Insanity is performing the same action over and over again, yet expecting a different outcome. Or something like that. I don’t care which famous intellect said that originally. Narrators and news anchors quote it all the time on TV to explain a character who’s obsessed or stuck in a hopeless rut. The quote, however, ignores a simple caveat: It’s really tough for a person to perform the exact same action over and over. We’re not machines. And with sometimes tiny adjustments, we can get vastly different results. That’s why athletes spend hours practicing shots, moves, and techniques. No two game moments happen exactly the same. Practicing something a thousand different ways can make perfect.
That’s also why I’m out here with this rifle, trying for about the hundredth time to hit the bullseye on the acacia over there. I need practice to help me overcome my genetic disadvantages. Kick-back gives me no problem. I’m a strong, steady firing platform. But no one builds guns shaped for my blocky forelimbs. Nor do the narrow trigger-guards allow trunk firing. As a result, I end up customizing everything, throwing components out of balance. And bringing sights up to eye level? Forget about it.
I shoot by feel from chest height. Wrapping my trunk around the butt, I put pressure on the trigger area (guard removed). The barrel rests on my right forelimb. I squint with my dominant left eye. Now I start to remember what the shot should feel like—I’ve got a great memory. Then I breathe out.
Bang! The bullet flies high, hits the third circle.
Damn, another poacher lives. I sigh, shake it off, reload. I’ll get it yet. They’ll come for my ivory one of these days, and I plan to get them first. Call it insanity if you want, but elephants never quit.