Good post and some good points to ponder definately! I personally agree with you on most counts WT and I do respect your knowledge on archery/muzzleloading as well as hunting in general (as obvious from your many successful pictures and posts here at HC over the years)
I was/am not offended by either your or Trex's hunting pictures-it is merely my opinion, that there could be better pictures taken that do better honor to the animal and the hunter. I also pointed out that I used to not take along a camera and after pulling deer back to my vehicle, some looked pretty horrible so I opted to begin taken along a small digital camera for better pictures in the field.
As far as the harvest and killing terminology goes, in my opinion, there is a difference. A truly wild deer (or pheasant, etc.) that sustains itself on it's natural forage in a non-maintained environment is, again in my opinion, a true kill. Deer herds that are raised on managed lands (food plots, supplements to withstand the rigors of winter, etc) the same as crops for the sole purpose of harvesting, are to me, well...harvested. While it is still all fair chase hunting, to me personally, there is a difference.
This is a little different than the political correctness that you refer to above. I have no problem telling people that I kill, whack, put the whammy on them, arrow them, smoke em', you get the point. We should not be afraid of what we do as hunters, ever!
When I go hunting, the tonnea cover comes off the pick-up and there's nothing better than to have it filled up with a deer and some kids pointing as you pass them by on the street or a friendly honk and a big "Thumbs up" by another hunter acknowleding your success afield. I personally miss our states deer check stations for the commraderie but the call in process is a whole lot easier.
I used to drive an old Chevy Caprice wagon years ago when I rifle hunted up in Wisconsin and can remember some of the horrified looks that I would receive from some snooty passengers at my deer strapped down on the roof luggage rack. Because I am rather twisted, I'd honk my horn, wave, and try to keep pace with the other vehicle for as long as I could. (This was in my youth, why I'd just stick my toungue out at them now.)
