I'm gratified by the number of responses that we've gotten on this subject that reflect "feelings" very much like my own, too.
Like, I suspect, many older hunters... I, too, have "passed" shots on game... especially the past 10 years or so, that I could have easiy taken, but decided not to "ruin the day" (well put).
And I agree... "guilt" is NOT the right word when referring to taking an animals life when hunting... although, in the past, that's the word I thought of when thinking about the killing.
I think "respect" is most certainly a more "accurate" word. And it's out of that "respect" than many of us have refused an easy shot on legal game.
Yes... "respect"... a good hunter/woodsman/nature lover RESPECTS all that is around them in nature... the animals, the woods, the trees, the wildflowers and his fellow hunters. Perhaps that's why we so "treasure" our times in deer camp... not because we CAN kill... but because we can and do choose NOT to kill.
It is not diametrically opposed thinking to be a hunter and to choose NOT to shoot. By the same token, it is not diametrically opposed thinking to be a NATURE LOVER.... and TAKE the shot!
I use to think I was about the ONLY one who has these thoughts. Now I realize that many of us feel exactly the same way about hunting. Thank you for all these wonderful responses... they sure make me realize I'm not the only "nut" who passes up easy shots on "8 pointers". :grin:
Strength & Honor...
Ron T.