I guess I started out as a fisherman ... at 7 or 8. Was shown how to clean the first one, then up to me from then on. Never had any problem with killing the fish or cleaning it, so at 15, never had any problem with small game ... although I was shown how to clean the first cottontail. At 18, was shown how to clean the first deer I killed, by a much older friend. I told him I could probably do it, but maybe not well. He replied that the deer was too valuable to do improperly, so showed me, how step by step to do a proper job in respect for the animal. I can't say there was any remorse anywhere along the trail, and never suffered from "buck fever" either. I get a small sense of satisfaction when I kill cleanly, and always strive to do so. No hootin', hollerin' and high-fivin' though. Job one ... dress the critter and get it cooled out - you owe it that much at the very least !
One thing that does bother me, is the smell of chicken & turkey guts (domestic ...never dressed a wild turkey) ....Gag ! Not a big issue, I just perservere and press on.
No such problem with big game animals, ducks, geese or upland game, including grouse, woodcock, pheasant etc. & certainly not fish.
The only other "pause" is the sight of a skinned bear. Don't have to tell those that know what that looks like ... but doesn't stop me from doing the skinning.
OP ... did you attend the delivery room for the birth of your children ? If you haven't got that far, you may want to reconsider things.
You must deal with the death of your pets badly too I suppose. You'll have to get a handle on things before taking up hunting.
