Slams vs Your own Goals

[HornPorn]

The slams people chase or super whatever 10, 25, etc.

Personally, when I book a hunt it’s because I want to hunt that species. I want to spend time where it lives, I like the look of the animal and want one, want to experience that kind of hunt, or all of the above. When I look at some of the lists there are things I really have no interest in hunting. Either I don’t think the animal looks that cool, or where they live doesn’t interest me, or the hunt just doesn’t seem like much of a challenge, etc

I’m not throwing shade at anyone who pursues slams, but just curious who all out there uses their slam checklist as their goal checklist vs who just goes after what they want to hunt?

 

[wind gypsy]

Pursuing any significant big game "slam" just seems like a way to drain yourself of 100s of thousands of dollars to check off a list to me.

I just look for hunts that seem like cool experiences, pick whatever sounds most interesting/attainable on a given year based on how many points i have, and occasionally schedule something a little out of the norm that sounds fun.

 

[MuleyFever]

People like to collect things. Some people like to collect things so they can tell others how awesome they are.

 

[Jimmy]

If I was wealthy you bet I would be chasing some of those! They are cool as heck

 

[wildwilderness]

Its great to have options. I know wealthy hunters who have no interest in a Slam and I know "poors" dreaming of a Super Slam NA 29, NA 40, Big 5 or Dangerous 7, world Ovis etc.


The wealthy will spend the same amount one way or another- auction tags, governor tags, chasing a World Record etc. Some will want a Slam, or multiples. Chasing a slam generally doesn't preclude doing all the other hunts you want to anyway.

I've noticed that the "poors" will hustle and side gig to create extra money to afford the next slam animal. I see that as a good thing. Motivation to reach a goal they want to achieve. I usually don't see the same motivation to chase another whitetail, or elk.....

Of the various super slammers I have spoken to they still do their normal local hunts and favorites like whitetail, mule deer, elk etc. but add on an extra 1 or 2 hunts toward their next check. The Slam in a sense is the "goal" so it aligns

 

[Marbles]

I don't get slams. But, a slam is a goal. It provides direction. I do get peak bagging, not to tell people I've done it, but because it pushes one to do the peaks that would normally be passed up.

It really comes down to the why. Racing is equally as dumb, but it motivates me to train and makes me a more fit hunter (probably not better as if that was the only goal I could use my time more effectively doing other things). I race for my own enjoyment, if I started doing it to impress others, it would be time to stop. Equally, someone chasing a slam for their own enjoyment is awesome, chasing it to impress others, not so much.

 

[Northern Safari]

As someone who is very list-orientated the slams are appealing to me.

I’m sure it has something to do with some kind of ‘tism.

 

[ozyclint]

I'd rather not bother doing something that doesn't interest me just for the sake of crossing something off some arbitrary list.

The other thing I don't understand is people getting disappointed over the size of fish, horns or antlers.

They might be ecstatic until they measure it then become disappointed because a great specimen is ½" short of some arbitrary number.
You went hunting or fishing, you caught or shot something nice, be happy.