One of someone chasing a trophy. Isn't that what many of us dream?
@zenbear I would say your statement is basically correct in the simplest form... However if you look deeper, many of us have a different view on what a trophy is. There are numerous reports on this site of guys who have taken animals that will never make "the book" however they are very special trophies to those guys. Old ornery broken horn or worn down buffalo, critters with the tips worn off or "broomed off" from age. Old males with battle scars, broken teeth, broken horns, worn down hooves or claws.
Not to mention the "trophy" of going through the hardships to get the right animal. Lots of guys have posted pictures of their "trophy" scars from thorn and tooth... Everything bites in Africa! The utter exhaustion of trudging many miles after a buffalo or elephant in the wilds only to turn back without shooting it as it is too young when you finally get up close enough. Getting to bed at 11 PM after such a long march followed by a long journey back to camp which includes a flat tire hours from any semblance of civilization nor a spare... So fixing it in the wilds by flashlight. Only to get up at 4 AM to start all over again, and to be able to do so with vigor and purpose!
Then there is the trophy of executing the perfect stalk and making a fine shot and the clean kill such a fine specimen deserves... And the trophy of that unique exhilaration that comes from the combination of sadness and respect for the animals life you just took, and the satisfaction of a proper culmination of a great hunt.
And yes, it is a special trophy to be displayed with pride when one takes a record book animal found at the end of a long track. Especially when you are hunting huge areas where such opportunities exist but are not guaranteed. And where that animal had to overcome all the odds in order to live long enough to grow into such a fine speciamen.
So
@zenbear I'm a little sad for you when I read your request as I know there are outfitters, especially in RSA, who will have animals that fully meet your requests. Probably in relatively small enclosures where they can live in a controlled environment and be raised to produce the type of trophy you are requesting. Such "trophies" can be had with your checkbook and little exertion. I truly hope you do not end up with such a "hunt" as you will have the true "trophy experience" stolen from you, even if by yourself.
My hope for you is that this is not what you end up finding and that you end up with a true hunt on your hands, get a few thorns stuck so deep you will be trying to pick them out for a month. And that you are so physically worn down by the time you are in place to make the shot, that you can barely hold a steady bead on the critter. And that you make a clean kill and then experience that true exhilaration only possible by having "earned" the trophy. And I hope you find understanding.
Finally my biggest hope is that in the end, when you are writing about it for others to read, having earned that fine trophy with blood, sweat, and some tears... You can pass a bit of the true meaning of "trophy" on to others.
All my best,
Bob