Trophy Elk: What's it to YOU

[Koozer]

"Trophy Elk"... It's a term used throughout everyday conversation when ever elk hunting it discussed. Whether its a pod-cast, your favorite hunting show, or talking hunting amongst your group of friends. But what is the definition of a "Trophy Elk"??

I was just discussing this with a buddy of mine. "Trophy Elk" or "Bull of a Lifetime", what is it TO YOU??!!

I personally think a "Trophy Elk" can have several different definitions/meanings. It's not just about what the bull is on paper, it's also about the entire "hunt" and who you spend it with. But as far as "score" goes, I would say that a "Trophy" Elk in todays world of hunting would be anything that was 330"+ and a "Bull of a Lifetime" would be 350"+.

 

[sndmn11]

My "trophy" is any legal elk killed swiftly and on ice ASAP, where I scouted and how I planned for it to happen.

 

[Dakota Dude]

I agree with 350+ BOAL on public land. I think anything over 300+ on public land is a "trophy". Those are not easy to come by on public land.

The story and hard work really adds a lot though outside of the numbers. Each time I successfully chase a new species and actually connect it is definitely a trophy. I always get really proud. All the research, scouting, boots on the ground applying what you learned (which always seems a little different when you are actually pursuing the animal). That is all personal experience though, that only I value. Others don't really care about that part of the story, but it means so much.

Other factors matter too, like if my kids or father were with me.

 

[trophyhill]

Man........they're all trophies to me. Big scores are an added bonus. I remember my first frontal shot on a little 4 point bull. All I ever heard was you need to be within 15 to 20 yards. I was calling and moving up a steep slope and he was calling and moving down. We were definitely on a collision course. When I saw his antlers just before he stepped out, I ranged the spruce at 35 yards. Had no idea a frontal was in the works. When he stepped out and stopped full on facing me, I wasn't thinking about what others had said about needing to be 15 to 20 yards, or closer. All I know was my 30 yard pin was fixed inside that softball sized kill zone. When I touched the shot off and watched the fletchings of that 390 gr arrow disappear inside the elk, and saw him wobble and tip over within 10 yards, I knew I just had a trophy experience that had nothing to do with antler size. It was and is the experience that defines my trophies

 

[z987k]

If legal, I generally leave antlers in the field. While I've not hunted elk because it's quite a bit more expensive to do and doesn't taste as good as moose, the trophy is what ends up on my plate.

If you get a particularly beautiful creature, I totally understand a mount, but hunting specifically for antlers or the biggest you can find kind of baffles me.
From what I understand down south, cow tags are easy to get. I'd just hunt that every year.

 

[Jason Snyder]

The one in my freezer.

 

[nidahobrushswimmer]

Definitely a definition that can be different from one guy to the next, like the guys above said. My 4x5 archery bull from a couple years ago that I shot in the shoulder, called back in twenty minutes later ready to fight and killed will be a trophy forever for that reason.
My (again) 4x5 bull from last year I shot with a rifle. But I took my late father’s rifle out specifically with the intent of taking a bull with it, as he never got to. That is another “trophy” bull to me.

 

[sebastian.cassell]

The better the story the bigger the trophy. A month long last light last day spike story is just as cool as a first day giant bull bugling coming to calls. Now I think the opportunity being otc or a once in a lifetime tag add to the story also. Killing a mega bull otc is crazier than a once in a lifetime prestige unit but I would still look at them both as a trophy.

 

[4rcgoat]

Great thread.
A hard earned freezer full of elk meat would be a trophy for me right about now!.