I was wondering

I had a writing class in school in which this idea was the first topic that we discussed. In many instances, such as the one we are talking about now, terms like "shot" or "kill" are being censored, and other terms are inserted in their place. Many hunters who are sensitive to the feelings of those outside the hunting realm try to use these words to make hunting seem less barbaric or less inhumane. In my opinion, although less "harsh", the use of these terms can just mask the true meaning of what is really intended. By doing this, individuals may perceive that they are being looked at condescendingly, as thought they were not smart enough to figure out that the animal actually died. The term for using alternate words to mask or make things PC is called "Doublespeek". As silvertip said, the government, lawyers, politicians and advertisers have been using it for centuries. I feel that although we need to be aware of others feelings and opinions, we shouldn't be apologetic or feel that we need to hide anything. After all, don't we also have rights to our own feelings and opinions?

People that know I hunt, both hunters and non-hunters, just ask, "Did you get one?" I then reply yes I got one or no I did not get one and that's that. The words kill, harvest, shoot, etc... don't come up because they know what it means to "get" one. I always chuckle when I hear people ask other hunters, "Did you catch one?" I have yet to catch a deer or elk and have no plans to change that.

I will add that I work with the government, politicians, judges, and lawyers (and you thought your job was tough) and when I can I talk hunting at work. For example, when recently asked why I'm off all next week, I tactfully tell them I will be hunting elk with my family. If they want more details, I feed it to them slowly, watching carefully for signs of the gag-reflex. If I see them trying to swallow their revulsion with my passion for hunting, then I don't give details of the pursuit/kill and focus on the aspects of family time, tradition, being out in nature, etc... If they are unable to stomach my passion for hunting, the discussion is over.

The point is, I want to be the one that explains, and in some cases defends, hunting with my non-hunting or anti-hunting peers. I don't want their only exposure to hunting coming from PETA, The Humane Society, or any other anti-hunting group.

I say, be proud of our hunting heritage, be bold, but don't be overbearing. With that said, I hope you all kill, not catch, the elk/waterfowl of your dreams this opening weekend.