I think you have summed it up pretty well atlasman in terms of how I feel. I love the thrill of the hunt, the planning, the being outdoors, the completion of the kill. I love the challenge that hunting brings, and the freezer of meat that I am rewarded with. But I also feel quite sad when I am standing over that dead deer, and it is not until I begin gutting him/her that my sorrow leaves. However, the respect that I have for the animal remains.
Thought I might be one of those "one and done" types too initially. Glad I wasn't. Can't wait to get out tomorrow - only 16 days left in the season to get that big ole buck!