How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

This will be my first year of hard core deer hunting and I have been so busy getting ready, practicing, scouting etc. I have really thought about how I will feel when the time comes.

I have no problem killing pheasant or turkey because I hate birds but I did feel strange when I rang my first pheasants neck. Now it is no big deal.

The thing that makes me think twice about deer is they remind me of my dogs.

How did you feel?

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Well for me it was an overwelming feeling of success and of respect for the doe that I had just tagged. To me it was and still is the single most memerable hunt I've been on. It was like I had just dicovered hunting all over again,I would be lying if I said it had no effect on me, truth be told I've been hooked from that day on and that was 20 years ago. Go out and enjoy the great outdoors and tag a nice one,and it doesn't have to be a buck<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

I can tell you that I had no problem making the shot, but after I'd trailed the deer and finally found him there, I can't really describe what it felt like. At the time, I gave a silent prayer of thanks. I do remember when I put my hand on its coat, the flesh was still warm and it struck me what magnificent animals whitetail deer are. I also remember when I got home, the dogs were all over me because I was covered in deer dander. The boots I have still have the stains of dressing that first deer. It reminds me of the experience. I sure hope to repeat it again and again.

<font color=green>How many vegetables had to die to make your stupid salad!</font id=green>

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

I felt sticky,cuz I wet myself.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Excited

--------------------
Be a steward of the resouce, not just a deer killer.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

First deer I ever killed was a doe at 10 yards with a 12 gauge.....right through the lungs and she never even flinched. She went from live to dead in before the smoke cleared so it was not upsetting at all.......I had seen many deer killed before but never by my hands. I was field dressing her out 5 minutes later so I guess I didn't feel too bad.


I feel bad if I do something stupid........I shot a deer once and it jumped at the last second and I hit him far back. Tracked him for 4 hours and finished the job then. I felt bad that the deer was in pain for 4 hours but I felt good that I had the ethics and morals to finish what I started and limit any suffering to the best of my abilities.

My father always said I would quit after my first deer because I have a very deep love of animals and truthfully would rather see a human hurt then a defenseless animal.........I just don't see hunting in that way I guess. I LOVE to hunt and while I do feel bad briefly after the animal has passed.....the feeling of pride, accomplishment and satisfaction are a million times stronger when I have a successful hunt and every time that meat hits the table for me and my family to eat.


Your statement about not caring about killing birds because you &quot;hate&quot; them is a little odd. I think you should feel the same sense that a life was taken by your hands and treat it with the proper amount of respect regardless of how big, small, cute or ugly the animal is.


I know people and have hunted with them that actually just LIKE to kill things.........that scares me. Their is a BIG difference between being happy with your successful hunt and just being happy you got to shoot and kill something...........needless to say I don't hunt with any of those people any more.

I don't hesitate for one second to end a life in the woods........but I realize the magnitude of what I have done and therefore it is something that I take very seriously and don't like to joke or be disrespectful about.

You don't have to love killing to love hunting, but it is part of the game so you won't know how it will effect you until it happens.


Make it quick, clean and as painless as you can.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Well said Spike.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

From my first deer to the most recent, I have always been overcome with gratitude for the chance to harvest such a great and worthy opponent.

Hunt the thickets

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Well the first deer I have ever killed was last year. To tell you the truth I had mixed feelings I shot him with a bow from about 20 yards away I hit him in the back bone and broke it it two. It did'nt die I had to cut it's throat twice to finally get it to die. That really sucked I can tell you that. But the thrill I got when I shot him was well worth it I went running down the hill like a 10 year old. It was a great experice that I will remember forever. what made it even more special was it was the first deer I have ever shot at.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Maybe &quot;hate&quot; wasn't the correct word.

I did feel bad about killing my first few but the feeling goes away as you get more.

I'm just not a real big fan of birds if that makes sense. I gues it is similiar to an animal lover not thinking twice about killing a spider but thinking the killing of a deer is horrible. They are both living creatures.

I think if cows were smart and pretty we would not eat them as much. You don't see horse burgers on the menu at McDonald's.

Deer are beautiful creatures that are worthy competitors and maybe that is where the increased respect comes from?

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Happy and excited as can be.

Some things are true whether you believe them or not.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

I was 12 years old.I was happy then cried happy tears

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Here is what I remember and my feelings are in order!

Excited when I made the hit
Excited when I found it piled up
Excited when I dressed it
Excited when I took it to the processer
Excited when I brought it home
Excited when I ate it
Excited when I talk about it!

It was something I'd worked very hard to achieve and I enjoyed every minute of my success.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

You know when you watch those hunting shows where the guy looks at the camera all excited and whispers loudly, &quot;YES!&quot;? That was me(without the camera). I did feel a sense of remorse, but also a tinge of pride and a lot of adrenaline. I honestly believe whitetail deer are one of the most graceful and beautiful creatures on God's earth, but I also think they they taste good. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

My first deer kill was a rifle, a 12 point buck, at the ripe age of 13 yrs old. Beginners luck, second year hunting. I remember shooting at it and getting down and looking for blood and finding nothing, my uncle came over and looked with me, and told me i missed. then got back in my stand sitting on a power line clearing and realised i shot at it a lot further than i remembered and got back down again to look out further. The fresh snow was sprayed with blood as i literaly ran following the heart shot blood trail into the thick pines for 50 yrds. there lay the most incredible sight i ever had at that time in my life. The only thing that topped that moment of excitement was the first time i got laid some years later!
My first bow deer was almost as exciting but I spine shot her and watched her expire after 2 more shots to kill her. It was sad and I always hope the deer runs out of sight now before it dies. I then realised why the indians said little prayers for the animal they just harvested and i have been doing the same since then.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

I think that I learned a lot on my first deer. Something that can't be taught. My first deer was a doe 21 years ago when I was 16. I was shotgun hunting in a small imature pine stand. I could here the deer running toward me and I know it was going to hit a small lane that was cleared. I had the gun up ready ready for the deer to hit the lane and when it did, I fired, about 40 yards. My Dad always told me that before I moved from the stand after a hit, I needed to put a piece of candy in my mouth (which he gave me) and wait till it was fully disolved. Well, I put it in my mouth, however I chewed it up. I walked over to the place of impact and saw the blood in the snow. I knew it was hit. Well, I started going after it right away. I ended up jumping the deer out of a bed, there was a great deal of blood. Now, my father told me that if this happened to go back to camp and wait for him. I didn't of course and ended up jumping it out of three more beds. I finally came up on it about a mile from where I shot, and it had it's head up. I put another slug in her head (the only thing I could see), and she died on the spot. Luckily the deer circled and was close to a road. Now I had to field dress her. I had just finished my first dressing and noticed my father walking up from behind me. He had found the deers, and my footprints in the snow. I know that he was just as happy as I was to get it, and I was glad that he was there in the field to experience it.

Like I said, this was a real learning experience for me. After that, I took advice much more seriously.

P.S. The first shot just grazed the right lung and went over the left lung, under the spine.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

My first Deer was with shotgun. A decient quartering shot, The Deer sort of walked away but I felt I made a good shot so I waited. I heard a rustling noise and thought it was another deer coming in but in reality it was mine dying over a small hillock.

I, like the Indians say a little thank you to the animal for his/her gift to me.

Field dressing the first one was the tough part as I hadn't done that before! Fish yes, but a deer is a little bit bigger than a largemouth Bass <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>




Greg

&quot;Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus.&quot;

Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

If we didn't feel excitement before the shot why would we be hunting? If we didn't feel excitement after the shot why would we be hunting? If we didn't feel a little remorse when walking up on the animal we just killed why would we be hunting? All of these feelings are natural and healthy. I have friends who tell me they don't get excited anymore and I tell them they should either switch methods or stop hunting for awhile. As for guys who just want to kill something, they do not belong in the woods. Those are usually the guys that will take an iffy shot just to get a kill because they don't have respect for the animals they are hunting.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Bill, I understand what you are saying. And that is why I hunt. For the challenge and thrill of the hunt. However, please remember that there are people out there who are hunting strictly for food. And I don't believe that there is anything wrong with that either.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

I can't describe it. Don't even want to try. But even after 40 years, it's exactly the same, every time.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Hunting for food still shouldn't change the way we feel about the hunt. I have great respect for those who hunt because they need to to supplement their food sources.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

When I slapped the trigger and she went down like a ton of lead bricks my initial reaction was shock! From shock I rapidly went to a weird state of pride, excitement, thankfullness and remorse. Oh yea and I was shaking like a leaf from the adreniline, hey I was 11 or 12.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

The first deer that I shot was a 3 point (spike really with a little nub on one of the antlers) that I got with a rifle when I was 15. He came through and when I saw antlers I found him in my crosshairs and shot. Two shots later he was down. I can't believe I didn't fall out of the treestand I climbed down so fast. I ran up to him and was so happy I must of looked like a little kid doing a pee dance. He was beautiful. I made such a mess field dressing him that you would think I took a bath in blood, but I did it all by myself. The only thing I had gutted before that was a squirrel. I have no regrets except that I wish I would have taken more time to soak in the moment and enjoy it. I still get that feeling every time I shoot a deer. If it ever goes away I think I'll quit.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

well said arthur P. I was sooo dad gum excited and pumped and adrenalized before the shot because I &quot;knew&quot; he was mine. He was within the 20 yard marker and I put a perfect shot on him.

Watched him fall after running 40-50 yards away. Almost couldn't pull the bow back when I drew on him. The best feeling ever. I still smile when I think about it. It was last year.

I was also respectful and a slight bit remorseful. I thanked the LORD for giving me the opportunity. Bowhunting is the ultimate for me

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

First deer was with a shotgun on a dead run - shot through the neck and he (spike) did not move. I dressed him with a pocket knife

First with a bow, I was standing beside my little brother, at the base of his treestand. Unfortunately for him, his bow was on the other side of the tree.

Emotions ran the full gamut!

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I felt sticky,cuz I wet myself.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>

Thats a strange way to introduce yourself , but welcome anyway!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

As someone else said , I was excited , thankfull , excited again.


&quot;Nocked,cocked & ready to rock&quot;

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Ren and Stimpy said it best,

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!
<img src='http://communities.msn.com/_Secure/0KwAAADsOaDdtgkcDr1nY4RcAK6lPF*ayvmG!e6*iM1LTmQvlc 54Zk6fPpfu!2ro8DHlXdaP1DG0/4pt.jpg>

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Let me put it this way for you. I aways tell everyone that I hunt with that if I ever loose the feeling (Buck Fever) that I get when that big buck comes out &quot;That I will quit Hunting&quot;. I feel if you are sitting there in a stand and a deer comes out and you shoot it and there is no enjoyment. Like you just feel nothing and you are just like what ever. You shouldn't deer hunt. Because the best part of deer hunting is the excitment after. I still get excited when I tell people about the deer that I have killed. It should be a moment that you will never forget and it will. And about the dog part I have never eaten a dog and I have never seen any with horns yet. But if I do!!! HAHA Hope you get one.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

For me when I got my first deer last year a nice 8 point buck that is on my wall I felt sad and excited. I put my hand on his fur and was still warm I almost shed a tear for such a wonderful animal I have just taken. I still love seeing him on my wall but that first moment I saw him on the ground motionless give me a feeling I just didn't expect. I love these animals we all love to hunt and have the most respect for them. This is a honor to go hunt them. I guess I just go through a ton of emotions when I find the deer.

Brian

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Well Ive been hunting since I was 14, and ive came across some mighty fine deer in pursuit. When I killed my first deer it was at a time where I was getting discouraged, becuz I had so many chances and so many misses. but when the time came for that shot I was so overwhelmed with the fever that I didnt concentrate and popped off the first shot I had at the doe I harvested, it was the first day of rifle and 7 yrs without a deer. I had walked to the truck to grab a bite to eat and headed back to the stand. When I got about 10 yds from the base of my stand a doe busted from out of mowhere and went running through the woods, I squatted down and took aim as soon as she stopped and turned to look for the danger I popped a shot, which was not a good hit. to make a long story short I had to finish my first deer off with a knife. I felt real bad and excited at the same time. I said a prayer for her (and I do that from now on). I was soon at ease when I put her on the table, and she feed my family that winter. To some hunters this might of broke em especially a young hunter. but it made we much wiser and respect the woods even more. Now on my first buck with the bow thats a different story.........

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

Made me feel just like the pro's seem to feel when they kill one...It's great! A plan finally comes together.

RE: How did you feel when you killed your first deer?
 

I tagged my first deer with my bow. I had just gotten out of my stand when the doe appeared. I just stood there on the ground and she walked right in front of me into a perfect broadside shot position. I still recall being amazed that the deer didn't see me even after staring right at me. The deer was small so I thought it was farther away. That caused me to make a spine shot. Of course it dropped right on the spot but didn't die right away.

I would describe my initial feeling as stunned. I was also a little scared. Alot of &quot;rules&quot; went through my head. What do I do now? At the time, I didn't even think that I should make a finishing shot. I deeply regret not making that killing shot. Since I was very close to home, I went home and called my good friend and hunting partner. It happened to be his birthday. Waiting for him to arrive was one of the longest periods in my life! He arrived with his pistol and went with me to the deer. It had expired. I think John was more excited than I was! He was saying &quot;Alright!! Great job!! Yahoo!!&quot; and a variety of other exclamations while patting me on the back. His emotions trickled into me and I became very proud. He showed me how to gut the deer and actually dragged it most of the way back to my house for me. That night laying in bed, was when I really felt the wave of emotions. I was very proud of myself and very humbled at the same time. I couldn't sleep, playing the events over and over in my head. I wanted to tell everyone about the hunt!

I shot my second deer with my bow as well. That one was completely different feeling. When I saw the deer run 20 yards and fall, I had a strong &quot;YES!!!!&quot; feeling. Very very excited, happy and thankful all at the same time. But then, I recall my emotions turning to a serious nature because I knew I still had a job to do. I waited for about 20 minutes then went to the deer. I knew where it was but I still decided to first go to point of impact and follow the blood trail. My emotions grew stronger as I got to the fallen deer. I condfirmed it was dead than felt a little sad but proud. Said a prayer then went to work gutting and loading it into the truck. The drive home was joyfull and I couldn't wait to show my family! Since this was the first time doing it all alone, it was pretty special.

-Mike