highs and lows

[Crittergetter]

Ive bow hunted off and on pretty much all my life. Built my first bow last year and went exclusively trad after that. I hunted all this season with my hickory self bow and never had a shot opportunity untill this evening. Im 15 ft up in my tree stand. A young forked buck came in and gave me a broad side shot at 12 yrds. I MISSED!! I practiced that shot a thousand times! if I werent a grown man I would have cried!  Season ends next Sunday! Really hope it doesnt end like that!        

[tradarcher816]

Don't feel bad had the same thing happen last week. It happens but there'll be more chances.

[Mike Schlegel]

Don't beat your self up. Just re-focus and make the next shot!

[Bjorn]

I once had 3 shots at the same hog-20 yards and under. Missed them all; she just laughed at me! Each shot she would run off a little but never farther, just a new angle. I had a fourth arrow and she was still there but I was done! Arrow number four stayed in the quiver. When I wasn't playing anymore she left so I could pick up my arrows. I trudged off with my head held low-a beaten man.  

[Sockrsblur]

It's tough... we put a lot of time and effort into that 30 second shot opportunity... nature of the game. Stick with it. The more you invest the greater the feelings of accomplishment when you succeed!

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I look at it like this the more I miss the longer I can hunt. How much fun would it be after all the practice we do all year along to kill one the first day. Any time in the woods is a great time.

[Altiman94]

Hopefully you'll get another opportunity.  The next one will be a sure bet!  Everyone misses, it's all part of the sport.

[The Baron]

Don't let it discourage you!  Trad bow hunting is far tougher than just about any other method of hunting so its more about the journey than the dead animal photos.   I am not much of a deer hunter, but am an avid turkey hunter.  My first attempt at trad bow hunting was for gobblers and I had two nice toms come right to my decoy.  I lots my focus and missed what should have been a "gimme" at 10 yards.  

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i'll bet you shot high right over it's back eh?

Didn't pick a spot bro.... ya GOTTA pick a spot. 9 times out of 10 if you just shoot at the deer it's going to go high.

Hang in there... there's always next year.

[Crittergetter]

I hear you all, I love the journey. 12 yrds is just a chip shot. Guess I needed to be humbled(again)!!!! Can't wait to get back out there and make it happen with equipment made by my own hands !!!

[Crittergetter]

I actually shot under!! At that angel I've been shooting high anyways, so I was concentrating on shooting low and went about 2 " under. Oh we'll, don't think about the last shot and concentrateon the next  one!!! Right?!

[Larrydawg]

I shot the biggest buck ive ever been close to in the first week of bow season this year. hit him hard with my Osage self bow and cedar arrow tipped with Howard Hill Broadhead at 7 yards.
 My "experienced" (no Longer!!) hunting Buddy jumped him out of his Bed and I never found him. big Downer for me. I let a crippled buck walk when I was 16 yrs old and went 20 yrs. without getting a shot (do you believe in Jinxing yourself!)
Ive taken a few does in last 10 yrs. but have never been able to get close to a mature buck in years. so season is over and Im practicing for
 for next season.
 Keep on keepin On!!
LarryDawg

[Crittergetter]

We'll , I'm back in the stand . Gave it a few days to cool off. I practiced hard the last couple of days simulating that same shot with good results. Just hope I can keep it all together when it counts!

[Jayrod]

turn the page my friend it happens to the BEST of us!!