I love “Member’s Hunt”—have since I started here in 1998. Quite often the stories our fellow NRA-member-hunters tell there are not unlike our own. Oh, the writer may articulate said story better than many other hunters; it’s why that fellow’s story is published on the back page. But more than that, the story resonates because it’s from one of us. Quite often, there is inspiration to be found there.
In this month’s installment, on p. 68, NRA member Bob Aivazian of Furlong, Pa., asks a simple question: What defines a trophy? It’s a question every hunter asks and answers throughout his or her career. In the beginning it may be any deer or any buck; the first wallhanger; the first head of Western game; a kid’s first deer; a limit of … whatever. Bob found his answer in an afternoon with his grandson decades ago. Read the story, then gaze above at a postwar hunting scene from Colorado.
The photographer, Jay Higgins, wrote a caption: “A familiar scene at one of the great many big game hunting camps on the Uncompahgre National Forest during the open hunting season.” I’d say that’s one heckuva scene. Look at the size of those bucks! Everyone’s eatin’ good this season. Is the scene so familiar? Uh, no. Could happen, quite often does … but familiar? No. I’d say it’s hopeful; this scene is full of hope. It inspires hope.
On one hand, I’d like to think there are only four hunters in that camp and all four have tagged out. Wouldn’t that be great? Look at those deer! Did I say that already? Who cares—look! On the other hand, the gap in the line of four deer makes me wonder if one more hunter needs to fill his tag … . The date is Oct. 15, 1946. This is just 15 months after VJ Day, just the second hunting season after World War II. How many veterans were part of this camp? How much fun did they have? A lot, I’d say.
I will say this is a familiar photograph, the kind we all may take in hunting camp, just one image among many we collect. This is hunting embodied in a single photograph. It communicates the inspiration that drives us all this time of year.
Bob is right. The best trophies come from the best moments in our hunting career. In his case it is an afternoon spent with his grandson. Now it is October for us all. The dove opener and the early seasons are behind us. This month hunting season begins in earnest—it’s on, as they say down South. It’s time to fill your tag. Go forth. Find your trophy. Good luck. Have fun.
NRA Hunter’s Code of Ethics
- I will consider myself an invited guest of the landowner, seeking his permission, and so conducting myself that I may be welcome in the future.
- I will obey the rules of safe gun handling, and will courteously but firmly insist that others who hunt with me do the same.
- I will obey all game laws and regulations and will insist that my companions do likewise.
- I will do my best to acquire those marksmanship skills which ensure clean, sportsmanlike kills. 5. I will support conservation efforts which can ensure good hunting for future generations of Americans.
- I will pass along to younger hunters the attitudes and skills essential to a true outdoor sportsman.
The editors welcome your letters. Mail them to:
Says You, American Hunter, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400.
Or email us at [email protected]. Letters may be edited for the sake of brevity.
