I decided to hunt from the ground this morning for the first time today. Found a poplar with a big tangle of grapevine in front of it and sat with my back to it. It was on the edge of a bluff of sorts.
I settled in and a couple grey squirrels cut loose at something to my left, but, settled quickly. They were barking at a six point buck heading in our direction. He walked a trail in front of me and I bleated at him 8 yards out and broadside. He stopped late behind a green briar and I held at full draw.
He looked right through me then began walking again. The next "lane" I had was 22 yards out and he stopped at my bleat, quartered away.
I let the string loose staring at his last rib. The Woodsman strayed a hair left (behind) the ribcage. I watched him run through the woods with my yellow fletching almost buried. He went 70 yards and laid down. I silently watched for the next hour then snuck out to give him time. I didn't like the shot.
4 hours later, with a small army of hunting buddies (6 to be exact), the trail proved to be tremendous. Nothing like I expected! I had to hit a major artery somewhere. It led to my first antlered traditional kill!
There is just something about it, Isn't there? Hard to describe. I've taken a lot of deer with wheels and muzzleloaders, including mid 160's bucks.
Still, my heart pounds harder with a forty year old recurve on my lap when I hear the leaves crunching louder and louder!
I hope to get a thread and a picture or two up soon.
Good luck all and be safe!