The hard work could of paid off......

[jason]

Well, about 3:30 today, I got down from my stand. 2 reasons, I was really cold, and I wasn't seeing to many deer where I was at. So I moved about 200 yards to an edge of a field where I just hunted off the ground. I watch 3 does for about 30 minutes off in the distance. Right when I was packing things up, i look up and I see 2 does heading my direction, followed by a buck. The buck had good with, but couldn't count the points because he was coming in to quick, so I was rushed getting ready and taking the shot. It was about 5 o'clock when all of this took place, so it was getting dark. He made his way 20 yards from me in the matter of seconds. I drew back as he stared me down. I thought I had a clear shot, so I let my arrow fly...... Missed!!! Right over his back at 20 yards. I've shot at this distance a 1000 times and never missed. The whole scene happened so fast I'm not even sure why I missed. One of two things. My arrow deflected off a branch that I didn't see, or the buck flinched right after I released my arrow. I looked for my arrow but did't find it.
I'm very very dissapointed. I've hunted soooooo much this past two seasons trying to get a decent buck, and when the time comes I miss. This is the first deer I've missed, and my first bigger buck I've shot at.
I guess I've learned a few things from the hunt today. If it's getting dark, don't take the chance. And be patient. You're patien all the hours you put in your stand just to get a chance at a shot at deer, so why not be patien too when that opprotunity comes. If I would of let him walk a few more yards I could be putting this post under the Harvest Reprot!
Maybe next year I'll get a big one.

jason

 

[TimberPig]

Its a bummer, but sooner or later it happens to everybody. At least your learning from your mistakes, thats what seperates great hunters from the rest.

But, are you positive you missed? Seems odd not to find your arrow, although not that uncommon with a shot from the ground. Might want to go back and look some more, the arrow is proof positive.

PS, still 5 days left!

 

[jason]

I went out this today, found my arrow after 5 minutes of looking. I lined up my arrow, to where I was standing, and it appeared there was a small sapling right infront of where the buck was standing. Well when I got home, I shot the arrow at about the same distance, right on like usual. But I noticed the arrow made a big tear drop in flight. So that might caused my arrow to hit the tree last night, i guess i'll neve know for sure.
good hunting jason

 

[lefler168]

hey man...happens to everyone...i've had my share of bad luck/simple mistakes this year...on the 22nd of october i had a 20 yard shot at a monster 150+ 10pt and i just plain blew it by not taking my time and picking an indefinite spot..thinking that a 20 yard shot couldn't go wrong and of course it did...but even worse i hit him too high missed the vitals all together and now i have a buck running around with two holes in him...i can gaurantee you though that i'll never make that mistake again! good luck..keep trying you'll get it right!

 

[boatman]

Gosh,

I have that happen so too many times. Makes you want to throw the bow at the deer!! Just kidding, but it sure is a confidence killer. I always tell myself this is why it is called hunting and not killing.

Look on the bright side, you didnt make a bad hit, making a bad hit is way worse than missing all together. Keep your chin up and get back after them.