The journey is the trophy to this old timer
Brian Baxter | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 1 month AGO
It has often been said that “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder,” (Plato) and such is true with hunting trophies as well.
It is the individual’s appreciation that can make it a treasured harvest.
One definition of the word trophy is “something gained or given in conquest or victory, especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial.” (Merriam-Webster)
To a meat hunter, a quick, accurate, and merciful kill shot to the neck of a young whitetail meat buck is a victory. The fat free, high protein meat will sustain him or her, and a decent rack on that animal is an added bonus. When a dad takes his young daughter out, teaching her the ethics he was taught, and carefully instructs her on the skills of compass and map orienteering, it is a bonding experience for both of them. If per chance, her patience and marksmanship pay off, one may be hard pressed to find a more proud father and daughter!
If two men diligently scout, bow hunt, and get to know an area really well, they become a team. They must trust and depend on each other.If upon returning in rifle season, they split up, hunt, and both score a bull elk, well, it just doesn’t get much better than that.
In the case of two middle aged gals getting together for a hunt and returning with a nice muley buck, it certainly is all good!
And when a lone graybeard, must accept his limitations, and the fact that many of his old partners have gone on to the happy hunting grounds, it is not easy.
This old timer will take in and appreciate every sunrise, the fresh wind on his face, and the snow capped mountains. For him, the journey is the trophy.
The remote ruggedness of Northwest Montana does indeed produce some exceptionally fine animal specimens. And folks, we have some of the most talented taxidermists in the world in our area!
Taxidermy is a fine art these days, and mounts are delicately detailed to accent poignant poses. These talented craftsmen and women will add imitation snow, native plants and mosses to gracefully add that special life-like appearance.
Any reminder of a good day hunting is a trophy. The framed photograph, tanned hide, and beautifully antlered buck mount should bring back feelings of respect for the animal.
And for us humans, those memorials may just rekindle fond remembrances that bring tears to our eyes and melt the walls of our hearts.
ARTICLES BY BRIAN BAXTER
Voices in the Wilderness: Forest Choir
After the snowfall, Old Man Winter rests. He is warm now, with his long white hair flowing down his shoulders. After conjuring up infinite patterns of snow flakes, each one unique, and gently laying down the soft blanket of albescence, he tucks his chin into his full beard and begins to dream. In the mountains, the creatures of the earth begin to stir after the quietness of the last flake falling has been fully appreciated.
The Camaraderie of Hunters
Although the rather unexpected warmer temperatures and lack of snow at low- to mid-elevations during most of our recent hunting season did not help much, many hunters had a great season. And seasons are measured in a variety of ways, depending on each individual hunter.
Please thank our tireless firefighters
In the pitch dark, with layers of smoke blocking out the moon and stars, a lone driver takes off on a mission. He meanders his pickup through a maze of old logging roads that would trap a man easily. He feels a slight adrenaline rush of the fight or flight syndrome as he encounters ridiculously steep drop offs at every switchback. It’s a long, treacherous drive, and as he approaches an alder tunnel he fears he has missed his drop point. There are no turnouts on the hill where the Bay Horse fire is active. The old road warrior continues through the brushed in access road in hopes of finding the initial attack team that is spike camped out for the night. Busting through the one last bottleneck of vegetation, the wheel man arrives at the bivouacked squad’s location. Justin Figgins’s exhausted, black-faced crew are glad to see the driver, who has hot meals, Gatorade and other goodies, as well as humorous comments for the men and women of this squad.