Encountering a deer on a road is different than encountering them in their habitat. They expect weird things like traffic on roadways but they are easily spooked by the scent or sound of men in the thicket. There is a thrill to the hunt because it is not easy to get into the right position to get a good shot on a deer and fire an accurate shot that won't merely wound him or make him suffer unnecissarily and possibly be able to get far enough away that you won't find the meat. Many experienced hunters prefer to hunt by bow because it does offer a more level playing field. Personally, I think I would end up wounding more deer so I stick with a rifle.

Before shooting a deer I make sure that I am confident in my shot and I pray that my shot is accurate and the death is quick. After the shot I feel bad for the deer. I don't like taking life and any amount of suffering before death is somewhat shared by me. I do enjoy deer meat immensely and I know that if hunters don't take a certain amount of deer in the area that I hunt, then starvation will take almost as many. The real enemy of the deer is urbanization and destruction of wildlife habitat. I don't hunt that often but when I do it is primarily for meat and secondarily for sport and enjoying the great outdoors. I would take venison over the finest beef, any day.