I think this is a false equivalency.

You’re argument is that anyone who accepts killing of animals for any purpose (i.e. food) can’t condemn any other killing of animals (trophies).

I’m not against trophy hunting, but I think that it is possible to question the motivation of someone who goes to great lengths and expense to shoot and kill an animal as majestic and intelligent as an elephant.

A mountain is not a molehill. A whale is not a sardine. A difference of degree can be a difference in kind. Cutting the neck of a chicken is not the same as hunting and killing an elephant.

At the very least it begs the question, “Of all the entertainment options in the world, this is what you choose to do with your time and money? Killing rare animals is what you want to be known for? Why?”