Jeff, I think the example you provide is unique because you were referring to a shot on a foam target. You can convey the same message that despite the shot did not score well it was a good shot in so many different ways that the word kill is not necessary.

With that being said, I try to kill every deer I'm shooting at. On the other hand, if I know the word kill is going to offend someone I will respect their feelings and try to avoid using it. If I accidentally offend someone by using the work kill without knowing it would offend them I would apologize for offending them because that was not my intent, but I would make no bones about the fact that killing is what I did.

To me it's more about respecting peoples' feelings than sticking to my guns. Why upset someone with something as silly as a word. Granted, it is silly for them to let a word upset them, but if I can avoid hurting someone's feelings by measuring my words carefully, then why not? As long as someone would pay me the same respect I think a person is more important than a word. Plus, that respect may open a dialogue where the person can learn more about what drives us as hunters.