When we visit Facebook sites and groups, the pictures show the same things. There is a guy holding a BIG FISH or a hunter perched behind their big bull or buck. These pictures stand for success and bragging rights. Thanks to cellphone selfies, some guys take a picture of every fish they catch. Trout guys have a zillion pictures of a fish laying in a net. Boat anglers have many pictures of overflowing coolers. Hunters have pictures of trucks loaded with carcasses of their success.
The problem is that after a while, we all end up with a boatload of pictures showing this or that big fish. The antlers and fins all begin to flow together. We know the stories and the exact moment of the pictures but no one else does. They all look the same.
What are truly the BEST Trophy shots? I think that if you asked most veteran hunters and anglers, they would brag the most about the pictures including grandkids, wives, friends, or others. Many of the best trophy shots may not even show a critter or fish.
The sports of “Hunting” and “Fishing” are about a process to a means of success. Sure, the goal is to tag a critter or net a fish, but the joy is found during the process. What makes the process the BEST are the people involved that we taught.
New sports need the trophy pictures to encourage their future success. Their cell phones are full of every fish and critter they catch. Veteran Sports need only to leave a legacy of honesty and the true joy of the sport. This comes from the companions that enriched the hunt.
Big fish, and racks, will come and go but, what is most important is not how many, or how big, but how the moments made us feel. These special moments are brief but powerful. Feelings are what we cherish the most. The addiction of hunting and fishing success is about the joy and great feelings we achieve. This achievement is not just about the fish or critter. They are simply the excuse to fish and hunt for the trophy moments we get.
Hunters and Anglers evolve.
- Catch a fish or critter, any fish or critter
- Catch a boat load of fish or critters
- Catch a BIG fish or Critter
- Catch a specific fish or critter
- Show others how to catch a fish or critter.
What if you could go on one last fishing trip or hunt? Who, what, and where would you choose? Most of us would enjoy fishing or hunting with a special grandkid or friend. Leaving a legacy and sharing skills makes the angler or hunter remember forever.
Now that is a Picture Perfect moment!
Montana Grant
