BowSpirit pulls it off up north

[Cyclic-Rivers]

And then...?

[imskippy]

Alright Chris way to go. I should just sign off and read the whole story in a few days when your done telling it. Congrats.  Skippy

[adkmountainken]

Yeah, well, once I start I just can't stop. Don't know how Mr. Lamb does it...

Anyway, 100 yards out, two does burst from cover. They were panting, too, like they'd been running for a while. Now, I may have the deer hunting sense god gave paste, but even I knew that that's when you sit still. For the love of god, think TREE!!!
Of course, that planning allowed for them to run to the left of the stand, certainly down the mountain and out of my life forever. Yet, my spirits weren't to be dashed, for 2 more does appeared from the same spot to take there place. Also running, and also headed to the left. Alas, they, too, soon left me.
But what on earth had been chasing them?

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I'm going to bed, Chris PM me your phone # I'll get the story in the AM.

I'll help you quarter and clean the meat if you need it.  In fact we can try out my new gambrel hook and pulley system in my garage.  Let me know if you want help.

[adkmountainken]

That's a fine offer, Charlie, and thank you. But I'm just going to have it processed.

I wasn't surprised when a forkhorned 6-point came out of the brush, same place as the doe. Of course, I had already run in with him earlier in the season. He'd offered me no shot before, so I was eager to return the favor. Yet, grim fate threatened to swallow him up like his "harem" should he continue on.
Sometimes, though, fate rewards us when we least expect it. For just as he began to disappear, the first two does came running up a game trail. Running right up to the stand.
One by one, the does passed my stand within twelve paces. And just as the last one was coming up, the fork was closing the gap. Big-bodied and a true beauty among an already beautiful race, I wasn't about to give a second chance.
As his head passed behind a tree, Supertramp (my Montana longbow) came up like so many time before. And as he stopped, vitals exposed, a big white-fletched fir covered the distance between us. It had a perfect arc that I swear I'll remember forever...

[Bowspirit]

[adkmountainken]

Glad to be surrounded by family and friends...

[woodchucker]

and then.....  

[4runr]

Comon on Mom! Let him stay up and tell the rest!

[adkmountainken]

Anyway, the windage on the shaft was perfect. But the elevation was high (does that alot this season; thought I had that fixed). Only by a bit, but I have never shot a deer before. I have this urge to aim for the mid-line of a deers vital area. I know it's the bottom third, but still.
Turned out the shot was high enough to spine him. The woodsman blew completely through both sides, and his back legs went down. He started to lash out and grab with his front legs, tearing down the hill. By thirty yards, I had another arrow away to finish the job. Of course, I was panicking a bit, and missed.
Now, normally, I would fall into such hysteria that'd this story could have gone down a bad path. But I didn't. Somehow, common sense and an overall calm feeling of needed responsiblity came over me. So, I got within as close a range of the animal as I could.
The first shot was vital, and I suppose I should have just waited to let him die like the books and bowhunter ed say. That doesn't fly with me, or at least, not then. Not that moment. So I muttered something to him. Not some new-age, showy, spiritual gesture. Just a promise that I intended to help him. So, I drew down, focused, and let fly. The arrow caught both lungs and his head arced back like a crane. One second...five seconds...ten, and it was done.
And then I took of down that mountain. 7 years of close calls and no shows, and I had no idea what to do now. I ran, and I ran, and I didn't stop till I was in my car...

[Bowspirit]

[adkmountainken]

Since you've all been so patient...

[vermonster13]

Congratulations. Very proud of you Chris! Well done.

[woodchucker]

and..... NO CAMO!!!!!!!!!!          

(Sorry Chris, I just HAD to get that in)

[dakota tim]

Great job Chris!
         

[woodchucker]

My Heart is Glad Little Brother!!!!!!!!!!

The Great Spirit is pleased,You have done well!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!  

[BowHuntingFool]

CONGRATS brother! Great story!

[Steve Kendrot]

Nice! I can remember my first deer blow for blow down to the smallest detail. I spined him also. First animal I had ever killed. I did the same thing you did. Ran all the way home and called my mentor. That was October 28, 1988. You won't forget it!

[ron w]

Well done,and good night!!!

[tarponnut]

Great job and great story.Congrats!