I've had a number of occasions when I've hit an animal and had it move a short distance or even stand still. I always try to get a second arrow in if possible. After all two wounds are better than one.
An observation I have made is that this is not the case with most bowhunters. They are influenced by the TV guys and one arrow kill mentality.
What is your experience with second shot opportunities and do you take them?
Mike
I've missed a couple deer with the first shot and had a second. I also spined a doe years ago (my 2nd trad deer in 1974) and followed with a lung shot. I also shot a bear more than once in Ontario. I can't recall a time when I've had the time to shoot any other deer a second time. Most have bolted immediately at the first shot, at least 10-15 yards and out-of-range for a second shot.
However, if I shot a deer and it stayed in bow range I would put another arrow in it IF I could do so with alerting the deer to my presence. I believe hit deer are motivated to run further from the spot they were shot if they know where the problem came from (where I am).
Personally, I'm not influenced in any positive ways by what I see on all but one of these outdoor TV shows.
Mike. there are several views that can be taken on this topic. I see your point, and often agree, but to me it depends on where the first arrow hit. If the deer is not too spooked... and I have had them kick, look around, and go back to feeding... then I won't move and chance spooking them into a run. Let them drop right there.
If the first hit was bad, or not great, then yes, I would sure try for two, or three, or whatever it took.
ChuckC
One of my turkeys this fall got a second arrow. it took two arrows for an elk several years back. Other than those, I don't remember any big game that took a second shot, but I wouldn't hesitate to load up and fire again if the opportunity was there.
Mike
Good post!
Early on I was taught that if he's still breathing and you get a chance you shoot him again. An extra arrow is cheap insurance.
Of course with higher strung animals, like whitetails or elk, you don't often get a chance. I've only shot a deer twice a couple of times - one on a spine hit and one on tracking a poorly hit deer and finishing him off.
Other less flighty animals have garnered a follow up shot or two when I was presented the chance.
Ryan
If it's within reasonable range and it's still on it's feet keep shooting
I always try to hit with the second shot.......cause I put the first one right over the back!!!!!!!! .....Even if I do get a good hit with the first shot I try to ease another arrow on the string just in case, but rarely get the second shot.
I moved too quickly getting my second arrow this year on a buck. Wish I had a "do over" on that one and had moved slower. He definitely would have given me a second shot. Unfortunately he took off running as soon as I moved quickly to get the second arrow.
So.... yes I would/will always use a 2nd arrow if given the chance and it will help.
I had to shoot a Raccoon 3 times before he expired with broadheads! First arrow went through the lungs broadside and he stood there growling at me. The second arrow scewered from shoulder to tail and he started rolling around growling. The third arrow went to his head and he finally layed still. Never saw a tougher animal. Ever. :dunno:
Gun or bow, I keep shooting until I have no more shots or the animal is down. I have only had a couple times when a deer let me get a second arrow into it.
In order to insure a recovery I would definately shoot again.
I have used a second arrow in short order a couple of times. Once on an elk I hit a piece of brush causing my first arrow to hit a little to far back. Got the second one on the string and on the way as soon as he stopped.
If given the chance its often the best choice. There was one case where I turned down the second arrow though when I felt it was best to stay hidden.
So if the situation allows yes.
Though I've seldom been afforded the opportunity, I'll always take a second shot if the deer is still within range and I can get it off without spooking it.
So many times, we don't hit the critter where we think we did on the first shot, and quite often, that first shot is not as good as we think it is. :archer2:
If you ever get a chance to put a second arrow in an animal you had better do it!
I've done this several times and a couple of those instances......I was very glad I did.
One of those times was just another well placed shot, but it only costs the price of an arrow and a broadhead, so why wouldn't you?
It's not very often you get another chance to make sure the animal will bleed out.
I knocked an 8pt. completely down once with the first shot and to my amazement he stood back up!
When he got back up the second arrow was already on it's way and double lunged him. He ran head first into a brush pile dead on his feet a mere 30 yards away. It turned out that the first shot was high and clipped the spine. He may have died with the first shot, but then again he may not?
The second arrow through the lungs made sure that he didn't get away.
The first buck I killed with a Trad bow got two arrows. He was real close and quartering towards me - not the best angle. First one was a kill shot, near shoulder to last opposite rib. He took 10 steps toward me and stopped slightly quartering away when the second kill arrow got him through the good stuff again!
I will always try to keep shooting after a hit.
Like it was already said, cheap insurance. :)
(http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p55/woodenarrow/DSC00080.jpg)
I an the king of the second shot.Leatherneck says my deer look like pin cushions.They always just stand around and let me fill them up with arrows.
Only had a couple second shot chances, but that is why I practice regularly out to 50 yds. or so. Just for the record I would expect most of our T-Gers here to do exactly the opposite of those Jack-Wagons on TV.
My worst ever hunting trip may have had a better outcome if I had taken a second shot. I (stupid, rookie) took an almost straight-down shot from a treestend into a good-sized buck. Hit the spine just to one side and behind the left shoulder. He dropped like a rock. As I lowered my bow he started kicking and before I could get myself down or the bow back up he regained his feet and bolted off.
I spent the rest of that day and the next two of a canoe-in camping hunt looking for that deer through knee and waist deep balsam/hemlock swamp and woods . . . and never found him or any piece of my arrow.
If I had put a second arrow in him as he lay motionless I'm sure the outcome would have improved. As it was I gave up hunting from a treestand for a dozen years and switched broadheads. It shook my confidence in me, my hunting technique, and likely was mostly penitence for being so stupid.
But. If I feel the first arrow (or whatever) is in the right spot and the deer hasn't fled I have remained motionless in hopes of not spooking the deer into flight. One advantage of a yellow or white fletch and crown.
With my flintlock it is an easy decision. ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by Orion:
Though I've seldom been afforded the opportunity, I'll always take a second shot if the deer is still within range and I can get it off without spooking it.
So many times, we don't hit the critter where we think we did on the first shot, and quite often, that first shot is not as good as we think it is. :archer2:
This has been my experience. BUT last year I had a chance at a second shot a didn't because I didn't want the deer spooking out of there. It paid off this time. However, Orion's second paragraph is full of wisdom too.
So I guess it - depends. How's that for help?
I had one deer in my compound days.
I shot it. Thought it was a great shot.
Deer fell and laid right there. Thought it was dead.
It was early morning so I let it lay in order to hunt the rest of the morn.
About 15mins later it got up and ran away.
I found it..barely..1/4 mile later.
Should've shot it twice just to be sure.
If I have the chance I will take a second shot.
I share Chuck's opinion on this one. Of course spine shots should be followed up quickly. But when I double-lung a deer, only to have it trot a few yards and stop, I don't see any value in lengthening the recovery.
The only deer I have ever lost with trad equipment could have taken another arrow. My shot was high, and on further thought only got one lung. After the shot the big buck stood at 30 yards for about 30 seconds. I regret not sending another one through him because I found him 2 weeks later, a mile away. Now if they are gonna stand still for a second arrow, they are getting one.
Made a good shot on a buck and didn't follow up with a second shot. Ended up the first shot was too far back and didn't find the buck till the next day and the meat was bad. Should of taken the second shot even though he was 35 yards out, nothing to lose if you miss.
when in doubt quiver out!
I ALWAYS put another shot into an animal if given the chance and I keep shooting until it is actually dead. Around here with such small properties and so many coyotes a bad hit can turn into a nightmare quick. I can't leave a wounded deer overnight or for any length of time or the dogs will get to it. If I push a deer it can cross many property lines. This year I shot a doe 5 times through the lungs. may sound like overkill but I wasn't taking any chances. she was still on her feet so I kept shooting. Two of the does I shot this year had no idea i passed an arrow through them so I often shoot more than once.
I have seen too many "great shots" leave a very long blood trail or lead to a lost animal.
As for second shots after a miss... I have had that happen on a few occasions. Last week I missed a doe with my first shot and she had no clue, I smoked her on my second shot.
After the first arrow is in the animal there is no such thing as an unethical shot or shot angle. Follow up until the deer is dead.
Why do some of you feel a second shot will lead to a longer recovery??
chris <><
A second shot is a must if the oportunity is there.It is our responsibility as hunters to take the animal down as quickly as possible,I believe.
I am sooo glad to see this post and must share A hunt like no other I have ever had. The area I hunt was put in a buck only status by the Wisconsin DNR and the last couple of years have been a bit tough in the area I hunt seeing deer.
I gave my season a ten day limit with cutting conifers for the Christmas holiday mixed in with the hunts.
First day I sat, I had a little six come in with a doe and ended up seeing how far I could bury my Woodsman in a sapling. No big deal, that wasnt the first time I did that!
I sat again in another area and had a fork horn walk 15 yards from me and stand broadside. I drew back, let er fly and went about a foot over his back. He jumped and walked about ten feet and stopped again. I was able to get an arrow reknocked and let it go... again over its back!
I couldnt believe it. I sat there and the little buck twitched his tail and started walking closer to me! I knocked again and shot under him. Three misses on one deer?? I got out of the tree in disgust, went back to camp and climbed a tree stand we practice from and buried four arrows where they should have gone. I never did go back out because of fear in wounding one. The guys at camp were laughing at the story but I never had three chances before.
QuoteOriginally posted by Onions:
Why do some of you feel a second shot will lead to a longer recovery??
chris <><
Perfect example:
Earlier this season I shot a buck through both lungs at 11 yards. He trotted 25 yards and stopped slightly quartering away. Decision time: sit tight and watch him drop right there in a few seconds, or shoot him again and run him off. It wasn't the first time that scenario has played out for me, and every time I've just waited a few seconds and watched the deer tip over on the spot.
If I am 100% it is a double lung shot then no. Now I have to be 100% sure if not and theres a window for a second or third arrow I put it to them.
I also hunt some small properties where I want to make sure there down and out before crossing a property line.
I put two arrows in a doe early this year from the ground. The first I thought was low. She ran about 10 yards and stopped quartering away. The second arrow was perfect and she only took two more steps before going down. After walking up to her the first shot was aslo a perfect double lung maybe an inch below center of the lungs. Even shooting her twice she ran less than 15 yards total from where she was on the first shot.
particularly with these quiet trad gear deer may not run so if they give me the chance I'm shooting again....
If thier alive, I'm shooting, no matter the weapon.
I've lost animals I've only shot once, but never lost one I shot more than once. (never lost a bow kill)
Once I have wounded an animal each and every shot oportunity is taken advantage of.
I've never regretted taking a follow up shot, but I've sure regretted not taking ones that were offered and I let slip away.
If he's hit good and dead on his feet a second arrow isnt going to change that. If he's hit poorly and just getting the adrenaline flowing a second arrow could be all the difference between recovery and loss.
always try for another shot if it's in range
If needed and given a chance, yes. Any time I am set up I have a 2nd arrow that I can get rather quickly and quitely with as little movement as possible.
Earl
QuoteOriginally posted by Onions:
Why do some of you feel a second shot will lead to a longer recovery??
chris <><
If a deer is calm after being shot it might die right there. I watched that happen on video the other day. A doe was shot and didn't know it. She started feeding again then fell over dead.
However, if that same deer sees you drawing a second time it could run a good ways. I think this is what they mean by it leaving a longer blood trail.
That being said, if I can get away with a second shot I am taking it!
I shot a doe several years ago that I hit in the liver..She ran towards my tree and stopped.The second arrow did the trick and she died about 20 yards behind my treestand...Mike
I shoot until it's not standing or I can't get an arrow in there.
My brother in law sent 6 arrows at a Kansas doe this fall from 10 yards in about 4 minutes, never drew blood though.
If it is not down and I can put another one in it, I will. I owe it a quick death.
I had a hunting partner a few years back that I watched stalk a doe from accross the canyon. He got right on top of her and at the shot, she hunched up. I knew it was a gut hit from the reaction but he thought he had a double lung and even though the deer hadn't moved didn't put a second arrow in. She moved off leaving no trail and we never found her after looking for two days.
A second shot anywhere would have brought her down faster.
Mike
Wow, sometimes the timing of a thread is seems perfect to what's on my mind. I'm a newbie to bowhunting this year (don't judge me too harshly), and last weekend keeps running through my mind.
I took a shot at a fox last weekend. I thought I had made a good hit. He stood jumped and then stood still for several seconds, then went about 10 yards and fell down behind a tree. I could see his tail for a little bit. But then he got up and walked slowly over back into range. Well, maybe a bit beyond range. I took another shot due to sentiments expressed by others already. But at close to 40 yards I just wasn't good enough with the adrenaline flowing and the arrow went high. At that point it saw me and stepped back a few more yards staring at me. Feeling bad about a wounded animal, I took my third and last shot. But now that he knew where I was, he dodged the arrow easily. He was still moving slow, so I stayed put for awhile. When I went to track him later, I found an amazing blood trail out of the little guy. I had trouble believing that he could keep going as far as he did given what I was finding where he had stopped occasionally. I tracked him for 1/2 mile over the course of 4 hours in the dark, wishing the whole time that I had managed to get a second arrow into him. And no, I never did recover him.
I think I'm sold on the idea of a second or third arrow if possible. Yeah, I guess I might risk spooking them into a longer recovery, but there's the risk not having quite the shot you thought you made and no recovery.
i try too put as many as i can in turkeys or deer.i shot a big gobbler this spring and got three off on him,one dopped him and the second took out his neck and the third i hit my boot and shot over him..if a friends deer comes by after being shot ill shoot it too....
My first trad deer I gut shot at 18 yards. Luckily for me, he only went 15 yards, left to right and stopped at 15 yards. I already had an arrow nocked and sent that one true, through both lungs.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c318/b1r9i6a6n/Recurvebuck9pt7.jpg)
Wingnut,
By the way, I congratulate you on asking this question. This is just the type of discussion bowhunters need to engage in, especially for the benefit of folks who haven't been in such a position yet. These are the kinds of "what would you do" discussions I've had (and continue to have) with my son as he grew into a fine bowhunter.
Don't get it, what's the difference between the first or the fifth shot as long as they're still within your confident range?
Have had extra shots many times and will keep launching arrows as long as they're within my range.
Had second shots where deer would come back and smell the first arrow to determine what spooked them.
As a kid, emptied my quiver at a nice buck while on stand during a late season January deer drive. It was during my compound days and six-arrow quivers. Will never forget it, and probably others I was with won't either...8^) I'd shoot...miss...he'd spook back towards the drivers. Get nervous after a minute or so as the drivers closed, and again come my way. I'd shoot again, and again he'd spook back. Over and over until I was out of arrows...8^) By the time I nocked my last arrow, I was shaking so bad I could barely keep the arrow on the shelf...8^) Never did cut a hair, and ironically after my last shot once the drivers were extremely close he cut back between them. Hey, he didn't get past me...8^)
...and personally, if blood is drawn on the any shot, I'll empty the quiver (and have before) until the quarry is recovered.
I think this is one of those "It depends" questions.
Mostly I am with ChuckC. If the shot is good, let the deer stand there and die. Why take a chance on an iffy blood trail if you don't have to?
If you're not sure of the shot, then definitely try, try again. Inside or outside your comfort zone.