Hardest thing I've ever been through, Bruce.

Well put. I'm out on this one. That represents how I feel, too.

Good post blackfish

Absolutely not. It is what it is to each of us. Here's what I think: I'm right. You're right. GMMAT's right. PreacherTony is right. Blackfish is right.... and on and on right on down the list. There just isn't a right or wrong answer to this question, which is why the debate could run forever.

Hmmm...very tough and thought provoking question. I didn't vote, because I am not sure of my real answer. I see a lot of answers, and IMO, some answers come from those that didn't really look as deep as the question requires (but I do think there are no wrong answers, only right individual thoughts). This "hunter's paradox" is certainly what keeps all anti's, and many non-hunters from understanding hunters and hunting. After all, how can it be that I would do all I can to avoid killing a buck with my truck, or would rescue that buck from a pack of stray dogs one day, and then the very next not hesitate to run my arrow thru him?

Make no mistake...I go hunting to be successful hopefully each and every time I go. Success is defined by me as an animal dying. I do hunt to kill, and do not claim to hunt for the experience, to enjoy nature, to feed my family, to help the herd, etc. Yes I love deer meat, I like to be outside, I like to see animals, I fill lots of antlerless tags...but I get up on the coldest days, at stupid early hours, and sit in most decidely unpleasent conditions in a tree in order to kill something pure and simple. If I wanted to be one with nature, I would go out when it is pleasant, and carry a camera. If I needed to feed my family, I would stop when sufficient meat has been obtained. If I wanted to be a herd manager, I would hunt with a rifle much more frequently.

I love it when I see that perfect arrow hit, see or hear the crash, and all that goes with it. No doubt, for me a good day with a deer kill is made better by multiple kills.

Do I love to kill though? Probably not, really.

Let's say a flood forced hundreds of deer into an area they couldn't escape, but would eventually drown. DNR calls on hunters to come shoot them so they can be utilized. Would I enjoy walking up to that deer and killing it? Nope, definitely not. For those that say they actually love the kill...I would have to assume you would love that killing scenario also, right? Don't cloud the issue with "fair chase" and such if you answer that though, cause killing is killing...fair chase doesn't affect the act, only the lead in.

I see where you're going with that, and it's a good way to look at it. In this case, I wouldn't enjoy that kill. That's more along the lines of an extermination or an execution. I stand behind what I've said on here. I love the kill... as a part of the hunt. A kill during a hunt and in your scenarioare both ending the lives of something, but in your scenario there's no pursuit,... no chance involved,... no hunt,... no adrenalin rush as the prey moves into view and then into range,... no sense of elation when you see the arrow hit home and see or hear the deer pile up. There would be no enjoyment in the above situation for me at all.

I have to admit...I LOVE THE THRILL OF THE KILL...it's the only reason that I get up that early and set out in all kinds of weather.

I love the way you put this, LC .... That is exatly how I feel ....

Hunting and killing other animals(species) other than human animals (species)is a natural act. When we lose that predatory nature we have become out of balance with nature andare more likely to be highly stressed and in a constant conflict with our true selves!

I feel the same way! Hunting involves killing. It's part of it, I have No Desire to hunt without killing. That does not make me a Axe murderer waiting to break outAnything in life can be as complicated or as simple as you make it.

Lots of people Love Complexity and Drama. Maybe it's because I have hunted and killed animals as long as I can remember.

It's a natural thing to me, Hunting and Killing

Dan

It is a natural thing, Dan. Always has been. Hopefully always will be.