When I was 10, my grandad got me a Pumpmaster bb gun for Christmas. Is less than an hour I had shot and killed a Mourning Dove. I was so proud and excited I grabbed it and rushed inside to show my grandad and uncle. When my grandad saw it, he just smiled and took it from me, telling me to go play outside with my sister and cousins.
At dinnertime with the whole family gathered in the dining room, my grandad stood up and said besides the ham and turkey, we had another special main dish. He came out of the kitchen with a small stuffed bird fully cooked. "Let's all thank anon for this meal he has provided us". Right away I knew it was the dove I had killed.

I only tried a small piece, with my grandad and uncles eating the rest without complaint. After dinner my grandad set me down and told me these words that I will never forget: "Anon, from now on remember: We eat what we kill. Unless it is trying to kill you, it is your responsibility that it's death was not in vain".

I still live by that to this day when I hunt.