Since being washed out opening weekend I got home from work in enough time to hunt Monday and Tuesday evening, but not this evening (just made it home now as a matter of fact).
All I saw last night was a doe and her two fawns walking across the field behind me about 100 yards away and skirted the wood line I was in. No shots and that's all I seen.
Monday however was a different story...
I am almost too embarrassed to post this but here it goes!
We live on a 20 acre lot which backs up to our neighbor's 100 yard subdivided, undeveloped (woodland) lots (our neighbor has I think 5 20 acre lots subdivided). On one of those lots about 100 yards from the state road back where a thicket meets up with hardwoods, my dad placed a stand a couple of years ago.
As soon as I got off work I grabbed my Redstag Longbow and headed to that stand. When it first started getting prime time I heard a blow from a deer up towards the clear cut probably about 50 yards from the stand. I believed I got winded, so I thought my hunt was over; but nonetheless I stayed until dark, and I am glad I did.
Next thing I know, about 10 minutes before dark a mature doe comes walking straight towards me from the thicket. Now mind you the thicket is about 15 yards from me, so I didn't see her until she was about right on me.
With her head down browsing I slowly stood up, she was quartering towards me angling to my left (which is perfect as I shoot right). She was a mere 7 steps away from my stand, I followed her the whole way with the bow, I found the lower limb of my bow was in between my legs as the tree prevented me from canting my bow diagonally across my chest. At 7 steps and broadside I 'gap shot' or 'pre aimed' my broadhead and let the arrow fly.
Unfortunately I watched the arrow sail harmlessly right, and I mean RIGHT under her belly. She bounded, stopped and turned for a few moments leaving me in disbelief, and then walked off. She never knew I was there or what the heck happened, I didn't even know what happened.

But all of that went out the door when I drew back and that shot angle threw me off lol. :p
I know it happens to the best of us, but I mean 7 steps!? I still can't believe I botched that opportunity. But at least now, hopefully I'll make that correction next time! :rolleyes: