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.
Jimmy, Thanks for taking the time to relate the rest of the story and I personally would like to thank you for being involved in and sharing your passion for the great outdoors and mother nature and sharing these experience's with your sons and grandchildren.
By harvesting and managing the whitetail herd you have spared that animal from dying a more anguishing death at the hands of mother nature's harshness of winter, starvation, disease, predators, possibly the occasional automobile (which is on the rise all across the U.S. Because of over population.) So not only have you provided the most nutritious protein for yourself and family, but you have spared that animal a more awful death than what it would receive at the hands of mother nature. Not many deer die from old age. So the harvest is cause for celebration! Thanks again for being part of what makes this country great our outdoor heritage and passing it along to your family, and for sharing your story! As for some of the others on this thread, well it seems some are quick to jump to conclusions before they even know what they are talking about. If the shoe fits.
Live it up! Doug