[TomOnTheRun]

I'm hunting public land and seen 4 different shootable bucks (bruisers/mature) in the last three weeks but they are in some very thick woods at 20 to 30 yards from my tree climber. I haven't pulled the trigger because I don't have confidence to shoot mechanicals through all the limbs. I have some muzzy trocars that's never been used. I'm taking them out the next time I hunt. I hope to plow the road at this range to negate the limbs. If this is an error in logic please advise. I don't know if I'll continue this type of hot streak luck I'm on and want to shoot with confidence.

 

[canuckarcher]

If it was me, I wouldn't take the shot through brush at a deer,trophy or otherwise.
Remember,even at thirty ,your arrow is travelling along an arch ,not dead straight.
Practice shooting through brush and see what I mean.
Not trying to disrespect you but I would wait for a clean shot or set up differently.
I had my only buck I saw this year at twenty yards with my compound and because of brush the shot just wasn't there.
Good luck and hope you get a clean shot at a big ol bruiser......

 

[TomOnTheRun]

Duly noted, thanks for feedback. What I needed to read.

 

[Huntersthompson]

Pruning saw, shooting lanes

 

[TomOnTheRun]

Pruning saw, shooting lanes

Sounds like an offseason strategy.

 

[Lever Action]

You will still get a deflection. The head area is less on an expandable so the chances of contact is less BUT.... the vanes on the rear are the same size. So no matter what, there is that. But that isnt the issue. Contact of any kind can and most likely will cause a deflection. The higher the blade length/width ratio the less apt but thats only in theory.
You will almost surely have a deflection when contacting anything more substantial than grass.

 

[TomOnTheRun]

Nuff said. Thanks, LA! It was a fleeting idea.

At least I know an area that I'm see big boys but they are in the thick stuff because of all the pressure. Although no buck yet this aspect of hunting and scouting has been rewarding.

 

[ko4nrbs]

Nuff said. Thanks, LA! It was a fleeting idea.

At least I know an area that I'm see big boys but they are in the thick stuff because of all the pressure. Although no buck yet this aspect of hunting and scouting has been rewarding.

I always try to set up 3 shooting lanes out to a maximum of 40 yards fanning out from my intended stand or blind spot. You don't have to clear cut the area just open it up enough so you have shot openings at different angles. If using a stand be sure to climb up to inspect your work until you are satisfied with the results.

Do it about a month before deer season so the limbs, etc. don't grow back into your shooting lanes. Always have a good saw and pruning shears in your equipment stash for last minute tweaking of the shooting lanes.

Bill

 

[robertyb]

If you can get a fixed head to an animal then you can just as easily get a mechanical to them. The trick is to have shooting lanes cleared prior to hunting which is not always possible when moving around using climbers. I can usually find a spot to get a clear shot by looking ahead of the deer and then try to stop it in that spot.
I can usually be found after the season ends with a pole saw in my hands clearing stuff that was in my way from tress I hunted in. I like to get it done right after the season ends and my memories are fresh as to what needs cutting. I cut enough to where it is not going to grow back in a year or two.

 

[Renegade19]

No matter how fast the bow shoots or what blades you're shooting, they ain't like slug guns. Never a good idea to try and brush bust one. I had a true trophy "under" me for probably 20 minutes 2 years ago (compound back then) and never could get a clear shot at him. Sometimes, that's bow hunting.

 

[TomOnTheRun]

Well boys, I haven't shot one for all the stated reasons. I did think about the fix blade to plow the road. Your feedback has been helpful.

 

[Gabowman]

Pruning saw, shooting lanes

I agree. ANY broadhead/arrow that hits a limb will be deflected. I'd re-think it if I were you.

 

[Gabowman]

Sounds like an offseason strategy.

Tom, clearing a lane for a shot doesn't always mean that everything has to be cut out. Just a limb tip or a twig or two here and there could open a lane up some. I definitely wouldn't go into the woods I'm currently hunting and start cutting big limbs or trying to remove everything in that lane now, but if the stand location is a good one this year then after the season I would clear lanes around my picked tree. Matter of fact, after season I'd do some scouting and pick a few trees I think I want to climb and go ahead and clear some lanes during the winter while there's no leaves, usually 4 lanes in each direction. I'm always doing that sorta thing where I hunt. That said, there are some lanes Ive cleared I have never gotten around to hunting those trees....yet! Some years will be better than others in any given spot though.

 

[KTownKiller]

Well boys, I haven't shot one for all the stated reasons. I did think about the fix blade to plow the road. Your feedback has been helpful.

Good of you not shoot'n! Much better to pop the question, rather than learn the hard way, like many do!

 

[Stalker]

Good of you not shoot'n! Much better to pop the question, rather than learn the hard way, like many do!

X2

 

[WickedRidge400]

Nuff said. Thanks, LA! It was a fleeting idea.

At least I know an area that I'm see big boys but they are in the thick stuff because of all the pressure. Although no buck yet this aspect of hunting and scouting has been rewarding.

TOTR...I give you credit for asking. Lots of guys wouldn't be as concerned and would fling an arrow at a good buck either not giving a darn or throw care to the wind just hoping it'll go to the mark. Best case scenario..deflection and the deer is missed. Worst case scenario... deflected but now a gut shot or non lethal wounding.
You're a good hunter for passing up the shot and asking for others experienced opinion if you're not sure. I applaud your actions!!!

 

[Rit]

Just one twig will reflect your arrow and it doesn't have to hit broadheads to do it. A slight brussh anywhere on shaft will do it. Rifle bullets change trajectory when going through brush

 

[KTownKiller]

As a newb, I shot at a buck once with my rifle, at 50 yds. There was just the soft end of a cedar branch in the way at 25 yds. The bullet hit just behind where his front hooves where in the shallow snow!!! Went off a few feet in 25 yds! Never shot through a branch since!!! And never will!
PS. I like sheep hunt'n....no branches!!! Ever!!!

 

[TomOnTheRun]

Thanks Gents,

This site is my go to for hunting and Xbows. I'm sure not afraid to sound stupid asking questions. Not my nature.

Yes, 2020, I will create N and S hunting areas with shooting lanes and will tree in a ground blind.

This area requires hiking my asre up a ridge with a heavy ass tree climbe (worth it, very comfortable) that is a 2 mile round hike in. It reminds me I'm 63 years old and doing this over the last month reminds me you can't fool Father Time or Mother Nature (climbing ridges) even if you are decent shape. Yikes!

January 24th, I need to rest my back as I have a XbowMagazine hog hunt in S. Carolina coming up. Never shot a hog with a Xbow so this will be my first. Tough rascals they are!

The journey continues.

 

[Gabowman]

I shot a buck once that was around 50 yards away with my .300 Rem Mag. I didn't notice it during my haste but I shot a 2" diameter pine limb plum off about midways to the deer and still hit the deer where I was aiming. That said....I knew I was lucky afterwards and would NEVER recommend shots like that knowingly.