What sort of hunter are you?

Well I regard myself as a hunter first and foremost, not a trophy hunter. Though as I posted earlier I have secured representative animals of every species available to hunt in nz. I have sold many good heads to other ‘hunters’ over the years because money interests me more than antlers. That being said I do keep the odd set of antlers merely for a conversation starter. Up until recently most deer have come out whole, on my back mostly, except when culling. We a all have our own motivation to be out hunting, it doesn’t matter what they are as long as we enjoy the pastime. I could be out in the country side not hunting, but for me the motivation to be out there is the hunt pure and simple. Whatever I get out of my endeavours in the way of meat, improving environmental habitat, controlling animal numbers etc is just a bonus. Whatever the reason one hunts, as long as the individual is happy within there own skin is all that matters. Enough of this philosophical bullshit, time to have some Christmas spirits. Happy Christmas everyone.
The photo is of some conversation starters. I don’t regard them as trophies. I struggle to even remember some of the hunts involved in getting some of these bones but they jog my memory from time to time.
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Carried them out, cleaned them up, hung them up, took a photo and shared it. That's the very definition of a trophy. :)

Being out in the bush is what it's all about. I used to be a heavy drinker, party buzz and all that. When I gave it up I didn't know what to do with myself. Camping became pointless. That's what got me interested in hunting. I quickly developed a love for the disconnect of modern life, and a deeper respect for my ancestors and those who choose to live a rugged lifestyle. Being aware of the animals habitat, and how they move. Learning about the food they eat, and then them becoming the food I eat. Discovering the connection between the elements of this planet and how they all work in unison.
The meat is a welcome bonus.

And old guns make me happy.

So time in the hills is #1
Filling the freezer is #2

Deep in the wild mountains
is a strange marketplace
where you can trade the hassle and noise
of everyday life
for eternal Light.

- Milarepa

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Oscar

Deep in the wild mountains
is a strange marketplace
where you can trade the hassle and noise
of everyday life
for eternal Light.

- Milarepa

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Beware the wild Haggis, feared and wild,
Rabid packs roam, relentless and styled.
With gnarled teeth and elusive nature,
They provoke caution in every creature.

John Ganner

Silent in the hills,
Bruce waits where shadows whisper.
One shot, stories bloom.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Oscar

Silent in the hills,
Bruce waits where shadows whisper.
One shot, stories bloom.

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Silent in the hills,
Bruce waits where shadows whisper.
One shot, stories bloom.

The deer runs free
Warned by a whisper
Uttered from
Oscar, the lisper
His spittle'd cry
Damn I mithed her.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Oscar

Carried them out, cleaned them up, hung them up, took a photo and shared it. That's the very definition of a trophy. :)

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They’re just weathered by nature. A trophy to me is when they’re cleaned up, processed and mounted for display. There’s maybe one set in that lot that’s not uneven or disfigured in some way and makes what I’d think of as trophy grade and it’s only an eight pointer. Only brought them out because there’s people out there that will purchase what they can’t procure themselves. Good pocket money as it happens.

Kept as a memento, makes them a trophy. Just as a skin is a trophy too, in its way, or red stag ivories.

Trophy-grade - that's something else again, applying some more objective assessment.

Trophies in the broader sense are something that've been part of hunting since we were first bipedal, keeping parts of the animal for something other than functional uses. I'd imagine in an evolutionary sense its tied with the way story-telling may have developed as a 'hunting tool', a way to help improve success faster than experience alone would, sharing information about how and when and where.

Each to their own. Next thing every animal or fish you bring home will be a trophy, when it’s just protein. I don’t get into deep philosophical thinking.

Protein is functional, that's the key difference.

Sometimes pondering this stuff is for non-hunters, not so much other hunters. Like when F&B try to use trophy hunting as a slur. But, each to their own indeed.

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Originally Posted by woods223

Each to their own. Next thing every animal or fish you bring home will be a trophy, when it’s just protein. I don’t get into deep philosophical thinking.

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If you don't eat,you don't poop....and if you don't poop you die....my ancestors didn't claw Thier way to top of the food chain to eat salad..... Therefore I am a hunter and fisherman.....it's who I am,as much or more than any other thing defines me.

I'm compelled to fish and hunt. I can think of 10 reasons why, but ultimately, it's something I have to do. It's hard to explain to someone that isn't afflicted in the same way.

i'm a volunteer shooter of pests, mainly rabbits, possum, pigs and use every advantage i can to get em. Use thermal & NV and love doing it