Gutted my first at 12 years old. It didn't bother me then and it doesn't bother me now. A gut shot can be a bit smelly but that doesn't bother me either. To tell you the truth, gutting a deer is just a sign of a successful hunt. I do find it funny though that you have issues gutting deer but your screen name is "buck slayer" LOL. Nothing wrong with it but there is a little irony there.