For me nature has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a family that was really into hunting and fishing. My dad always took me hunting with me. Even before I could shoot a gun I would go duck, grouse or deer hunting with him. I also love being in nature. I honestly can say that I could go a whole season without getting a single animal and still have fun. Plus, when you're getting ready to shoot an animal you get a big adrenaline rush. I do at least. It's also fun to "spot and stalk" animals and just try and sneak in close enough for a shot without being noticed. Hunting's a challenge. When you finally get what you're after, it's a big relief.

Hi here from Africa. (Hope my English is good enough to express my feelings, without stepping on any toes)
Words are not capable to explain the “killing” part to a non-hunter.
My wife came from pretty much the same background as you. My “way-of-live” was unknown and cruel to her. It is not my responsibility to change her mindset or make her understand. Se accepted me for what I am and my passions in life. I respect that and she expects the same from me. It’s becoming easier as time goes by. It is possible; believe me. She’s even starting to enjoy the quality and taste of game meat.
I suppose you herd about “buck fever” before. You get unexplainably exited; adrenalin levels goes sky-high it rockets through your body. Your mind goes into overdrive. You become a hunter, like the ones before you. It’s a heritage, its instinctive, a part of me, its bl%$ addictive, it’s me. This does not make me a killer without any feelings; it’s just that I understand it better. If it was against Gods will for us to manage the animals he put on this earth, I would not be hunting. Respect his feelings and he would do the same. You already started by posting this post. Hope everything works out.

I would like to express my appreciation to all of you who responded to my question. Although I agree with many of you that I will probably never fully understand because of my upbringing, you have brought me closer to understanding. In fact, my husband and I had a conversation last night that went much smoother because he never realized I would try so hard to understand something like this.

I would also like to let you know that I also enjoy many of the same things you do. I love to camp, fish, and hike. I love to watch animals. I am not the "city-slicker" many people think of when they see me or hear what I have to say. I am by no means a "tree-hugger." Anyhow, I digress.

Some of the things that you had to say are things I never thought of before, and it makes me feel much better about what my husband loves to do. Starvation was the answer I always have gotten from him. I never really thought about the disease, the animals, and to be totally honest, to eat any meat, I have to pretend that I'm not eating meat. Animals eating each other while still alive... thatmakes me feel better that at least it's not suffering a worse death when my husband goes out there.

I also would like to add that I love to shoot. I've been doing it since I was three (my dad was a police officer who let me shoot at the shooting range for the station). I like to shoot bows and target shoot guns. I do get enjoyment out of that. I understand that aspect much more now as well.

Thereare many things that you have pointed out that I have never thought about before, although perhaps I should have. Although one option I never considered (and will not) is divorce. Although thanks for the tip. We are newlyweds just dealing with stresses that we've not had to deal with before.

Again, thank you for all of the excellent responses and (for the most part)the lack of heat I was given for my query. I really appreciate your help in this matter. I will continue to work on my viewsand God bless you all for your helpfulness.

Good luck to you guys. With your love of the outdoors, go with him sometime. You don't have to kill to get 99% of what he gets from hunting.

No problem, and remember that probably about 90% of hunters have a hard time putting to words why they hunt. Being questioned can often leavea hunter defensive.

My wife has also comes from a background of non-hunters. When we talked about archery and hunting before we got married, she told me that she would never try to change me into something different from what I am. She sees the enjoyment in my face when I am doing well in archery and the disappointment when I am not. She knows how passionate I am about the sport and has enjoyment herself watching me and listening to my stories. But she also knows that I believe that family comes first, and if for some reason something comes up more important, I would gladly put it down.