Missed...but a good experience

[Shooter#21]

Hello, It has been about 25 years since I bow hunted with my brother and decided this year to start the trad thing and it is much more fun than compounds to me. However we didn't use sights back then which my friends thought was crazy!  

Well, I decided to take my Sage bow to a ladder stand my gun hunting neighbor told me about. The stand is not made for bow hunting but I decided to try it anyway and ended up just sitting on the foot platform since the top has the wrap around bars which hinder drawing a bow. The stand is in planted pines about 60 yards from the end of a small field planted with what looks like rye grass.

 I had seen only a gray squirrel and a red bellied woodpecker all afternoon when SUDDENLY about 20 minutes before dark I heard a trotting/rustling sound and a small buck appeared about 30 yards away approaching from my left. I only had a small shooting lane between the pine rows and had to make a quick decision because it was apparent he was not stopping as he was heading toward the field. After many hunts and no sightings I opted to go for it. So I twisted my rump and torso to the  left (I shoot lefty) and pulled back. A couple seconds later he was in the small opening. After quickly focusing on my spot I whistled. He stopped just before heading into the adjacent pine row and looked my way. I loosed the arrow and watched as the fluorescent green nock flew only an inch or so over his back and the grizzly single bevel head hit the base of a pine with a loud thud. He was gone in a flash and it was over. Then I finally breathed lol.

 After dark I got down and paced the 30 yards and realized I had shot beyond my effective range of around 20 yards. From the stand it looked closer. I began digging the broadhead out of the tree with my mora knife. At my draw length the bow  pulls around 46 pounds. The head was not even visible. Finally after about 10 minutes it was free. Upon inspection I realized it was not even bent, but I had broken the tip working it side to side. Any doubt about the effectiveness of my equipment was erased.
   
 As I recount the hunt in my mind I am thankful for the experience. Although I am disappointed at not successfully harvesting the deer, I'm also glad that I didn't merely wound the animal. Most of all I'm glad that I didn't get too angry with myself and bring that anger home to my wife. On the positive side I learned quite a bit and will be more prepared on the next hunt. In fact, I call it a successful afternoon. Life is good folks.

[fnshtr]

Yes, life IS good. You will be better prepared now for the next opportunity. You made the second best shot possible.  

[dirtguy]

Sounds like a great experience!

[Possum Head]

Glad you got a taste of trad. Are the bucks chasing does in your part of Georgia yet?

[Shooter#21]

Originally posted by Possum Head:
Glad you got a taste of trad. Are the bucks chasing does in your part of Georgia yet?

[Shooter#21]

Yes the rut is still on, but I believe it is beginning to wind down. I forgot to mention that I used a doe bleat once or twice, but I don't think he was responding to it...just passing by.

[Homey88]

Great encounter!

[highlow]

I have to remind myself every day that I get to do something I love, namely bowhunt, that most my age don't. My intensity gets out of hand and I have to constantly tell myself to relax and enjoy the ride. Every time I climb into my stand is a gift as far as I'm concerned. So whether I connect or not, or see or not see any deer, I'm a lucky and happy bowhunter. And can't wait for the next time.    

[joe munno]

what highlow said thank god to be in the timber respect the game and as bow hunters we must practice shooting as much as we can

If we got one every time we went out, the thrill would wear off fast! The reason the rewards are so great when we are successful is becausr of how hard it is to get good with trad equipment!

Good luck next time out, and welcome to the Gang!

Bisch

[ChuckC]

You did something right to get a shot.  Count that as a coup.

Work on getting closer now.  There are things you can do as a hunter to "arrange" for a closer shot.  and.... of course, the crittes will always do whatever THEY want, but you can do things.  

Practice, and when that next shot op comes..... well, post some pix.
ChuckC

[fmscan]

21, If it was easy there would be no fun in it... now you can work on it and next time you will be successful and appreciate the journey...

[KAZ]

Welcome    Great perspective, may you grow in your Traditional Journey...

[YORNOC]

Not so long ago, I was devastated by missed opportunities. Whether a miss, a deer turning around and going another way, a stiff breeze sneaking in behind me and sending my quarry laughing into the next county, etc.
Was I foolish.
Each is a learning experience, and an enjoyable one at that.
In your case, no wounded game.
 A clean miss is a gift!
As far as your outlook on it all, you are welcome in my camp any day sir!

[Warden609]

Thanks for sharing your hunt.

[Shooter#21]

Originally posted by highlow:
I have to remind myself every day that I get to do something I love, namely bowhunt, that most my age don't. My intensity gets out of hand and I have to constantly tell myself to relax and enjoy the ride. Every time I climb into my stand is a gift as far as I'm concerned. So whether I connect or not, or see or not see any deer, I'm a lucky and happy bowhunter. And can't wait for the next time.      

[Shooter#21]

For sure highlow. Great attitude

[Shooter#21]

Thanks for the encouragement and sound advice everyone. Tradgang is really neat. Regards

[Bernie B.]

You summed it up perfectly "highlow"!  

Bernie

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome to Trad gang.  Every trip to the woods will be a learning experience whether you are hunting or not.  enjoy.