I enjoy nature too and I don't have to kill something to enjoy myself either. Two years ago one cool October Saturday morning, I was just getting ready to shoot a young fox squirrel. When I watched him stop on a limb and scratch, then stretch and yawn, I just couldn't bust him after that. Anyway, I know it's the same old "Foxy" squirrel that I've seen almost every time I pass through that area. He's not one bit scared of me when I see him. I guess he knows I'm not gonna make dumplings with him. He's my friend. I rarely shoot big fox squirrels anyway, too tough.
I've watched deer, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, turkeys, hawks, skunks, rabbits, bobcats, and owls and just enjoyed being out there with them in their world. BUT, when I want some young squirrels to fry or some deer steaks with biscuits & gravy, I harvest what I need and still respect Mother Nature. The only creatures I have no toleration for are hogs and poisonous snakes. Got nothing against an old black snake, but copperheads, moccasins, and rattlers usually don't have the same fate as Foxy does. I did let a big timber rattlesnake go a few years back because it was so docile; I threw sticks at it and tried to make it coil up and rattle, but it never did. I wanted my son to hear it, but it didn't deliver. Wasn't the least bit aggressive and just eased away under a big blown over tree.
I always respect fishing too. I've let lots of big fish go in my time and it doesn't bother me at all to see one swim away. I once caught a one-eyed crappie and turned it loose. It looked like someone took a tiny ice cream scoop out of the side of his face. Green skin had grown over the hole where it's eye had been, but he hadn't let that keep him from eating as he was fat and healthy. I would love to catch that fish again!
Thanks for the nice story and post. Glad you kept your friend from getting a nasty little snake bite. Lucky you were there.