Anyone else feel 'bad' after shooting something?

[GM-GUY]

No, I don't feel terrible, just 'bad' and that is probably too strong a word.

I just shot a Porcupine in my yard (one of the three that were out there) - the only one that provided a safe and reasonable shot.

They are killing my trees (stripping bark) and now have just started trashing my Hemlock mulch (I put down 6 yards of the stuff by hand) - so there are just too many or no shy around the house anymore.

So, I don't like shooting anything (but paper), however, when I start having damage, it's time to do some culling. I just wish they weren't damaging things to the point I have to take action. The neighbors have dogs and they would prefer the porcupines gone - I just feel bad doing it.

Know what I mean?

 

[Fixxah]

If it is quick, who cares. There's too many evidently and the dogs will thank you.
Snoke the rest and it gets easier to do without the guilt.

 

[GM-GUY]

Just one of those things about me - I don't 'like' killing anything. Although I have hunted since I was 12 and lived on a farm and had to shoot more than my share of sick/injured animals. I even went to Quebec and got two Caribou - even felt 'bad' about that - even though the biggest is on the wall here.

You are right - every quill I save a dog is a good thing.

 

[Clurin]

I think a healthy respect for life is a good thing and a slight pang of guilt/regret/whatever isn't bad, and isn't out of the ordinary. It shouldn't stop you from doing what you need to do, but I think it's "normal" for many to feel that way. I know I am planning on hunting this year for the first time, and I know I will feel the same way if I am fortunate enough to harvest an animal. Won't stop me from taking the shot if it's good, though.

 

[GML]

I'd say it would be more of a problem to not feel anything when you take the life of something.

 

[Gonzo]

I'd say it would be more of a problem to not feel anything when you take the life of something.

Or pleasure.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

I'd say it would be more of a problem to not feel anything when you take the life of something.

That's the difference between a hunter and a killer. Jack.

 

[Lucas McCain]

I had a gopher tearing up my yard last year, posted on here about it and how I did not want to kill it. I tried traps and stuff to repel it but in the end I shot the bugger. I felt bad about it but it was wrecking my foundation and septic field. I can say now that I didnt enjoy it but I am glad it is gone.

 

[pj150]

Yep. Same here. I popped a family of 4 mice that was living in my BBQ grill that was stored outside. If I let them go, I knew they would find a way into the house. Momma and 3 kids each took multiple shots with a pellet gun. Felt guilty but it was a quick death for them.

 

[whatluck]

Good! You have a conscience!

But it doesn't have anything to do with necessity.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

I had a gopher tearing up my yard last year, posted on here about it and how I did not want to kill it. I tried traps and stuff to repel it but in the end I shot the bugger. I felt bad about it but it was wrecking my foundation and septic field. I can say now that I didnt enjoy it but I am glad it is gone.

I've trapped several of those in my big Havahart and relocated them to an area where they have water and eats. Jack.

 

[PixelPusher]

I'd say it would be more of a problem to not feel anything when you take the life of something.

+1

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Reyn]

At first I did, but as time went on I started to realize that I was more upset that someone decided that drugs were more important, and put me in a position to take his life as he tried to take mine.

 

[chris_1001]

The first time I shot a small bird with a BB gun out my bedroom window (think I was 10-12 ish). It was sitting there and I took him. Felt like crap for a few days. Later I adopted a policy that it HAD to be moving. Took a few squirrels later in life that way. But was never cool with it. I don't hunt, but if I need to kill an (say a pest type) animal, I will... But not for sport...

 

[jenlynn724]

Feeling bad is the reason I was allowed to go hunting with my grandfather when I was a little girl once, and only once...LOL

 

[M1911]

I've trapped several of those in my big Havahart and relocated them to an area where they have water and eats. Jack.

FYI, in MA it is illegal to relocate game.

 

[Fsorrent]

I was plinking w/ my bb gun one day in the backyard. I saw a chipmunk running along a branch, and first instinct was to shoot it. I half figured I'd miss, but to my surprise I hit the little guy dead on. He fell right off the branch to his death. Still to this day, I feel bad about it.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

FYI, in MA it is illegal to relocate game.

What isn't illegal? Jack.

 

[M1911]

What isn't illegal?

Not much these days. Isn't freedom great?

 

[tictac]

FYI, in MA it is illegal to relocate game.

Between the options of shooting something on my property, or relocating it - I'll choose relocating it. I haven't checked my town's laws, but I'm pretty sure I'd be swimming in deep poop if I was to discharge a firearm in my property... it's MA after all.

Since there more options, I'd call animal control and let them deal with it.

 

[M1911]

Since there more options, I'd call animal control and let them deal with it.

They won't do a thing. They'll just tell you to leave it alone.

 

[SSShooter]

They won't do a thing. They'll just tell you to leave it alone.

Or tell you to call a professional and pay $$$ for them to relocate it

 

[M1911]

Or tell you to call a professional and pay $$$ for them to relocate it

Professionals can't relocate it either. They can trap and kill. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/moving_wildlife.htm

 

[travis]

I do not fell bad. It is the cycle of life and I respect that. I say thank you in my way for any animal I put on the table. I feel bad when I see stupid people who wound animals instead of harvesting them responsibly.

 

[Ham Slam]

I work with problem animals and have to put down animals a lot. You do get to a point where its easyier then when you started, but I never get pleasure from doing it. When I harvest a deer I get excited and a sense of acomplishment, but I respect the animal still and its sacrifice for me and my family.

 

[Billsail]

You are not alone. The thrill of the hunt...no. The kill...yes.

 

[P-14]

When I harvest a deer I get excited and a sense of accomplishment, but I respect the animal still and its sacrifice for me and my family.

This. And, it was each deer's time. I'm sad for a minute and then thoughts of venison steaks on the barbecue quickly cheer me up.

I also rationalize it as part of the circle of life.

 

[richc]

I'm not a hunter, but I've dropped many a lobster into a boiling pot of water. I hate that part.

I must confess, however, that I love the end result, especially soaked in butter.

A conscious is a good thing.

 

[davemata]

That's the difference between a hunter and a killer. Jack.

Yup. I always feel bad, be it a lobster, a crab, cockles, rabbits, mice. Hell... mice... I can catch them by hand but can't end em. It's different with a gun, but it's a sad event. I only kill to eat, and I think that's a way to actually respect the animal you killed.

 

[M1911]

I'm not a hunter, but I've dropped many a lobster into a boiling pot of water. I hate that part.

When making traditional Bouillabaisse, you stick a knife in their brain to kill them, then split them down the middle before cooking. Not one of my favorite activities. I'd rather just dump them headfirst into boiling water.