I have read both sides of the argument for and against eating meat, but there are still many unanswered questions. For example: If it is wrong for sikhs to eat meat then how come we use musical instruments that are constructed in part by animal skin? I have many more questions like this as well. If I recall correctly I've been a Sikh for about 2 years now, but I still am unsure about this question.
You have hit the dilemma I hit several years ago. I was so sure of myself and now this whole debate has been clarified:
On the instrument issue, I found this interesting couplet:
Vaar 23 Pauri 13 Lesson from
Goat
ਹਸਤਿ ਅਖਾਜੁ ਗੁਮਾਨ ਕਰਿ ਸੀਹੁ ਸਤਾਣਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਖਾਈ ।
hasati akhaaju gumaan kari seehu sataanaa koi n khaaee|
The proud elephant is inedible and none eats the mighty lion.
Line 1
ਹੋਇ ਨਿਮਾਣੀ ਬਕਰੀ ਦੀਨ ਦੁਨੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਪਾਈ ।
hoi nimaanee bakaree deen dunee vadiaaee paaee|
Goat is humble and hence it is respected everywhere.
Line 2
ਮਰਣੈ ਪਰਣੈ ਮੰਨੀਐ ਜਗਿ ਭੋਗਿ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਕਰਾਈ ।
maranai paranai manneeai jagi bhogi paravaanu karaaee|
On occasions of death, joy, marriage, yajna, etc only its meat dis accepted.
Line 3
ਮਾਸੁ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਸਤ ਨੋ ਆਂਦਹੁ ਤਾਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ਵਜਾਈ ।
maasu pavitr grihasat no aandahu taar veechaari vajaaee|
Among the householders its meat is acknowledged as sacred and with its gut stringed instruments are made.
Line 4
ਚਮੜੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਕਰਿ ਜੁਤੀਆ ਸਾਧੂ ਚਰਣ ਸਰਣਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ।
chamarhay deeaan kari juteeaa saadhoo charan sarani|iv|aaee|
From its leather the shoes are made to be used by the saints merged in their meditation upon the Lord.
Line 5
ਤੂਰ ਪਖਾਵਜ ਮੜੀਦੇ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸੁਖਦਾਈ ।
toor pakhaavaj marheeday keeratanu saadhasangati sukhadaaee|
Drums are mounted by its skin and then in the holy congregation the delight-giving kirtan, eulogy of the Lord, is sung.
Line 6
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥੧੩॥
saadhasangati satigur saranaaee ॥13॥
In fact, going to the holy congregation is the same as going to the shelter of the true Guru.
Line 7
As for any further comment then just follow the link Dal Birk provided.