Trophy Elk: What's it to YOU

[Mikido]

A trophy elk HUNT is one that makes me cry….and it has nothing to do with the rack

 

[Huntnnw]

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.

the public land comment is deceiving tho... I hate the shows or pods that say I killed a 350 bull on a DIY public land hunt, but didn't mention they drew a November NV elk tag or 1 of 4 tags on a September rifle rut hunt in UT etc.. big difference hunting a general unit with lotta pressure and killing a toad versus a draw tag

 

[Live_weighT34]

“Trophy” is definitely in the eye of the beholder. I have a spike elk and a basket 3 point mule deer that mean as much to me as my 345” LE bull elk and 2 160” bucks.
That being said, it does drive me crazy when people start saying that 300-330” bulls are huge, giant, massive, toads, etc… all those descriptor’s don’t apply to an elk at least in my mind till they go over 370.
Not saying low 300 elk aren’t awesome cause they definitely are and you should always be proud especially if you took them “ethically” and on your terms but when you see several bulls in the hoof that you know or later found out they were in that 8+ year range and over 370 a 330” bull just doesn’t compare.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

A well prepared, seasoned Elk tenderloin on the grill cooked to perfection.

 

[Stache Attack]

Hope you didn't forget to round up!

Eh just had it beetled which I’m happy with. Never have owned a house big enough to fit a shouldered bull anyhow. Hindsight I’m glad I didn’t shoulder it. Rather have a rugged cat for the price

 

[Customweld]

The spike I shot this year was an absolute trophy to me. Dead before he hit the ground. Then I spent the rest of the day, solo packing meat off the hill. There is a boost of confidence and definitely a sense of accomplishment when you set that pack on the tailgate with the last quarter in it.
There are days that you venture into the woods, empty with more weight on your back than when you return with that last quarter of an elk in the pack.

 

[sambo3006]

It definitely depends on the tag. My first bull was a small 5 point on a CO unit that was 100% draw with one point. Lots of other hunters there. I was so thrilled with that bull. My other two bulls are a 320" and a 310" on mid tier LE hunts. Both bulls were excellent but not quite top end bulls for the unit. I live in Missouri and don't hunt for bull elk very often, so I'm completely happy with all three bulls.
I agree with what others have said about the difficulty of the hunt and the thrill you get from the bull, regardless of the size. Elk are magnificent animals, especially to those who don't live in elk country.

 

[bradmacmt]

I'm looking for the most mature 6x6 on the mountain. I don't care about score. I just want an old mountain patriarch to match wits against.

 

[MountainMan83]

Every elk is a trophy as they all provide the healthiest meat I could possibly feed my family. However, any elk bigger than my last is a trophy as well. This years Colorado second rifle OTC bull is my new trophy that I will look to beat.