RE: How important is the kill
 

for me, im not mad if i don't get a bird...but i am upset at myself as a hunter for not putting myself in the right situation and preparing my self, with scouting and so on. so no, im okay with not getting a bird....im not okay however with not getting a chance at one.

KP

RE: How important is the kill
 

I agree with most of what everyone here has said. I do enjoy killing a tom, without apology. However, it is those encounters in the woods that do my soul so much good that makes turkey hunting my passion. This past Wednesday morning, while turkey hunting, I had two foxes come within 4 or 5 feet of me. Then a spike buck (yes, he still had his antlers) bedded down only 35 yards from me. The gobbler lit down about 60 yards away and walked away. It was mystical. It was a successful turkey hunt, even though I didn't kill a bird.

A member of my church is a an outfitter. His logo says "R & R Outfitters: It's all about the kill" I told him that for me it wasn't. We get along, because we agree to disagree. There are some who believe that it really is about the kill. I would just say that it is not ALL about the kill.

Having said that, we are still hunters. As Dr. Andy said, we do bring guns or bows on our hunts. The intent is to kill a bird. I believe that puts us in touch with a side of life that most people do not understand. To eat meat, an animal must die. Most people do not appreciate the sacrifice the animal has made, because they have never gotten thier hands dirty by both pulling the trigger and cleaning the animal. I realize that I am starting to preach, but every hunter need to clean their first animal. I belive that is essential in growing into and ethically responsible hunter. Just my two cents.

RE: How important is the kill
 

I will say, beyond any shadow of a doubt, to me...the kill is just an added bonus. the best part to me is hearing the woods coming alive at sunup...spending good times in the outdoors with good friends and family and calling em in and getting them to hammer back at me. i can't wait for season this year, but it is for those reasons and not the kill. i agree with what rebelhog said...my priorities have changed in the last couple years. the coolest hunting experience to date was last deer season. i was with a friend and his 8 yr old son. my friend killed a deer with his kid by his side. That kid was so excited...thats what it's all about.
good luck this year.

RE: How important is the kill
 

When it comes to turkeys, killing one is a little less important than withdeer. I knowa lot of guys who get way too fired up in thier need to kill a bird. I think that leads to a lot of hunting accidents.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm out there to throw some lead at a birds head, cause getting up early every day is rough, so I want to pop one no question, but I have more fun out in the spring woods not getting anything, than not getting anything in the fall (deer) woods.

RE: How important is the kill
 

I do a LOT of deer hunting each year and have taken numerous deer every year for the past 23 years. I love to watch the woods awaken each morning as it gets light and I love all the experiences, sounds, smells, etc. that accompany it

I like the same things about spring turkey hunting. However, I don't get to devote many days to it and I drive all the way to the other side of the state just to purse them for a week or so each spring. Like Mr. Longbeard, I'm disappointed if I don't score on at least one turkey each spring. We can take a 2nd one if none was taken in the fall, but most years, the first one is hard enough to get.

Yeah, the kill is important to me.