If your goal is to just have a good time then of course you can succeed in that regard without killing something but of course then you must admit that your goal is not to succeed in a complete hunting experience but rather a partial one.
Sylvan, I think you made a good post. Not argueing with you, just discussing. But does a complete hunting expereince (in your words) = a kill. Not for me. I can have a complete hunting expereince without the kill.
But I just don't think it's reality to claim to be a successfull hunter if in the end the freezer is empty.
But my goal is not to put meat in the freezer. I can do that more successfully using other methods.
I wouldn't consider you much of a hunter if you did everything but kill the game you pursue.
If you consider me a hunter or notdoesn't matter to me. Of course, I am attempting to kill the game I am in pursuit of, but if it doesn't happen, it's still OK with me.If it did make a difference to me, I may inclined to shoot at animals, I usually would not take shots at.