A pal of mine is also of the opinion that bears and lions are diminished after they are dead. Maybe so, but that is a point of view I do not share. I think a big bear makes a magnificent trophy, and if the experience of hunting that bear is the equal of the hide on your wall, then your trophy is truly valuable. If the experience was unfulfilling, then yes, that animal is diminished and you were cheated out of what should of been the experience of a lifetime. It is up to you if the shot is taken, if it doesn't feel right, then don't shoot. I've seen many bears that would of saddened me to shoot, but a few that would of made me feel pretty good under the right circumstances. Would I hunt a grizzly? Hell yes! Would I take the shot on a big bear regardless of the circumstances? Hell no!