Post by: WAnoob on November 13, 2015, 12:17:35 PM
I am not a trophy hunter, I will gladly take a nice animal if given the option, but I am a meat hunter first and foremost and I like the idea of knowing where my meat comes from.
Anyone have any tips to avoid these remorse jitters?
The only thing that may come to mind is my dad has been my hunting partner since I was little and taught me everything I knew in Alaska, as he got older he moved to warmer climate in TN and I have not been hunting with him since.
I wonder at times if I need to try something else or take a break with a new hobby to come back refreshed. But I thought a few year break would have been good enough.
Post by: kentrek on November 13, 2015, 12:28:42 PM
If we don't end it's life what will ?? The answer is far more cruel...it's not rite or wrong it just is..thats nature
If I was a game species..the best I could hope for is a long life thats ended swiftly while in my prime, by a well placed arrow or bullet
Post by: 2MANY on November 13, 2015, 12:28:59 PM
Sounds personal.
Post by: Stein on November 13, 2015, 12:31:43 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 13, 2015, 12:31:58 PM
Post by: HUNTaHOLIC5 on November 13, 2015, 12:36:41 PM
Post by: WAnoob on November 13, 2015, 12:40:16 PM
Maybe take up videoing and taking pictures of wildlife until you feel different about it.
Funny you should say that! My dad was a professional wildlife photographer in Alaska and we would always go off the road in Denali National Park for moose (when it was allowed) and a trip to McNeil River for bear viewing. I started out taking pictures with him then I switched to hunting, maybe I need to reset the cycle :chuckle:
I am thinking long and hard of pursuing bow hunting so I can find another form of hunting to spark my interest again.
Post by: Southpole on November 13, 2015, 12:41:50 PM
Post by: runamuk on November 13, 2015, 12:50:44 PM
Post by: Encore 280 on November 13, 2015, 12:56:29 PM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 13, 2015, 12:57:03 PM
Post by: pilebuck on November 13, 2015, 01:08:40 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 13, 2015, 01:18:35 PM
It sounds like your personal likes are changing regarding hunting. I like the ideas about replacing the shooting with some form of photography. :dunno:
Post by: CaNINE on November 13, 2015, 01:31:48 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 13, 2015, 01:37:08 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 13, 2015, 01:38:36 PM
I think the emotions you are feeling post kill are common and simply show that you have a deep respect and appreciation for the animals you hunt. I don't feel remorse but there is a moment of sadness in having taken a life. My primary reason for hunting is to get meat for my family and myself. It may sound silly to some, but I always thank the animal for giving it's life and thank God for granting me the opportunity to kill the animal. I then get my hands dirty and move on. I think if you do your best to make a clean kill, use the animal by removing as much meat as you can and treat the meat properly to prevent spoilage and consume it before it goes bad then there is nothing to feel remorseful for. Arise, Kill and Eat. Acts 11:7well said
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 13, 2015, 01:40:50 PM
I think the emotions you are feeling post kill are common and simply show that you have a deep respect and appreciation for the animals you hunt. I don't feel remorse but there is a moment of sadness in having taken a life. My primary reason for hunting is to get meat for my family and myself. It may sound silly to some, but I always thank the animal for giving it's life and thank God for granting me the opportunity to kill the animal. I then get my hands dirty and move on. I think if you do your best to make a clean kill, use the animal by removing as much meat as you can and treat the meat properly to prevent spoilage and consume it before it goes bad then there is nothing to feel remorseful for. Arise, Kill and Eat. Acts 11:7
He actually is having these feeling before shooting and said he's actually hoping not to get a shot. :dunno:
Post by: WAnoob on November 13, 2015, 01:59:33 PM
I think the emotions you are feeling post kill are common and simply show that you have a deep respect and appreciation for the animals you hunt. I don't feel remorse but there is a moment of sadness in having taken a life. My primary reason for hunting is to get meat for my family and myself. It may sound silly to some, but I always thank the animal for giving it's life and thank God for granting me the opportunity to kill the animal. I then get my hands dirty and move on. I think if you do your best to make a clean kill, use the animal by removing as much meat as you can and treat the meat properly to prevent spoilage and consume it before it goes bad then there is nothing to feel remorseful for. Arise, Kill and Eat. Acts 11:7
He actually is having these feeling before shooting and said he's actually hoping not to get a shot. :dunno:
Happens about half the time, maybe I'm talking myself out of taking the shot to avoid the little bit of sadness afterwards that follows. I enjoy hunting for the aspect I know where the animal came from and I took care of of the animal, aside from processing.
Post by: WAnoob on November 13, 2015, 02:08:58 PM
Post by: mfswallace on November 13, 2015, 02:13:58 PM
Post by: Southpole on November 13, 2015, 02:15:35 PM
I do appreciate all the opinions and comments, it is nice to know other people have similar feelings. I've been on other forums where people have brought this up and got blasted nonstop for it.On Hunt-WA?? No way :peep:
Post by: HuntinCrazy on November 13, 2015, 02:17:58 PM
IMO if we all didn't feel some remorse, not really guilt, we would be heartless killers.And all of us commenting about this thread shows just how much we do care about taking any life!
I think those feelings come with age. I've noticed a hand full of guys, I've know over the years, getting more "soft" about shooting animals. These same guys were killing machines back in the day and would have never thought twice about shooting animals. Like I said, I think some of it has some to do with age and maturity.
Post by: WAnoob on November 13, 2015, 02:18:39 PM
I do appreciate all the opinions and comments, it is nice to know other people have similar feelings. I've been on other forums where people have brought this up and got blasted nonstop for it.On Hunt-WA?? No way :peep:
On my old Alaska forum haha
Post by: 7mmfan on November 13, 2015, 02:19:34 PM
Last years buck was the first deer that I haven't made a perfect shot on and I felt terrible. Ask the guy who came upon me in the woods with my buck a few minutes after I put him down. He couldn't figure out why I wasn't ecstatic over killing such a great buck. That one took me a while to get over.
My buck this year, dropped in his tracks, game over instantly. When I got to him, I said a quick prayer, and a thank you, and got to work. I still felt remorse for the life taken, but far less because of how it was taken.
Despite all of that, and the surge of feelings I get when I put my hands on the animal, I have never once questioned taking a shot at an animal from that standpoint. I'm a hunter, I know why I hunt, and I have no regrets about killing any animal I have killed to feed my family. This will be the 5th year in a row that I have not bought meat other than chicken. We have eaten deer/elk/bear exclusively now and I couldn't be happier about that.
Post by: Kittman on November 13, 2015, 02:22:22 PM
Post by: BABackcountryBwhntr on November 13, 2015, 02:27:59 PM
Post by: Bob33 on November 13, 2015, 02:30:01 PM
Post by: bobcat on November 13, 2015, 02:38:57 PM
Post by: buglebuster on November 13, 2015, 02:58:21 PM
Post by: 2MANY on November 13, 2015, 03:01:17 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 13, 2015, 03:03:02 PM
Quote
I have noticed I have been feeling guilty after killing an animal more often these days. There is nothing fun about taking a life. I just have a harder time now with watching some majestic animal that has survived so long only to be snuffed out in an instant by me. I have been contemplating taking a break from it, but I worry about missing out on the opportunities I am blessed with now. I don't want to be 50 and regretting not hunting more when I could hunt like I wanted to as a younger man.
Well said, I've had a little bit of the same feelings as well. Not thinking of taking a break, but just focusing on the hunts I really want to do, kind of a quality over quantity thing. Also enjoy helping others with their OIL opportunities, and very soon it'll be hleping my kids. Getting to be less about me and more about others. For me things started to change when I started to hit some hunting goals that I had, maybe its I feel I have less to prove to myself, who knows. That being said I've still got the fever and desire, its just changing. Nothing better than looking at antlers on the wall or mounts and getting those memories come flooding back from great times in the field.
Good thread.
Post by: kodiak 907 on November 13, 2015, 03:27:27 PM
Good thread noob :tup:
Post by: Old Man Yager on November 13, 2015, 03:37:19 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 13, 2015, 03:50:05 PM
As I have gotten older though I find that marksmanship is just as important to me as size.
Post by: fish vacuum on November 13, 2015, 05:19:42 PM
I don't feel remorse, but my drive/need to kill an animal has been reduced.Me too. And I've been thinking about it a lot since the season ended. I won't get to much into the dynamics of my own hunting, but I've just recently looked into multi season permits. Extending my season so I don't feel pressured to hunt in a short window might help my attitude.
Post by: JakeLand on November 13, 2015, 05:30:34 PM
Post by: DoubleJ on November 13, 2015, 05:53:03 PM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,83731.msg1043278.html#msg1043278
Post by: pd on November 13, 2015, 05:56:58 PM
Question: Is it too easy for you?
That is, if you are Alaska-raised, and have been hunting for all of your life, perhaps you are so good at it, your success rate is far above average. What about upping the odds in favor of your prey? Traditional archery, home-made arrows, moccasins, etc. I wonder if you would feel the same if suddenly your odds went way down, and only connected once every several years.
I would really like to hear your comments on that.
Post by: Dan-o on November 13, 2015, 06:13:47 PM
I'm older now, and I won't take a risky shot..... (Yes, a less than perfect shot is still possible.).
Now, I am very selective about the shot. It really is all about respect now.
Post by: KFhunter on November 13, 2015, 06:48:28 PM
I've been big game hunting since I was roughly twelve, the majority of my shots have been clean and ethical to what I could control and I have never lost an animal. The older I get the more pre-remorse I have about pulling the trigger when hunting. I have not killed anything since 2010 when I went moose hunting and I only felt a little remorse. I went Blacktail hunting last month a few times and never connected, I enjoy being out in the woods every time I go but this time was weird. Almost every time I went out I almost was wishing I wouldn't see a buck so I wouldn't have to pull the trigger. Anyone ever feel the same way about hunting?
I am not a trophy hunter, I will gladly take a nice animal if given the option, but I am a meat hunter first and foremost and I like the idea of knowing where my meat comes from.
Anyone have any tips to avoid these remorse jitters?
The only thing that may come to mind is my dad has been my hunting partner since I was little and taught me everything I knew in Alaska, as he got older he moved to warmer climate in TN and I have not been hunting with him since.
I wonder at times if I need to try something else or take a break with a new hobby to come back refreshed. But I thought a few year break would have been good enough.
Switch from a gun to a camera and buy local farm raised meat. Eventually after photographing a few nice bucks you might come across one that'll speak to you and something might "click" and you'll stalk that one animal and no others. Or, you'll just have fun getting out photoing animals and we'll enjoy the pics on HW :tup:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 13, 2015, 07:55:56 PM
This is not a bad option! You've got a bunch of horn porn addicts around here :chuckle:I've been big game hunting since I was roughly twelve, the majority of my shots have been clean and ethical to what I could control and I have never lost an animal. The older I get the more pre-remorse I have about pulling the trigger when hunting. I have not killed anything since 2010 when I went moose hunting and I only felt a little remorse. I went Blacktail hunting last month a few times and never connected, I enjoy being out in the woods every time I go but this time was weird. Almost every time I went out I almost was wishing I wouldn't see a buck so I wouldn't have to pull the trigger. Anyone ever feel the same way about hunting?
I am not a trophy hunter, I will gladly take a nice animal if given the option, but I am a meat hunter first and foremost and I like the idea of knowing where my meat comes from.
Anyone have any tips to avoid these remorse jitters?
The only thing that may come to mind is my dad has been my hunting partner since I was little and taught me everything I knew in Alaska, as he got older he moved to warmer climate in TN and I have not been hunting with him since.
I wonder at times if I need to try something else or take a break with a new hobby to come back refreshed. But I thought a few year break would have been good enough.
Switch from a gun to a camera and buy local farm raised meat. Eventually after photographing a few nice bucks you might come across one that'll speak to you and something might "click" and you'll stalk that one animal and no others. Or, you'll just have fun getting out photoing animals and we'll enjoy the pics on HW :tup:
Post by: Little Fish on November 13, 2015, 08:03:45 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on November 13, 2015, 08:19:16 PM
I don't need to kill, I am happy to be out hunting. But if I have the chance at a good shot I take it.
For me I enjoy the whole process, buying. Gear, setting up,planing,and killing when it happens.
Not just animals but when people I know die I am indiffernt to death. Most the time.
I cried when my first. Lab died, when my parents died.
But most the time I feel little. I veiw death as a part of life, we are all going there in time.
Most the time on big game I will walk up and shoot them in the head again just to make sure.
But I have no regrets .
I would regret if a animal where wasted though. I take excellent care of my taken game.
I have noticed some older hunter who have taken a lot not being has interested and passing on some animals.
Post by: Romulus1297 on November 13, 2015, 08:35:48 PM
Post by: 2labs on November 13, 2015, 08:54:33 PM
Post by: fastdam on November 13, 2015, 09:00:24 PM
Post by: Romulus1297 on November 13, 2015, 09:06:59 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 13, 2015, 09:15:16 PM
I don't hunt for the thrill of the kill. It's all about the hunt for me.
Post by: predatorpro on November 14, 2015, 03:00:49 AM
Post by: rasbo on November 14, 2015, 04:01:11 AM
Post by: Hilltop123 on November 14, 2015, 06:35:13 AM
As a young hunter, my blood lust was very high, I just had to punch my tag. Now that I'm older, the punching of the tag has less importance.
When I was younger, I had something to prove to others and a family to feed. Now that I'm older I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, plus it's just me and the wife now, we raise beef now so the venison is not quite as important. It would have been interesting to know the age of all the folks that posted to this thread, I bet we would see as one gets older, these feelings start creeping in. :twocents:
And yes I do at times feel hesitant at times, before the shot. But that feeling usually doesn't last long.....
Post by: elkrack on November 14, 2015, 06:39:20 AM
I've never felt remorse or bad about killing an animal, just pure excitement and happiness that I filled a tag, whether it be a cow, or a 6x6 bull. The past few years I have changed a bit after the kill. I still feel the same after the shot, but when I get to the animal I always run my hand down its side and thank it for giving its life to feed me and my family.
Exactly the same here :tup:
Post by: Southpole on November 14, 2015, 06:43:55 AM
I find this to be a very interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!The gentleman I know were changing around their 50's.
As a young hunter, my blood lust was very high, I just had to punch my tag. Now that I'm older, the punching of the tag has less importance.
When I was younger, I had something to prove to others and a family to feed. Now that I'm older I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, plus it's just me and the wife now, we raise beef now so the venison is not quite as important. It would have been interesting to know the age of all the folks that posted to this thread, I bet we would see as one gets older, these feelings start creeping in. :twocents:
And yes I do at times feel hesitant at times, before the shot. But that feeling usually doesn't last long.....
Post by: Hilltop123 on November 14, 2015, 07:06:28 AM
I find this to be a very interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!The gentleman I know were changing around their 50's.
As a young hunter, my blood lust was very high, I just had to punch my tag. Now that I'm older, the punching of the tag has less importance.
When I was younger, I had something to prove to others and a family to feed. Now that I'm older I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, plus it's just me and the wife now, we raise beef now so the venison is not quite as important. It would have been interesting to know the age of all the folks that posted to this thread, I bet we would see as one gets older, these feelings start creeping in. :twocents:
And yes I do at times feel hesitant at times, before the shot. But that feeling usually doesn't last long.....
Makes sense, I'm 48.
Used to be, in the advanced hunter study material. A small book, I don't remember the author or the title, but it had to do with the 5 stages of a hunter.
The author roughly said, as we age our outlook and goals of the hunt change. I found it to be one of the more interesting pieces of material, in the study packet. Maybe someone on here has more information on the book, I would not mind reading it again.
Post by: luckyman on November 14, 2015, 07:28:01 AM
Post by: Thehowler on November 14, 2015, 08:07:25 AM
Post by: bigbeamhunter on November 14, 2015, 08:28:56 AM
Post by: jtw on November 14, 2015, 09:22:48 AM
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 14, 2015, 09:27:16 AM
Post by: McCRIZZLEY on November 14, 2015, 10:05:45 AM
I think a large part of this is that I never had any family that hunted and had to teach myself. Spending so many years out in the woods and on the ponds without being able to connect really makes you appreciate the hunt and the animal more. Almost too much.
Post by: Mark251 on November 14, 2015, 11:29:50 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on November 14, 2015, 11:57:26 AM
Post by: Skillet on November 14, 2015, 12:33:24 PM
I don't feel "bad" after a big game kill, but I am fully aware of the fact I just took a life - and the responsibility that comes along with doing it. I pay respects to the animal for its life, I give thanks for the sustenance it will provide, and get on wroth the job at hand.
If I don't do my part as a hunter and cause unnecessary suffering, then I feel bad. Real bad.
Post by: HunterStrait on November 14, 2015, 12:43:25 PM
Post by: coachcw on November 14, 2015, 01:15:30 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 14, 2015, 01:21:50 PM
I DO T FEEL REMORSE. The realty is we are the top,of the food chain and I have respect for people that are willing g to do there own dirty work . I love nature and being part of it . I don't mind passing young game looking for throphy class it just gives me more time to sharpen my skills . Like blrman nothing is better than the sound of a arrow finding it's mark it gives me a true since of accomplishment. I as well respect vegetarian life styles I don't respect hip critical people ho shun us hunters while they sneak down the meat is seat safeway. Use nature and enjoy what we have in the end all animals will die and provide nourishment for the other wild life . If I make a bad shot I feel disappointed in my skills or judgement I get past it knowing that nature wastes nothing it all part of the life cycle.well said :tup:
Post by: opdinkslayer on November 15, 2015, 08:41:55 AM
I think I know how you feel. When I was younger, I used to be most excited about taking an animal. My outlook has changed since I've grown older. For me, the challenge is about in the preparation for the hunt - the planning and the scouting. Getting out there at 5:00 a.m. when it's 37 degrees and raining or after a good snowfall...walking down a logging road with your son or daughter...or a good friend. It's about the experience. Taking an animal is bittersweet and I always say a prayer of thanks for delivering the animal to me. I'm still passionate about hunting but it's for different reasons now.
:yeah: Well said. It's all about the experience and the people I enjoy it with. I get greater satisfaction from watching my boys become better hunters than me than filling my own tag for the sake of filling it. Lifelong memories are my greatest trophies! :tup:
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on November 15, 2015, 08:46:32 AM
I find this to be a very interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!
As a young hunter, my blood lust was very high, I just had to punch my tag. Now that I'm older, the punching of the tag has less importance.
When I was younger, I had something to prove to others and a family to feed. Now that I'm older I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, plus it's just me and the wife now, we raise beef now so the venison is not quite as important. It would have been interesting to know the age of all the folks that posted to this thread, I bet we would see as one gets older, these feelings start creeping in. :twocents:
And yes I do at times feel hesitant at times, before the shot. But that feeling usually doesn't last long.....
I agree with this. I'm only 28, but have harvested my fair share of animals. I used to be out to just fill the tag, now I find it hard to pull the trigger or let an arrow fly at smaller animals. I'm not a trophy hunter by any means, but I'm out for a challenge, and the young dumb ones aren't offering that challenge I seek. Also if I harvest an animal early in the season I feel as if I've cheated myself out of some very important time in the woods.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on November 15, 2015, 08:57:34 AM
Have you ever watched the nature channel? Seen bear, wolves, big cats or hyenas' kill an animal? We are the most humane killers of big game on the planet! Even our ugliest kills are far less cruel that what comes naturally in the wild. Our only guilt should come from not utilizing and/or respecting the nutrition and amazing gifts God has given us. I believe most hunters appreciate what hunting and the time spent in nature gives us in return.
We are not synthetic beings. To sustain life, life has to be given in return. Whether that is fish, fowl, animal or plant life should make little difference in the grand scheme of human life. As long as we give thanks and do not abuse our responsibilities as stewards of this earth we should live guilt free. For our only option in opposition is death.
The animals we pursue as sport hunters have been born into freedom. Does the fact that the human race has become proficient in bearing life in the confines of captivity change our obligations of guilt? Should our hunt and gather instincts be demonized because of industrialization and new social standards? Should we apologies for not following the sheep of a civilized progressive world? Does burying our heads in the sand believing meat comes from stores somehow insulate us from responsibility of lives taken to sustain the human populations of this planet?
Somehow modern society has progressed in a way that we judge everyone's actions without accepting the ugly truths of human and animal life. We consume living things and receive our own life as a result. Whether we choose to eat those life forms born into captivity or born into freedom, whether we choose to eat life forms with no central nervous system or those with cognitive function, whether we choose to eat living organisms with the life span of three months three years or three decades matters only in our stewardship of sustaining and supporting that life. We are the creatures God created. And if we are willing to accept that then pulling the trigger, charging our visa at the butcher or trading labor to a farmer for a pound of grain should all remain equally respected and guilt free.
Pretty well said Rad. I might add that modern farming practices are causing great damage to this planet earth. From fertilizer run off into the Gulf of Mexico, creating a dead zone in the gulf, to GMOs, to using up available water, chemical spraying, blocking migration routes, using up the best habitat, loss of topsoil, and degradation of soil all may prove to be too great a cost to the earth in the long run.
http://www.omorganics.org/page.php?pageid=78
Hunting and gathering is as natural as it gets.
Post by: Sandberm on November 15, 2015, 12:55:09 PM
When you raise an animal to later slaughter, it comes to you daily for food and perhaps affection, it trusts you...then you kill it.
But the sable....or the deer...it knows I am there to kill it, so it will do its best to avoid me.
Post by: Smossy on November 15, 2015, 01:16:49 PM
I guess some people will argue whether it is or isn't.
To me its a life ive chosen to provide food for me and me family when I can, at the same time enjoying my passion for archery.
It puts two things I love into one. Archery, and Food.. It creates a word called Bowhunting. Ill never look back. Honestly the more remorse I feel for what I do, The more human and heartfelt I actually feel. You have to live with the actions which we choose to take. If that animal had to lose its life to help you continue yours, maybe that was its purpose. Fate and Karma are real things in my book. Things happen and come together for a reason.
This is a responsibility we have as hunters, to dispatch an animal as quickly as possible. The remorse we feel likely will ensure that we do that the best we can.
Post by: jackmaster on November 15, 2015, 01:22:51 PM
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on November 15, 2015, 01:58:52 PM
Post by: jackmaster on November 15, 2015, 05:29:52 PM
I cannot say I feel guilty about killing an animal, but as others have said over my lifetime I have come to appreciate the beauty of these animals we pursue. I no longer have the sense of urgency to take an animal, I find myself ok with eating my tag, and just having some quality time observing them. I have started trying to instill this into my children, both of which have taken animals every year they have hunted. My daughter held off several young bucks this year, and ultimately missed a good buck on our last day of the regular season. My son had a late buck tag, and even with us observing dozens of bucks a day he chose to hold out for a mature deer. We only ended up seeing a couple of deer that were what we were looking for, and things didn't go as we hoped so he chose to end his season with an un-notched tag as well. I could not be more proud of either of them.my hat is off to you and your kids :tup: my daughter has past up a few small bucks as well, its a great feeling..
Post by: PastorJoel on November 15, 2015, 10:07:41 PM
I am going to eat meat one way or another. A harvested wild animal actually has had a better life than a 'factory' raised cow or chicken. Any deer or elk I get was able to run free and mate but the beef I get was locked in a pen.
Since I have no moral objection to meat (in general) I have no objection to wild meat. The BIG issue for me is a clean and quick kill and as little meat waste as possible.
I also find that killing the animal myself gives me a much greater sense of responsibility to avoid waste and to respect the food.
Post by: huntingbaldguy on November 16, 2015, 04:52:29 AM
Elk season i had a psychological wall i couldn't get over. I was miserable, even with my hunting partner. I was exhausted and my gear was failing to keep me dry and the wind/fog/rain was destroying any motivation i had left, which all culminated in me missing a brute of a bull our last day. We were walking to our morning spot and i kept saying to myself over and over and over, i hope we don't see anything. When we saw that bull with his cows, i got in position to shoot and i lost all focus. I forgot all shooting mechanics and i just screwed up everything i could have possibly screwed up, all because i was mentally and physically weak because of poor preparation.
I turned it around this past spring when my wife told me she wanted to start bow hunting. I knew it was more work so we started working out and hiking, a lot. Every weekend we were in the Olympics doing either a big elevation gain hike or a long day hike with the occasional overnighter. Since i started doing the physical exercise part of it, I've realized i can't hunt if I'm not going to be in shape before the season. Being out of shape is a mental drain as much as it's a physical drain. Not saying this is your issue, but honestly bow hunting kind of changed my life and my attitude toward hunting. It doesn't make me even remotely elite, but it makes me push myself to be stronger, better and sharper. It makes it not so much about the killing, but when my wife got her doe and i got my buck this year, it was so much more fulfilling knowing that we put the time and effort into preparation this year.
Post by: jasnt on November 16, 2015, 05:37:04 AM
Post by: Smokepole on November 16, 2015, 08:07:38 AM
Instead of feeling remorse, try celebrating. God has given you the bounty of meat for your freezer. Give thanks for it. You have been given the opportunity to enjoy time in the great outdoors. Give some thanks for that too. Hunting is a pure an natural instinct. Same with gathering or farming.
If hunting for you has been reduced to nothing more than a slaughter, try taking up archery. Put the fair chase back into it.
Personally, I say a prayer after I harvest an animal. None of it goes to waste, so there is nothing to feel guilty about. :twocents:
Post by: WAnoob on November 16, 2015, 11:30:13 AM
WaNoob, this is a very interesting thread. You would not know this, but many of those who have responded are the most responsible and respected members on this forum (not including myself in that group, of course).
Question: Is it too easy for you?
That is, if you are Alaska-raised, and have been hunting for all of your life, perhaps you are so good at it, your success rate is far above average. What about upping the odds in favor of your prey? Traditional archery, home-made arrows, moccasins, etc. I wonder if you would feel the same if suddenly your odds went way down, and only connected once every several years.
I would really like to hear your comments on that.
I have thought about this a great deal, I am still considering picking up bow hunting as I like the stalking aspect in hunting and I think the new challenge might be a great way to spark my interest again. I think you are on point with your suggestion!
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on November 16, 2015, 11:50:50 AM
I cannot say I feel guilty about killing an animal, but as others have said over my lifetime I have come to appreciate the beauty of these animals we pursue. I no longer have the sense of urgency to take an animal, I find myself ok with eating my tag, and just having some quality time observing them. I have started trying to instill this into my children, both of which have taken animals every year they have hunted. My daughter held off several young bucks this year, and ultimately missed a good buck on our last day of the regular season. My son had a late buck tag, and even with us observing dozens of bucks a day he chose to hold out for a mature deer. We only ended up seeing a couple of deer that were what we were looking for, and things didn't go as we hoped so he chose to end his season with an un-notched tag as well. I could not be more proud of either of them.my hat is off to you and your kids :tup: my daughter has past up a few small bucks as well, its a great feeling..
I'm just the opposite. if I was to ever feel bad, it would be for taking a huge old buck that had overcome the odds and survived until I took him. It would be bittersweet. On one hand he probably doesn't have much time left, but on the other maybe he could spread his genes one or two more seasons. Makes me look at my own mortality.
Post by: WAnoob on November 16, 2015, 11:57:00 AM
Post by: JJ79 on November 16, 2015, 06:07:23 PM
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Post by: eastfork on November 16, 2015, 09:51:34 PM
Post by: Seabass on November 17, 2015, 09:58:12 AM
Post by: idaho guy on November 17, 2015, 11:55:00 AM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 17, 2015, 11:57:42 AM
I don't know the study material, but sounds like you are describing Jim Posewitz's Beyond Fair Chase. A great read for anyone who hunts.I find this to be a very interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!The gentleman I know were changing around their 50's.
As a young hunter, my blood lust was very high, I just had to punch my tag. Now that I'm older, the punching of the tag has less importance.
When I was younger, I had something to prove to others and a family to feed. Now that I'm older I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, plus it's just me and the wife now, we raise beef now so the venison is not quite as important. It would have been interesting to know the age of all the folks that posted to this thread, I bet we would see as one gets older, these feelings start creeping in. :twocents:
And yes I do at times feel hesitant at times, before the shot. But that feeling usually doesn't last long.....
Makes sense, I'm 48.
Used to be, in the advanced hunter study material. A small book, I don't remember the author or the title, but it had to do with the 5 stages of a hunter.
The author roughly said, as we age our outlook and goals of the hunt change. I found it to be one of the more interesting pieces of material, in the study packet. Maybe someone on here has more information on the book, I would not mind reading it again.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on November 17, 2015, 12:03:46 PM
I also have only felt a little remorse after killing an old mature animail that I have pursued for a number of years. I guess its out of respect of being outwitted so many times and realizing the game is over.
Yup, we as hunters can screw up or get fooled many times and survive, but for a prey animal, all it takes is one little mistake or piece of misfortune, and they are done for. Doesn't matter how many times they avoided danger before that.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 17, 2015, 12:12:02 PM
I don't feel remorse, but my drive/need to kill an animal has been reduced. I find it much easier as I age to not take a shot that isn't perfect, and I feel remorse when I take a shot that isn't perfect - a miss to me is the same as a gut shot and lost animal. I find I pass many more opportunities, not out of remorse, but because I'm reluctant to take any shot that isn't an absolute chip shot. My screen name represents my highest value in hunting - two punched lungs.I'll weigh in on my back story as that seems to be of interest to some. I grew up in a nonhunting family in New Hampshire, turned 18, bought a couple of guns, took hunter safety and started hunting - about 98% on my own. Killed a couple of deer and lots of waterfowl, upland birds, and small game. Moved to Wyoming for grad school at age 23 during a time of high game abundance, in my first 3 seasons I was a stone-broke student and pure subsistence hunter - I think I killed more than 20 deer and antelope, so I got the bloodlust/body count out of the way pretty quick. I also fancied myself a rifleman, my first 12 deer and antelope were all 1 shot, 1 kill out to 545 yards. I made a low gut shot on my 13th, and though I eventually caught up to that antelope buck and finished him, that was a pronounced change in my thoughts on taking shots, and put me on the path toward putting the kill ahead of the shot. In my 30 years hunting I was fortunate to kill more than 1,000 upland game birds and waterfowl, and somewhere around 100 big game animals tagged of 8 species. The excitement of taking the shot has evaporated, but I still get great satisfaction from a 1-shot kill - and great dissatisfaction when I don't.
Post by: WAnoob on November 17, 2015, 12:52:50 PM
I honestly think a big part of it is I haven't had the time to go on any extended "real" hunting trips in the past few years. Usually we would go out hunting for 2 weeks at a time but due to working and school restraints I haven't been able to even go on an over night trip. I'm quitting my job soon and going to school full time and I promised myself I would make time next fall to at least go on a high hunt in the Pasayten or go Elk hunting. The timing works out perfect for the high hunt if I can find someone to go with :tup:
Post by: Idighuntin on November 17, 2015, 07:22:19 PM
Post by: KillerBeee on November 18, 2015, 11:26:45 AM
When you get to that moment of truth, the time of the kill, it represents all the preparation, the gear checks, the camp efforts, and the year of waiting since last season. Truly a bittersweet moment as it's done for another year...When successful, the joy of that moment can be relived each and every time we share in the bounty with the family and friends as well when we share the tales of our adventure.
Post by: 2MANY on November 18, 2015, 11:28:45 AM
Post by: Hilltop123 on November 18, 2015, 11:55:03 AM
Thanks DL, thats the book! Very Interesting read, for all hunters. :twocents:I don't know the study material, but sounds like you are describing Jim Posewitz's Beyond Fair Chase. A great read for anyone who hunts.I find this to be a very interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!The gentleman I know were changing around their 50's.
As a young hunter, my blood lust was very high, I just had to punch my tag. Now that I'm older, the punching of the tag has less importance.
When I was younger, I had something to prove to others and a family to feed. Now that I'm older I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, plus it's just me and the wife now, we raise beef now so the venison is not quite as important. It would have been interesting to know the age of all the folks that posted to this thread, I bet we would see as one gets older, these feelings start creeping in. :twocents:
And yes I do at times feel hesitant at times, before the shot. But that feeling usually doesn't last long.....
Makes sense, I'm 48.
Used to be, in the advanced hunter study material. A small book, I don't remember the author or the title, but it had to do with the 5 stages of a hunter.
The author roughly said, as we age our outlook and goals of the hunt change. I found it to be one of the more interesting pieces of material, in the study packet. Maybe someone on here has more information on the book, I would not mind reading it again.
Post by: Buckmark on November 18, 2015, 12:37:57 PM
To feel guilty you would of had to do something wrong or possibly not by choice.
You choose to hunt, you choose to look for a legal animal, you choose to shoulder your weapon and you choose to pull the trigger.....
Post by: Gringo31 on November 18, 2015, 01:17:45 PM
I have no problem killing, and I do a fair amount of it. But, I will say the the first time in my life I can't seem to get excited about deer hunting in 2 days. I've never killed a big game animal in the state with anything but a bow and have been successful deer hunting for 10-15 years straight? I love to play guide and take my kids etc, but I find myself not appreciating a good buck as much as I once did. I've taken some good bucks, but as I look ahead, I think, "I could kill another and I can add to the others I've taken, but if I let him pass, that particular buck may be the buck of a young ones lifetime that would mean the world to them".
I'm still not sure if I am going to hunt. I take some photos and enjoy it, I've scouted around and seen some good bucks but don't know if I'll go unless I can find that one that may be my last.
Again, not sure. It's an odd feeling, but it's real. I think I'd rather help others as I've killed enough. Or, I'm thinking of going after cougar, something new to learn. :dunno:
Post by: Tom Tamer on November 18, 2015, 03:31:41 PM
Post by: idaho guy on November 19, 2015, 10:11:52 AM
Interesting variety of feelings on this.
I have no problem killing, and I do a fair amount of it. But, I will say the the first time in my life I can't seem to get excited about deer hunting in 2 days. I've never killed a big game animal in the state with anything but a bow and have been successful deer hunting for 10-15 years straight? I love to play guide and take my kids etc, but I find myself not appreciating a good buck as much as I once did. I've taken some good bucks, but as I look ahead, I think, "I could kill another and I can add to the others I've taken, but if I let him pass, that particular buck may be the buck of a young ones lifetime that would mean the world to them".
I'm still not sure if I am going to hunt. I take some photos and enjoy it, I've scouted around and seen some good bucks but don't know if I'll go unless I can find that one that may be my last.
Again, not sure. It's an odd feeling, but it's real. I think I'd rather help others as I've killed enough. Or, I'm thinking of going after cougar, something new to learn. :dunno:
I have archery hunted for probably 30 years and started doing some long range shooting for deer. Its the exact opposite of archery but it kept me excited about deer hunting a whole different challenge but way more fun than I even though it would be. I have kept myself at 500-700 yard shots on animails (and so far have had all clean kills) but have shot accurately out to 1200 on targets. Just a thought. Some people don't like it but it got me excited about deer hunting again. I still archery hunt for elk
Post by: Tbob on November 19, 2015, 11:41:23 AM
Post by: WAnoob on November 19, 2015, 12:11:07 PM
I was just asked by a group of non-hunter woman about my hunting experiences.. It got me thinking.. They asked if I "enjoyed" killing animals.. Really made me think... I definitely enjoy eating them! I love camping and hiking around and just seeing wild animals out doing there wild animal things.. As far as Killing? I told them that I really like animals and no, I don't "enjoy" the actual killing of another life. I don't feel guilty as I know I'm going to eat said animal, as are my friends and family. They all appreciate me going out and doing the work to get them fresh healthy meat. I enjoy every aspect of the hunt from planning to eating my tag at the end of the year. So I guess I don't feel "guilt" or "remorse" I just don't really like the fact that I killed something. I don't not like it enough to ever stop though.. Unlike a lot of you I can count all my big game kills on two hands so maybe I just haven't killed enough to get bored or need that change or second guess shooting any legal animal. I'm a carnivore and an apex predator I know what that means and I'm okay with that! It was cool though to explain myself and hunting to this group of women. In the end they were all very understanding and accepting of my choice to hunt for my own food.
Honestly that's probably the best way to explain my feelings, well put. I don't enjoy the killing but I know where my meat comes from that I use to feed myself and nothing beats hiking around new country every day.
Post by: Gringo31 on November 19, 2015, 12:16:37 PM
Post by: Rob on November 19, 2015, 12:58:46 PM
I almost gave up hunting after my first deer – poor shot, wounded deer, multi hour recovery, etc. I kept at it and I have a room full of mounts/memories now.
I never feel remorse prior to the pulling of the trigger. I do sometimes feel some sadness when approaching the game as it is always a bit humbling to have taken a life. And if I don’t get a clean shot I feel horrible. I have a haunting experience of a poor shot on a baboon that will stick with me forever…
This is how I usually feel. When I lose this feeling I will stop hunting. (this has probably been on here many times, but I love this clip – it sums up so much of my feelings)
Post by: TeacherMan on November 19, 2015, 01:28:46 PM
Post by: h20hunter on November 19, 2015, 01:37:40 PM
Post by: Rob on November 19, 2015, 01:39:52 PM
Post by: elksnout on November 19, 2015, 09:12:52 PM