” doesn’t motivate me to hunt, endure cold, rain, fatigue, spend $1000s on firearms, ammo, practice, travel etc…. I love Hunting and am driven for reasons I don’t fully understand but one reason is: It’s REAL, it is one of the only REAL experiences - you can’t ever fully plan it - the Weather, the animal being there, the quality of the animal, will an opportunity be presented? Will I make the shot & recover the animal? So much is beyond my direct control and that is what I love - the experiance of being Outdoors and seeing what will unfold

 

[uplander01]

I hunt for incredible experiences, adventure, and memories. I also love the craftmanship of fine rifles and appreciate them on a deeper level than most, lastly for the dining experience. The actual trophies, skulls, mounts, etc are the least important to me. Don't get me wrong, I have them, and I enjoy the recall of the memories but quite frankly I tell very few hunting stories to the people that come through my house, most can't begin to understand the entire meaning of the process.

 

[CBeck]

The best description of the subject and the point of trophy I ever found was from Harry Selby, in a book "The horn of a hunter" in a discussion with Robert Ruark. It is worth noting:

"You are not shooting to kill. You are shooting to make immortal the thing you shoot!"

Much more profound and eloquent than I myself could have put it into word.

 

[Chryss]

The hunting instinct is an innate characteristic that manifests in certain individuals, influenced by factors such as environment, education, and heredity.

However, this instinct is not universal and can vary in intensity from person to person. Some individuals may develop this instinct due to their environment, such as growing up in a rural area, while others may not possess it at all.

But whether it's present or not, the hunting instinct can resurface in survival situations, where the need to feed or protect oneself takes over. This shows that this instinct is deeply rooted in human nature, ready to be activated when needed.

Ultimately, the most important thing is not to try to convince others that what we do is right, but to recognize that a dormant hunter lies within each of us, waiting to be awakened. As the saying goes, 'A hunter sleeps in every heart, only waiting for the right moment to rise

 

[CBeck]

I also love the craftmanship of fine rifles and appreciate them on a deeper level than most

I understand this completely….the reason I started making knives was because I wanted a companion of sorts. For example I hold it and remember cleaning my daughters first deer with it….its a trophy you might say. That deeper level is hard to explain to people that don’t get it.

 

[mark-hunter]

Much more profound and eloquent than I myself could have put it into word.

Thank you! I am not native English speaker, born and leaving in small European country, so much appreciate your comment!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

A choice was made: Hunter or Gatherer. I chose Hunter. I like the challenge, the cat and mouse if you will. Animals are smart and you are hunting them in their environment.

 

[PARA45]

I do not believe I have the right answer to your question. However, why I hunt, probably has been answered many times on the previous 55 posts. The mounts (you'll noticed I do not call them trophies) on my wall may not be the biggest or qualified for SCI, and I don't care, each one of those mounts have a story behind them. And those stories were told around the campfire and will probably be told when I'm in my death bed. The little things like stumbling and falling on my rear end, falling from a tree stand and ended up hanging by my boot upside down, missing the trophy of a lifetime, etc, etc. Or my wife screaming at the top of her lungs "Kudu, Kudu, Kudu" and pointing at the Kudu I eventually shot. Those are my trophies, the memories no one can take away from me. My mounts can be destroyed by a fire, tornado, etc, but the memories I have in my brain, no one can take away. So, I guess I can say that I hunt for the memories made. That is why I usually do not like to hunt alone, it's not the same.

 

[JES Adventures]

For me, trophy hunting has been a catalyst for adventure. Without pursuing various game animals around the globe, I'd be at a loss of the many great cultures I have experienced. Each time I sit back and look at a mounted trophy, it takes me back to the place. I can recall the people, the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the adventure.

 

[CBeck]

I do not believe I have the right answer to your question.

No right or wrong answer my friend….

So, I guess I can say that I hunt for the memories made. That is why I usually do not like to hunt alone, it's not the same.

To me this is the answer, for the memories, and as we have talked about, I don’t like to hunt alone either. The camaraderie is more valuable than any trophy!

 

[mdwest]

I understand this completely….the reason I started making knives was because I wanted a companion of sorts. For example I hold it and remember cleaning my daughters first deer with it….its a trophy you might say. That deeper level is hard to explain to people that don’t get it.

I have built several of the rifles in my arsenal, numerous knives, and almost all of my own leather goods like slings, ammo sleeves, etc… I also load my own ammunition…

This gives me great satisfaction knowing I played a part in developing and building every tool used in the hunt and that after a successful hunt, the tool was proven capable and worthy of the task..

I’ve gone so far as to building all of my own blinds at the deer lease rather than buying blinds.. taking a chainsaw to a full acre and clearing out a camp site, etc etc..

The hard work, whether physical, or mental, that ultimately leads to a hunt is a huge part of the experience for me… I very much enjoy knowing I’ve developed a set of skills that aren’t necessarily unique, but are certainly uncommon today among individual men..

 

[Beaufort]

I am probably most like Uplander. I hunt for the experience - well, should I say hunted. I made one trip to SA a few years ago after years of reading Capstick and Ruark books and wanting to experience what I read. Was it the same? Not by a long shot. Did I really want the trophies to hang on a wall? No, a photo would have sufficed. Will I go back? No, I’ve experienced it and there are other pursuits that are more important to me, such as wading the flats of Andros Island in pursuit of double digit bonefish.

But I do appreciate the craftsmanship of a well-built rifle and the stalking aspect of hunting. Perhaps that’s why I love bonefishing so much; it requires spotting a very well camouflaged fish and then attempting to catch a wild animal with not much more than an overpriced pointing stick, some fur and feathers and your own wits.