I'm a newbie to Traditional bowhunting and am basically self teaching as I go. Much Of my info comes from this site as I try new things read from these pages.
In doing so, you have to keep yourself realistic to your abilities.
Last night I decided to go for a hunt and look for a fallow deer. I soon found a small group way up on an open hill enjoying a bit of sun after a week of rain. I needed to detour around the back of the hill for the wind, a walk of about 2 mile, but soon I was approaching their last position.
They weren't there, but I soon picked up their tracks and followed them over a rise, where I spotted this guy feeding about 50 meters away.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/shankspony_photos/IMG_0755_zpsd5ca9781.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/shankspony_photos/media/IMG_0755_zpsd5ca9781.jpg.html)
He would have been tasty, but there was no cover to close the distance.
I suspected he was an outrider to the main Buck. Its the rut , or the end of it anyway, so I crawled forward to look over a small rise.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/shankspony_photos/IMG_0756_zps77ad4830.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/shankspony_photos/media/IMG_0756_zps77ad4830.jpg.html)
There they all were about 30 yards below me.
Trouble was i am only comfortable in my abilities to 20. I lay and watched, hoping one would stand and walk up hill, but soon enough an errant gust of wind ruined it for me.
After they were gone I took 2 shots at a grass tuft where the buck had been lying. The shots went true.
If you had any doubt whatsoever, you made the right choice to not shoot.
cool looking deer.
Shank,
Any hunt that doesn't end in a wounded deer was a successful one, whether you decided to shoot or not.
Great decision, it looks like you're on the right path.
Awesome photos.
A self imposed limit is a good thing. Especially if its conservative.You did right. Its much easier to hit when your not dumping adadrenaline. Keep after them and show us the results when you connect.
Chris
NOT!! You did the right thing. Stick with it, it'll happen at some point. Good Luck
You did a good thing.
Besides I don't know what poundage are arrow you are shooting, but I don't like the angle on the bedded buck for a 30 yard shot IMO.
I think you made the right call
Getting within 30 yards is an accomplishment in itself, keep after them and it will come together. Good luck and great photos!
Yeah, I know from past experience that a good day on the hill can be ruined by a bad shot. I'm in no hurry, actually enjoying the process of learning to be proficient.
I applaud your caution! Only take that shot if your family is starving.
Shankspony. X2 on the applause for not taking a shot that you are unsure of! :thumbsup: !
Shank, You keep those standards! Congradulations on a great stalk. Success is measured by many things. You were successful. We are proud of you and I know you will be get one of those critters. Thanx for the excellent pictures.
Shank, you did the right thing by not taking a shot you were unsure of. :clapper:
Ya done good, Shank!!! I am envious of not only having fallow deer to hunt, but having terrain-we have only flat in Delaware.
You made the right decision which was much easier to swallow than having to live with wounding a deer. You will get him next time. Thanks for sharing!
:thumbsup: