I have killed 18 big game animals, you always feel a little bad for the animal out of respect, but the joy of a succesful hunt overrides that feeling. I cannot explain the feeling you get right before you shoot, it is amazing.
I've only bagged 8 deer and elk. There is nothing more exciting than shooting. Follow up is sad for me, I really like deer and elk. They are beautiful animals. I photograph them in the offseason. You have never worked until you drag an elk out of rugged country at 12,000'. I was invited to do it again this year and passed. It was grueling.