Originally Posted by
Jimmy S
Doug - Good question. First of all, I too have been hunting for many years. I was born when Truman was President and have taken my share of deer over the years. I have been hunting with my 3 sons for well over 25 years and we now hunt with my 2 grandsons. I love hunting as much as anyone and the anticipation, and comrauderie plays a big part in our hunt. We also eat all the venison we shoot and butcher all our deer.
That being said, yes, I say again, there are times I have regretted killing a deer. It may be that I have become more selective as the years have passed and I value life a little more than when I was younger. I see nothing wrong here. I certainly understand that a deer's must be killed in order to eat venision and to be successful during the hunt.
I have, on rare occassions over the years, walked up to the dead deer and regretted my decision. I'll repeat - on rare occassions. This is definitely the exception, not the rule and it's strictly a personal thing.
Does that make me a "Sally" or a "Mary", as some have mentioned, I surely hope not but others can express what they feel. On that issue, I strongly disagree. I was taught at an early age and have passed on to my sons and grandsons that we must understand the game we hunt, experience the challenge, enjoy those times in the deer woods and also respect the animals we hunt.
In this upcoming season when I walk up to the dead deer, I will take a moment to realize what I have just done. I will then have the biggest smile on my face because I have been successful. I will then share in this experience with other family members and friends in our hunting party. But if that time comes when I honestly wish I would have let that deer walk, it's my personal feeling. One I think I am entitled to.
I agree with your post totally! If there is ever a lack of these feelings there is something wrong with you. I too have been hunting for over 40 years and can distinctively remember many times. Any one who would criticise you, is just plain wrong. I remember one time I shot a very large doe and when I went to field dress her, a fawn started bleating on the edge of the woods. That fawn stayed there till I was done, bleating the whole time. Now tell me any one would not feel bad! If that wouldn't make you sad, you have no feelings. That happened thirty years ago and I can still feel those feeling when I am writing this post. To each his own, but I would rather feel and respect the kill, than to be otherwise.