I'm a hunter and have taken many WTD, elk, pronghorns, mule deer, feral hogs, and the like. All game taken were free-range / fair chase. I appreciate the "majesty" of each creature and don't take lightly the thought of squeezing the trigger. All animals taken are treated with respect as they should be (excepting feral hogs). Sure, some of the chase is "sport" (can I outwit and out endure the animal and get the shot?) and some of the chase is for sustenance. I enjoy venison and the like. I'm more proud to serve something I've taken than some Japanese massaged beef BS. People I take game for both enjoy and appreciate it when I give them an entire processed WTD or just a few links of sausage or some backstraps (you'll be lucky to get any elk out of me).
Regarding deer leases, we are set up on a serious management program where the state biologist strictly dictates the amount of doe and bucks we take. This is done through his first hand knowledge of range conditons and what is best for the herd of deer (overpopulation is devestating). We put in significant amounts of time and money to not only hunt the animals but also improve the range to its best conditions and supplement feed the animals. Rather than just "looking" at the animals we actively participate in the overal well being of the herd. Sure, it doesn't turn out too well for some of them, but the alternative of starving to death or being taken by predators is not an enviable demise either. Either the coyotes, starvation of the cavemen get you.
To note, it's not the wild west with bullets flying everywhere and carcasses stacked up like cord wood. You'd be surprised how some old ancient buck shows up out of nowhere. He's smart and avoided the pitfalls of being a deer. Some have been aged out at over 9 years old, which is ancient for a WTD buck. They've got no teeth to chew food with and are slowly starving to death, covered in ticks and full of parasites. Those bucks aren't healthy and just refuse to die. You've got to count coup with those guys.
Responsible hunters have an important place in the wild.