This all starts yesterday morning before work. I grabbed my bow, walked outside and took one shot at 20 yards. I was within a 1/2" of where I was looking. I felt great.
Now after work, I went to my new hunting area, climbed the same tree I was in tuesday but spun my treestand around about 120 degrees from how I was set up before. I did this because all the deer were behind me the last time I was here. Well as luck would have it, they were behind me again. Loads of them.
I finally picked out a big doe that I wanted to shoot. She comes in and offers up a 15 yard broadside shot but it didn't feel right. There was a limb just above where I wanted to hit and I figured with trajectory, I would certainly hit it. So I waited. She got into some thick stuff and emerged about 25 yards out. I pick my spot, draw hit my anchor and somewhere in this really short time frame I completely fall apart. My follow through was so bad I missed her by a good foot.
I have taken some positives from all of this. One is I identified my fault right away. Two, because my follow through sucked so bad on that shot, I got to watch the flight of my arrow and it was impeccable. Not a wobble. Three, my bow is quiet. None of the deer reacted to the shot except the one I missed. She reacted to the arrow hitting the ground but only moved a few feet.
So now I'm looking forward to saturday. I've seen a good buck each time I've sat this place. I just have to keep the mental end together.
Trad bowhunting is great, ain't it!?!
That's what usually happens to me if I have to much time...
For me I've noticed that when things happen quickly and I only have time to let instinct and training take over, I have much better success. But if I have to wait on a deer and have time to think about it, I start to fall apart.
Good Luck on your next hunt!
X2 DDawg. My best results have happened when things happen quickly with no time to really think, or start shaking.
good hunt! way to stay positive. it will happen..
Keep given'er
Bob,
Congrats on recognizing, under the heat of the moment, that bad shot angle and holding fire. Many want to force the issue and try what shouldn't be.
Kudos! :thumbsup:
Second, great attitude to "take away" positives on a miss...
I have a feeling we'll be seeing you post far more often with hero pics! Good luck!
Better a clean miss , now go kill that buck , good luck...
,,Sam,,
Thanks for sharing the frustration and joy of trad hunting. X3 for me what DDawg and highlow said. I did not know others were challenged by this too.
Everybody misses one from time to time.
Good luck next time out!
Bisch
I've dulled a few myself
This is a humbling game we play...don't get discouraged. Keep at it and Good Luck!