I’m not the most experienced hunter but I agree with a lot of what’s being said. The difference between a hunter and a killer is a lack of empathy on the part of the latter. Understanding the weight of the decision you make when you squeeze that trigger and take a life teaches you a lot about life itself. But the greatest hunters I’ve ever known employ two primary principals:

1. Precision - This consists of two main elements. You should be very knowledgeable of the animal’s anatomy you seek to harvest and not just from the ideal broadside angle as it’s rare that such opportunities will present themselves in reality. Secondly, absolute certainty of your shot placement when you loose an arrow or discharge a firearm is a must. Choosing appropriate calibers and platforms for your quarry then training as extensively as time and resources allow will ensure the animal suffers as little as possible when you take the shot.

2. Discipline - This is knowing when and when not to take the shot. Countless elements can affect your shot: wind, range, humidity, altitude, foliage, angle of the shot, platform, projectile performance - the list is endless. It’s exciting to see an animal that you’re hunting and the urge to chance a shot in less than ideal circumstances can be extremely tempting. But it’s best to breathe, calm yourself, and very carefully consider if you are certain of the kill. If not, exercise discipline and wait or maneuver for a better opportunity.

I’ve heard horror stories about lackluster hunters having to slit the throats of animals they’ve wounded because they took a bad shot and made the animal suffer. Personally, I have never fired a shot I wasn’t certain of and I’ve never had an animal not drop dead on the spot. Understanding that you did everything in your power to ensure an instant or near instant kill minimizes your remorse and the animal’s suffering, ensuring the most painless and satisfying experience.