6 replies to this topic

[Hunter2]

A quick hunting story. At the beginning of last hunting season I was talking to some guys at church about the  upcoming archery season and how I had not missed a deer in a long time.(what a mistake). Needless to say during rut season at one of my better spots I saw one of the best bucks I have seen with a weapon in my hand. I had put out some Tinks and it was downwind, and as soon as the buck got the scent it turned and came quickly up the clearing broadside. I made a grunt noise and it stopped broadside at what I guessed to be about 20 yaards,latter stepped off to about 23 yards. I pulled back anchored and for some reason put my 30 yard pin alittle higher than normal since I was in a ground blind that evening. As soon as I pulled the release I said oh no wrong pin. I dont know why, I would not like to admit buck fever after hunting so long but the biggest deer Ive seen during hunting season got away. I could see the arrow in slow motion going over his back. He ran for about 30yards turned and looked then went away. Dont think I will say I havent missed in awhile anymore. Hunter2

Edited by Hunter2, 31 March 2009 - 09:20 AM.

[ridgehunter]

Real good story!  I know that when I have done that it was because of buck fever.  When I get too cocky in camp, the pards remind me of those times so your title is a good one.  Why my pards cannot forget those things, I do not know:party:, oh well, I love to see them laugh and have a good time.

[Cossack]

I missed (two) the first year of crossbow hunting. Both from arrow planing with the setup I was using (Low FOC, big broadhead). Had never missed one before with a rifle. Well, last year I missed one with the bow again. (Just got too complacent). Then I followed that up by missing one with the rifle. Never say never.

[hunterfisher]

Don't feel bad, Hunter2. It's happened to all of us. And probably will again.

Kenny

[softpoint]

hunterfisher said:

Don't feel bad, Hunter2. It's happened to all of us. And probably will again.

Kenny

amen. aint that the truth...

[moxie1884]

Tuesday, 21 October 2008.

I’m finding getting up for a morning hunt at 0500, is most difficult to accomplish.  I can set the alarm, but I also shut it off and go back to sleep.  

I was in Packmaster #1 by 1400.  I had seen several flickers of white over the time I had been in the stand but nothing I could be sure of, when off to my right came two fawns.  Less then a minute after that came a big doe, only it took her a bit longer to come out into the area in front of Leaf River #3.  She gave me a perfect broad and I took the shot, but it was a miss and went under her belly. 1630.  

The two fawns took off towards the water hole and the doe went back in the direction she had come from but only about twenty-five yards, then just stood there looking.  I believe the deer had heard the noise from my crossbow, and that was what scared them.

After what seemed and eternity, probably only five minutes, the doe turned around and started moving back towards the trail.  As she got behind a clump of trees, I was able to reload my crossbow.  She didn’t come my way but headed after the two fawns, towards the water hole.

After another short period of time, I saw one of the fawns feed along a brume  with its tail acting like nothing was wrong.  Then it came back towards the trail and started walking down the trail at me.  I could not get a good shot, so held.  The fawn walked right under me and on up the trail, turning to go out towards the Dairy when I lost it.

I had said to myself, that I would get down out of the Packmaster at 1700, to check for blood and be sure one way or another of a hit or miss.

At 1700, I lowered my backpack and crossbow to the ground to climb down and check for blood.  I am in the process of unhooking my safety strap when  see the fawn coming back down the trail, and everything is at the base of the tree on the ground.  So, I froze and the fawn walked right under me or the second time, then heads off towards the water hole.

I climb down from the Packmaster and reload my crossbow, then go check things out. I find my bolt and there is not a sign of hair or blood on it.  It looked like the shot had gone under the doe. I could not find any signs of blood anywhere after an extensive look.

I returned to the Packmaster, picked up my pack, and headed for Moxie.  Now, on the way out, on the other side of the swamp, I jump two more deer and chase them back towards the big rock.  

I may not have gotten a deer but I certainly did have a great late afternoon.

Packmaster #1 is certainly in a good location.  I was not spotted by any of three deer and had one walk right under me twice.  What a change from last year!

The next day, when I checked the distance with my rangefinder, I discovered the shot was 33 yards and I had used the 10 yard crosshair to make the shot.  I do believe my ability to judge distance leaves a lot to be desired in this case.  Still, that's hunting and a very fond memory!

[bowfisher78133]

Many years ago while hunting with a 53# recurve (vertical) I had a very nice 8 pt walk near my tree stand. I estimated he was at 25 yards and let go an arrow. The buck flinched and then just stood there! Seeing no blood on his side, I loosed another arrow. Again he flinched slightly and stood his ground! This was repeated twice more before he decided to leave the area. I watched him walk away as I had no more arrows in my quiver!

After a few minutes, I climbed down and went to see what had happened. The "evidence" was right there. The deer was actually only 12 yards from the base of the tree and I was about 18' up that tree! I could see the tracks of the buck and about 3 ft. further out was a perfect 4" group of 4 arrows!

Fortunately, he made the mistake of coming back the next weekend, and I knew the range this time!!