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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Bowspirit on October 08, 2009, 09:47:00 PM

Title: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Bowspirit on October 08, 2009, 09:47:00 PM
Sadly, no bloody arrow at the end of this tale...

For the past 7 years, since I was old enough to bowhunt, I've been fighting a loosing battle against a deerless curse. Had a few chances at a doe or two, but none as close as today.
I HAD planned to hunt out of an ambush site today, right along a rub line. Thought that I'd see a deer. Never expected my chance to come while getting there.
I was about 50-100 yards from where I wanted to be, when the trail passed between to hills. I spotted a cluster of gray birch atop one that would break up my outline and allow me to get a better view without being spotted.
Still can't believe that at the very moment I stopped, I spotted a forkhorn within twenty paces from me, just going about his business. I have never, NEVER, felt such a rush. There he was. I remember getting an arrow on the string, but he never offered a decent shot. Well, at one point he did, but it was a real thread-the-needle shot that I just didn't feel comfortable with.
Sadly, after a while I felt the wind shift against the back of my neck. We all know how that situation ends. Still, what an absolute rush. I love bowhunting, but I was starting to believe a deer wasn't in the cards for me. This experiance was epic for me, and enough to renew my vigor. What a time.

Just thought I'd share. Wouldn't have been possible without alot of you. And hey, the seasons just starting, and possibilities are endless...
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: vermonster13 on October 08, 2009, 09:49:00 PM
I bet I've seen that look on your face before my friend.

When you coming up here to use a tag?
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: ishiwannabe on October 08, 2009, 09:54:00 PM
Thats a great read my friend! It will all come together for you.
Let me know if I can help in any way...
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: adkmountainken on October 08, 2009, 09:55:00 PM
YEAAAAAAH BRO, thats what is all about eh? glad ya finally saw one on the mountain! just put your time in (like your doing) and good things will happen! i am sooooo happy ya got to see one today! GREAT spot right there, just ask Chuck as you were only 50 yards for the big rock where he saw a nice buck!
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: JJA on October 08, 2009, 09:57:00 PM
Einstein said:" It's not that I'm so smart, its just that I stick with problems longer. Stick with it and you will succeed!"
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Tioga on October 08, 2009, 10:00:00 PM
QuoteI remember getting an arrow on the string, but he never offered a decent shot. Well, at one point he did, but it was a real thread-the-needle shot that I just didn't feel comfortable with.  
Kudos to you for holding back and showing restraint on the shot. I hope your season is a pleasurable and succesful one.  :)
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: adkmountainken on October 08, 2009, 10:02:00 PM
Chris is a quick learner and one heck of a shot, it is a pleasure to hunt with him and call him a friend. as soon as we get a chance (this weekend) lets move the beech stand down between the 2 roads on that little flat with the rubs as i think he is really working that area. there is a KAZILLION acorns which will bring them right in. that whole mountain is only hunted by a VERY FEW of us during bow season which gives you a great chance at making meat. go get em bro!
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: acadian archer on October 08, 2009, 10:04:00 PM
I snuck up to 40yds from a doe on the weekend before the wind shifted and a buck, hiding in the bush, busted me. it certainly is quite a rush, keep going and good luck
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Over&Under on October 09, 2009, 12:06:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Tioga:
 
QuoteI remember getting an arrow on the string, but he never offered a decent shot. Well, at one point he did, but it was a real thread-the-needle shot that I just didn't feel comfortable with.  
Kudos to you for holding back and showing restraint on the shot. I hope your season is a pleasurable and succesful one.   :)  [/b]
My thoughts exactly, good for you and soon enough you will connect!
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: vtmtnman on October 09, 2009, 05:50:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by over&under:
 
QuoteOriginally posted by Tioga:
 
QuoteI remember getting an arrow on the string, but he never offered a decent shot. Well, at one point he did, but it was a real thread-the-needle shot that I just didn't feel comfortable with.  
Kudos to you for holding back and showing restraint on the shot. I hope your season is a pleasurable and succesful one.    :)   [/b]
My thoughts exactly, good for you and soon enough you will connect! [/b]
X3 I know guys been hunting longer than you have that don't know how to do that.And they have to see the dog tracker every year.

When the time is right you'll connect.  :readit:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Stone Knife on October 09, 2009, 06:16:00 AM
Chris, your day will come, enjoy every one   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Adirondackman on October 09, 2009, 06:37:00 AM
Chris - That was your warm up. It is only a matter of time before you harvest your first deer. I really respect your decision to not take a shot that didn't feel right. Your invited to hunt with Ken and I on sat. if you would like to.
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Killdeer on October 09, 2009, 09:01:00 AM
Chris, I am about to leave for deer camp for the weekend. Thank you for your example, and renewed hope for my own hunt. Friends living up to their friends' examples is how we get better as we take our own journeys.

Killdeer   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: ron w on October 09, 2009, 09:10:00 AM
Thats a good spot Chris, I was up there the other day and in them acorns there were tracks and droppings all over. You did good waiting for the "good" shot, many guys who have been at this along time can't or won't do that....well done.
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: woodchucker on October 09, 2009, 10:07:00 AM
Chris, The Great One was testing you to see if you were "worthy" of taking this bucks life. It appears to me that you have made the right decision and passed his test. When an animal decides to give it's life to you,a feeling comes over you like no other feeling ever has. You will know that the time is right,and the Great Spirit will guide your arrow to it's mark. I have a good feeling that the next time you and this buck meet,it will be time. Only you will know for sure if it is right. I will send smoke and ask the Creator for his help.

Good Luck Little Brother!!!!!  :archer:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: pronghorn23 on October 09, 2009, 10:24:00 AM
That's what it's all about...the journey, not the destination.

Few years ago I was scouting, stopped to look around and twenty yards away I see a tree shaking. I manage to sneak a little closer, peek through the trees and see a medium size buck making a rub. Season wasn't open yet but it really pumped me up. He had no idea I was even there.
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Izzy on October 09, 2009, 12:14:00 PM
Hang in pal, as you know sometimes all it takes is a close encounter to make life long memories.
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: horatio1226 on October 09, 2009, 04:09:00 PM
Good luck Chris. No doubt you'll make the shot the when the time is right.

Chuck, that was beautiful!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: JoeM on October 09, 2009, 04:09:00 PM
Hang in there bud it will happen!!! I agree with woodchucker's approach.  Every time I have a situation start to  come together or fall apart in front of me, I always remind myself, "don't force it, let the woods give it to you." It really helps me stay vigilant and patient.  Good luck on the rest of the season.  Joe
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: straitera on October 09, 2009, 04:35:00 PM
7 years of valuable lessons. When your time comes, and it will, you'll move quickly up the ladder. You've earned it.
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Wannabe1 on October 09, 2009, 04:40:00 PM
I love it! Youth providing inspiration to us all by making the right choices, setting a clear example and hanging in there.  You are my hero for the day!  :thumbsup:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: A.S. on October 09, 2009, 05:58:00 PM
I just love bowhunting!! Stories like this is what it's all about!
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Bonebuster on October 09, 2009, 09:04:00 PM
This is my all time favorite hunting story of the year!!!  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:  

Deer can probably sense your presence while you drive to your hunt location because you want it sooooo bad!!!

You are the ultimate BOWHUNTER!

It is all about waiting for the utmost in high percentage opportunities. It is NOT about the kill or the glory. It IS about doing the right thing when you are all alone with your quarry.

Any luck I have, I send your way.

This is true "Bowspirit"!

My hat is off to you...I taken many deer with my recurves, and I have learned alot from you.

I wish you all good things!!!  :D
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: adkmountainken on October 09, 2009, 09:16:00 PM
chris hope ya can join me and John this weekend, DEFINITLY undersatnd if ya want to hunt the mountain though as it is the place i call home and soothes my soul. for the next few weeks i will be hunting with John and trying to connect with Big Boy. not every day you can find a mentor like John and hunt a slammer to boot!
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: woodchucker on October 10, 2009, 05:42:00 PM
:pray:    :coffee:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Guru on October 10, 2009, 06:36:00 PM
Very cool Chris.....it'll happen bud...and when it does it'll be better than you ever thought it could be     :archer:
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: Wiley Coyote on October 11, 2009, 08:37:00 AM
Stick with it, it will happen!!!
Title: Re: Sooooo Close...
Post by: mcgroundstalker on October 11, 2009, 04:44:00 PM
That's a great story Chris. I understand the rush of an "almost" and like many others have said... It's All Good. Keep at it and when The Creator is ready to give up a life for you it will be truly wonderful. This is what hunting is and will always be.

... mike ...  :archer:  ...