The change I experienced a while back and enjoy very much is seeing what I contribute back to the environment. More so, is seeing the success of others when I pass up critters. About 15 years ago, I developed a whitetail paradise at my farm. These deer live in luxury and I enjoy just sitting out and watching them flourish. I'm very selective in what I take and find that I pass on a lot of quality bucks. However, I get so excited when I pass a particular buck a few times and then my neighbors daughter texts me a pic of it after she took it. I had the enjoyment of having it within 10 yrds multiple times and yet someone else can enjoy it too

When I had my camp I often let a deer pass if it was moving toward where my son was ...Much rather he shoot it, I've taken my share...

I have not shot a deer in years.( might this year, maybe with that old 8mm) Dont hunt alone usually im with the kids. A few years ago the boys were tagged out so I sat in a stand. Had a buck walk in at 35 yards for over 5 min that was right at or a little larger than any buck I had killed in my life I watched him untill he went on his way. Now for years I had told myself I was not shooting any deer so they were avaliable for the kids. That year they were done. No excuse other than I had 2 deer in the barn from the boys the day before to get cut up and I didnt need a 3rd.

When I was younger I stacked them up. Now I dont like the killing part its just necessary . Family butchered a small batch of chickens this morning. I cut about 20 of their throats without a 2nd thought. ( then took a 3 hour nap) Just the same with any problem animals, animals for food or puting things down that need it ( except dogs hate puting dogs down).

Im 46 and can say I no longer like the killing part, but doing it is just a necessary part of life. I do enjoy watching the wildlife more than ever.

Im not convinced that im getting soft, but rather consider the quality rather than the quantity these days...

I don't feel like I "have to" kill stuff anymore but it doesn't bother me when I do.

For instance...I could get on many farms nuisance permits and kill deer all summer long...but I won't...If the farmers are really losing so much money, then put a bounty on each head and I'll kill every one....but the cheap buggers won't, so they get some guy who thinks they're all that for free, after sweating all night and get eaten alive by mosquitos, they'll start to lie making up how many they've killed to "help the farmer out", lol, ....It's a game and I'm not playing....