Well, the rain had stopped this morning and wasn't supposed to start back up until sometime after noon, so after a quick check of the radar I decided to hunt this morning. I decided I would only sit on stand until about 9:00 so I would have time to wait, track, gut, drag, hang, skin and quarter before the storms set back in - should I get an opportunity. I had big, old , fat raccoon come by around 7:40 and then 5 turkeys a little after 8:00. When 8:45 came around I was about ready to pack it in for the morning and sat down to turn off my thermacell, when two yearlings came running in from behind me. It took a while, but I was able to get my bow in hand and stand back up undetected. The two youngsters were eating white oak acorns that have been dropping like rain all along the ridge. They had fed away from me while I was trying to get back up and I was afraid my opportunity was gone, then they both turned and worked their way back toward my stand. The red coated little doe came broadside at 10 yards, I focused on a tiny spot behind the shoulder, drew the 42# Omega, anchored and released the string. Something felt strange on the release and I watched in terror as the Beman tipped with a 175gr. Tigershark hit her squarely through the right hind quarter. She jumped and tried to run, but could barely move. I pulled another arrow from the quiver, but there was too much brush between us now for a follow up shot. She went about 20 yards and laid down. She tried to stand one time, rolled over and expired. She expired less than a minute after the shot. I had
climbed down quickly in case I needed another shot to end any suffering, but there was no need. The arrow had penetrated through both hams severing both femoral arteries. Not quite the way I'd hoped it would go, but it was quick and she was recovered. This was only my second trad harvest - the first one was 21 years ago in honor of an uncle who had passed away. I believe the "strange feeling" when I released the bowstring was the bowstring catching on the adjustment buckle of my harness strap. The one thing I didn't put on during practice sessions. I will try to post a pic if I can figure out how to do it with this damn Chromebook. Still a bit unsure how I feel about this one - kinda like I really screwed up but got really lucky.
Topic: MO bow season (Read 47328 times)
