After 15 years of trying, I finally took a deer with a longbow. It was my third night of hunting during the early antlerless deer season here in Michigan, and I didn't even make it out to my blind until the last hour of daylight. Close to the end of legal hunting time this lone doe wandered by and gave me a broadside, 9 yard shot. I hit her through the top of the lungs with my homemade, medieval-style arrow.
I waited around 45 minutes before I started to look for her and it was pitch black by then. I wasn't concerned because my German Shepherd is 'usually' an amazing tracker, but despite several attempts she couldn't find my deer. I then started the tedious process of following the blood trail from the spot where I shot her, but I lost the trail after a mere 20 yards or so. Despite the late hour, my amazing wife offered to come help. She was able to pick up the trail where I left off and find my deer, which had only gone around 40 yards.
I used a 50#, Osage orange, English longbow made by fellow Trad-Ganger, Shaun Webb.
I'm very thankful for all the tips I've picked up over the years here on Tradgang. I have no doubt this site contributed to my long awaited success.
Topic: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow) (Read 1912 times)
