(almost) the most stupid thing I've ever done

[madmaxthc]

Haven't had much time to go hunting int he past few years, haven't put a bowkill under my belt yet. This year I've tried to go hunting every weekend, and during the week I'm at the archery range by dawn, to train before going to work.

A nice area opened today, I knew there'd be a lot of pressure, so I positioned myself between two woods, hoping to see game passing from one to another. Went hunting on the ground, and I saw several does in the morning, just about 40 yards, a bit too far for a trad.
So I went again in the afternoon, put myself closer to where I saw them. Went there early, to make sure not to spook anything.
Well, soon after, a big doe and an eight point passed and stopped not 20 yards from me for several seconds... and my arrow was still in the quiver. Played it cool, let them pass, hoping to see them again, or some of their friends.
After less than a minute, I hear an impact, and someone shouting of joy. Turns out there was a young hunter not 100 yards from me, and got the buck. Went there to congratulate with him, then went home.

Going vegetarian tonight, that's all I deserve. Not sure I am going out tomorrow, feeling like giving up.

[stevem]

Sounds like you found a good spot to hunt.  Bet it won't be long before you get that doe.  But, I can top this. 
A year ago I was sitting at a wallow waiting on an elk to show.  It was quite early and I was reading a hardback book that had a paper cover.  The elk always came in from a small meadow and you could see them aways out.  I looked up to check things out and a spike was coming in from a small drainage that had blocked my view of him.  He was "right there" and pretty alert.  I tried to slowly/quietly put down the book so I could pick up my bow, and the paper cover caught on something.  It made a little noise and he blew out of there faster than you could believe an animal could move.

[madmaxthc]

Thanks Stevem. I guess it all goes to things I'll teach my children one day. But man, it burns!

Thank you, you made me feel a bit better. I'll go to sleep now, I guess I'll go out again tomorrow, and see what happens.

Good luck
Max

[David McLendon]

You'll be over it by daylight, when you get to your spot, put an arrow on the string and be ready for round 2.

[LC]

Great story with a great learning experience. I just wanted to say it was stand up thing you did congratulating the young hunter!

[madmaxthc]

Thank you everyone for your support, I really needed it 

Great story with a great learning experience.

It's definitely as LC said. When I decided to switch from guns to traditional bow I soon realized I was a beginner again.

This morning I was in the woods, and managed to call in a buck, I thought I was well hidden, but he busted me and went away. Well, at least I know I can call.

Still disappointed, but I'm going back next week (the place is only open 9 days per year, archery only). Keeping my fingers crossed 

[madmaxthc]

Great story with a great learning experience. I just wanted to say it was stand up thing you did congratulating the young hunter!

Thank you

For that matter, he did deserve it. He was on the ground as well, and saw the buck passing too far from him, so he run trying to cut in front of him. He run so fast that he lost his shoes !?  He shot the buck and then thought he was getting up, so wrestled with him on the ground and finished it with his knife. I found him bare footed and a mess of blood on his clothes.
Honor where honor is due 

[madmaxthc]

Which, by the way, did not help my self esteem 

[RJonesRCRV]

Seems like youre seeing plenty of deer and have a good spot, which is more than a lot of public land hunters have.  Your turn will come.  Theres some guy on tradgang that im pretty sure said he has been hunting for some crazy amount of time, like 20 years, with no kills.  Dont give up yet, enjoy the woods, meditate while you wait, remember Fred Bear's quote: "Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make your a better person."

[madmaxthc]

Seems like youre seeing plenty of deer and have a good spot, which is more than a lot of public land hunters have.  Your turn will come.  Theres some guy on tradgang that im pretty sure said he has been hunting for some crazy amount of time, like 20 years, with no kills.  Dont give up yet, enjoy the woods, meditate while you wait, remember Fred Bear's quote: "Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make your a better person."

Nice quote, I love it. One of the things I like about the treestand is that leaves me some time for introspection. Hunting on the ground on the other side, keeps me much more on the edge. I love a bit of both
You're right, I'm lucky to have found such good spots, I'll try and make the most of them