Amen, Brothers.
I, too, feel a tinge of sadness when I shoot a deer - but the sadness is more like a respectful moment; like I am emotionally saluting the majestic animal who has paid the ultimate price so that I may have both sport and meat.
You'll never find me dancing like an idiot around a kill, hooting and hollering, or "riding" the dead animal like some people do... if that's your thing, then fill your boots - I don't judge. But for me, when I reach my clean-killed deer I (after ensuring it's dead by giving it a poke with a loaded rifle - in case it gets up and bolts) kneel on one knee beside it, put my hand on its upper back or neck, and say a small prayer of thanks for its sacrifice.
To me, big game that has fallen to my hand is considered "honored dead" and is treated as such by making the very best use of every part of the animal.
Hunting to me is about more than just the kill, as everyone's saying here - it's a truly spiritual experience that one cannot understand fully until one tries it IMO.
-M
