The serious trophy hunter should thoroughly study the score chart for each category he intends to hunt. He should observe and measure as many mature trophies as possible. In hunting camps he can score every trophy brought in by other hunters so as to continuously sharpen his skill at estimating trophy size. In national parks, in zoos, or in other protected areas, he should make a practice of estimating the scores of the mature males.
The serious trophy hunter should check the records books for the areas that have historically and consistently produced record trophies in the category(s) in which he is interested. He should also look for outfitter(s) in those areas with the best reputation and who have produced records-class trophies. Check the references furnished by the outfitter by both mail and telephone to ascertain both hunter satisfaction and also compliance with the rules of Fair Chase. This should go a long way toward giving the basic essentials for an enjoyable hunt with a reasonable expectation of success.
There is great variation in the ability of big-game guides to judge trophies. Those who have worked for years in areas that have yielded records-book animals may become highly skilled in judging the quality of animals in the field. Less experienced guides, like hunters in general, are more likely to overestimate the size of the trophy characters when the animal is about to take off for distant parts. The hunter really needs to develop enough expertise to be responsible for the decision of whether or not the animal is of trophy quality. Probably the majority of trophies listed in the records books were not surely known to be records book size before the hunter pulled the trigger.
A number of trophy categories are defined geographically and are based, in part, upon subspecific characteristics. (Examples: mule and blacktail deer, caribou, moose.) Be sure you are aware of these boundaries, and that you are applying the proper field-evaluation techniques. Obviously, applying Wyoming moose evaluation tips while in Canada moose territory would result in almost every bull encountered seeming to be record-class.
Be sure to get yourself in top shape physically before your hunting trips. There’s never enough time on a trip and you don’t want to waste it. You won’t be nearly as effective if you are out-of-shape and your guide may well decide that you just can’t make it to the far reaches where the big ones usually hang out. ■