This past saturday was pa opener.Ihad a another stand i found a nice spot to put it just outside an apple orchord.stand was placed 3wks ago.it was a 2 man stand with a rifle rail that you can fold behind you.while sitting just before daylite i was thinking about folding it behind me should a chance for a shot arise.but i 2nd guessed my self or it was stupidityi let the rail out in front of me .about 1 hour goes by i see some brown moving in .i stand up bow ready deer gets closer shooter 8pt and a smaller buck trailing.getting ready for the shot 8pt walks in at 17-18 yrds stops on trail head down quartin away everthing is perfect so far then i drew my bow .then the bottom limb hits the shootin rail.had to pause to got better footing .thought i was clear of rail.drew anchor apon release bottom limb hits rail shot was 10in over back of the best 8pt i had the chance to draw on since trad bow hunting.well i educated 2 bucks with one shot.after that disapointment stayed in my head all day long.well i guess it was stupidity ill never make that mistake twice {happy huntin and good luck to all}
Well join the club Chub.We all do it in one form or another from time to time.The good news is you had a great experience,obviously picked a good stand placement and learned something for future use.You may get another crack at that deer.Hope to hear more.Good luck.
You'll get him next time! All you can do is shake your head and move on to the next hunt. Thanks for sharing!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
It's called "live and learn". I guarantee you won't make the same mistake like that again.
When I build a ground blind, I make sure nothing can interfere with my limbs, either drawing the arrow or when the arrow is released.
I think most everyone that has hunted very long has some kind of story like that. Don't worry about it. You had a clean miss, which is way better than a bad hit anyday. These things usually happen for a reason. Maybe you will see a bigger one later on? It just was not your turn to get one that day.
Bisch
Sorry but that would be a no brainer, they get in your way with a bow, that is why they are not called a bow rail. Shawn
Bad choices make good experience. It's saved to file.
one thing about it, i bet ya never do it again!
Perhaps the next buck may even be nicer since you will be ready.
There will be other shot opportunities....
Was there was any damage done to your bow?
no kirk i was happy no damage to the bow .i was glad it was a clean miss rather then wounding that beauty buck.
Don't feel bad. Had almost the same thing happen to me couple weeks ago out of a new ladder stand I hadn't shot out of before. But it was the arm rest in the way on a shot to the 7 o'clock position from the way the stand was facing. Took out a crescent wrench and pliers and took the arm rests off as soon as the buck walked off. lol
Chain-on stands like the millenium are easier to shoot out of by the way.