Well, after 25 years of hunting intermittently with a compound bow, I bought a Hoyt Dorado recurve 3 years ago. I think I owned every manufacture of compound bows, looking for the "magic fix" for my competition shooting and hunting. My dad was a NFAA archer in the 60s. I have seen him shoot pennies from the air. I decided that trad archery was something that I wanted to return to since I first shot a recurve when I was 10 years old.
I had no luck hunting public land the first year. Last year I stepped up to the plate and bought a Blacktail Elite VL 52 lbs at 28 inches from Norm Johnson. The 15 month wait was worth it. I joined a lease with some family members in South Louisiana. We hunt a pine plantation with some hard woods. On 10/19/2012 a small doe came into the oak flat at 0740. I think this was the same animal I missed 2 weeks ago, because she looked right at the stand. I shot 2 inches over the deers back on 10/2/2012. Well we played "catch me if you can". This deer did everything she could to get me to move. She finally relaxed and another deer came in. Now I have two deer to deal with. After 7 or 8 minutes I pulled back on the closest deer, reached anchor, released a Beman MFX 600 with at 125 grain VPA 3 blade head. The arrow hit the deer in the flank just in front of the rear leg. I think she tried to move forward upon reacting to the shot. This deer walked 50 feet, stood still and laid down. Now the shakes begin. After shaking 20 minutes, I climbed down and looked for my arrow. I could not find it at first, but saw the deer taking her last breaths. I was unable to place another arrow in her because of the thick vegetation and I did not want to spook her and have her run. She laid her head down within 30 or 40 seconds of me seeing her. I still gave her time, thanked the Good Lord and realized what had just happened. I later found my arrow. A complete pass through. The VPA did an impressive job. I now have accomplished something I longed to do for years. Taking a deer with a traditional bow is a unique experience, one that can't be explained easily. Thanks for all the advice on this forum. I do apologize, I don't have any pictures to do this justice. Will pack the camera next time. Hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did sharing it.
Woohoooo. Welcome home.
Great job!
congrats... :thumbsup: I too am a recent convert to trad archery and I hope to have the same experience.
Congrats!
I think the biggest lesson we can all learn is pick a spot. I feel that the first encounter may have been a lesson in making sure I pick a spot. It was a miss at 15 yards. The day I finally came through I had focus and connected at 23 yards, but who counts yardage, this is traditional archery.
Way to go! I had a nice 8 point 20 yards from me toward the end of light the other night. Wasn't sure of the shot since it was dark. Have yet to loose an arrow at deer with a trad bow. Just switched in march. Hoping to mimic you. It's a lot of fun!
out standing!!!
I had a doe jump the string last year and I had the same hit. Not my choice but it put her down. I know she jumped the string because the chest was the only part of her not blocked by brush and tree trunks at release. Congrats!
Good job. The experience can only make you a better hunter
Nice job Congratulations
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Congradulations-Hap
Congratulations. I know that feeling you mentioned. Good job.
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Congratulations!
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congradulations, welcome to real bowhunting.
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Big congrats from another "kajun archer" LOL
Sounds like we're not far from each other! (Lafayette)
Mark,
I live in Breaux Bridge, LA. For years I hunted Sherburne and Thistlewaithe. Hard public land hunting. Did a little hunting on the Atchafalaya, but the squirrel hunters in the lease I was in did not particularly favor bowhunters. Glad to be with family who are die hard deer hunters and do not belittle your choice of weapons.
Congrats Vernon, good story and harvest.
Billy
Congrats on your first. :thumbsup:
Congrats on your first deer. Dave from Alabama
Good Shootn'!
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nicely done!! :thumbsup:
Congrats!