Shot Ethics --- What would you have done?

[GingivitisKahn]

Heh - every time I pass on a shot that I might have made (too much obstruction, light a bit too low, deer just a bit out of range or moving too much) I second guess that decision for weeks.  It's still the right decision though.

If the shot isn't high percentage for you (and it sounds like, in your judgment, this one wasn't), then don't take the shot.  You seem to have made the right choice.

[buckeye_hunter]

You did the right thing .....I did the wrong thing.

Three days ago I took an ill advised shot through some brush at a walking 8 pt buck. I saw good antlers and got so excited I took what amounted to a circus shot. I missed clean with no harm done to the deer. Fortunately, he and I both learned a lesson with no bad consequences.

I also took a 20yd running shot at a coyote last night. Again I missed clean and learned a lesson with no harm done.

Earlier, I posted on here that I wouldn't take more than a 12 yd shot, but broke my word on that. I HAVE learned my lesson....and you did the right thing. I would have been upset had I wounded either animal. Luck was with me and them.

-Charlie

[pooahl]

The regret you feel is nowhere near as bad as how you would (probably) feel if you had hit him too far back, or too low, or too high and lost him.  To those who say "you can't kill 'em if you don't shoot" I say there's worse things than not killing them. The futile 6-hour search resulting in no dead dear is a real bummer.

[Divinecedar]

I agree...

I am pretty conservative with my shooting, but lately have been thinking along the "you can't kill 'em if you don't shoot" and it is a dangerous mentality.

Buckeye, sorry to hear about the miss!

[longbowben]

No way  

[IronCreekArcher]

You made the right choice...imagine the one time that it did not come together and you end up wounding a deer like that.  Sometimes the ones that get away are more memorable than those that don't.  For some strange reason they only seem to get larger in our minds as time goes on...

[Divinecedar]

Yeah, I just can't believe I passed up a caribou in Oklahoma!    

[Desperado]

Divinecedar,Dino...and all others who have the stones to pass on a questionable shot.I would like to shake your hands for your integrity. When it comes to wounding any game animal, it is better to be safe than sorry. I know of a local "bowhunter" who shot at 3 walking deer under 20 yards in the last 3 years and hit them all in the butt. Recovered none!!
I had a dandy buck walk past my ground blind at 15 yards with his nose to the ground. I whistled to stop him. He didn't pause a second. I whistled again and he didn't even look up. By that time he was behind brush and out of sight. I have never regretted my decision for a moment.
Those of you who "just say no" are tops in my book!

[Brian Krebs]

the answer is no- you shouldn't have shot; because you didn't shoot.

[onewhohasfun]

5 things could happen, 4 of them are bad.

[blueline]

It's hunting! Now you know he is there It's time to hunt him!!!!!

[Lost Viking]

If it was a mistake, it didn't have a negative outcome...not like taking the shot when you shouldn't have.  Stew on it, but sleep well knowing, no harm, no foul.

Todd

[Ragin Bull]

You dun good!    And like you said the rut is in full swing, get back out there, maybe you'll see him again  

[Bill Turner]

If you had felt good about the shot I think you would have taken it at the time. Especially with your experience on moving game. You did the right thing by not forcing the issue.

[SteveMcD]

You did the right thing. To quote Reg Darling's current TBM article.....  
 
"I have taken some shots that I have regretted. But, I have never regretted passing on a shot".
 
I passed on an 8 pointer earlier this season. He came around a deadfall, and I figured the minute he does, I'll drop to one knee, draw and release. The buck immediately jumped at my motion, and I  immediately let my draw down at his jump, he only went 5 yards, had I remained at full draw for a couple more seconds I probably would have had him. He only went 5 yards... but then the stare down started. Oh, well.. I have no regrets, he lived to pass on his genes another day. And I was blessed by the experience.

[novahunterpa]

Only you know if the shot was there or not.  I never know if ill shoot or not till the time comes.  Ive passed on deer standing 10yards away cause it did'nt feel right and ive shoot at running deer at 30yards cause i knew i could make it.  Shot a running deer this year at 25yards perfect shot, dead deer but it felt right.  I had another nice buck standing broad side at 15yards that didnt and passed.  I pratcice on moving targets, and from different possitions, but when hunting i cant say if i would shoot at this or that untill i have to make that shot on game then i know if its a good shot or a bad one and to take it or pass on it.  If it did'nt feel right at the time you prob did the right thing,  Now go back out and get him, good luck

[MI_Bowhunter]

I have passed on a lot more shots than I have taken on deer.    You did fine by me.      

I'd rather read this thread then a "I took a shot I normally wouldn't have and can't find the deer" thread.