I have been doing this archery thing for some time now. You would think an old-timer wouldn't have to "re-learn" a known fact. Well not true.

Re-learned fact;  You can make great selfbows, you can make beautifully handcrafted footed shafts, you can make tradepoints as sharp as any razor, but if you don't make time to practice you won't make the shot.

This all stems from antelope season. I was running behind in the archery tackle making department. So I didn't make enough time to practice and lost my sight picture. Missed opportunities sent me home humbled and shooting an hour a night.

Well fast forward into elk and deer season with more practice under my belt and renewed confidence. I left work last night and made time to hunt a bowhunting only area near my home.  I spent an hour trying to sneak up on some does but got busted in the end. As I was working back towards my truck I see a doe on the opposite side of the creek valley. Another stalk was on. She was on the edge of a large grassy area where the creek bottom grass and chest high mountain mahogany came together. As I got around 60 yards from where I had last seen the deer I was easing around a corner of the opening using the tall mahogany as a hedge and cover. Just as I was seeing her rearend I heard a rock roll above me and to the right. Behind a large shrub with only ears and some hair showing was another doe. I quickly put an arrow on the string and shifted into a shooting position because this doe was between 20-25yds. She was at the max of my personnel distance but I felt I had my sight picture back. So when the doe swapped ends and stepped into the open to look back at the other deer I drew and released. It was one of those shots where you see the arrow at its apex of arc and then it disappeared into the brown of the deer, I felt good about the shot. She ran at mach-one for about 60 yards banked hard right then disappeared into a large clump of mahogany and didn't come out. It took longer to tell then for the dash to happen.  Well I found the doe right where she disappeared and couldn't be happier. Filled my doe tag with some mighty tender steaks and by Making time to practice will provide for my family.

Where she fell
 
Nice little 2-3 year old doe
 
Thankfull for the meat for the family
 
one more
 

Cool!

Awesome!

Congratulations!!  

Great story        THANKS for sharing

Thanks Guys

Here a couple more photos.

Dont let anyone tell you that a 2blade "dont leave a big hole". Hit her forward of what I wanted but devastating anyway. 1mm lower and I would have tested the strength of my tradepoint against the scapula/leg bone joint. As it was it sliced true and logde in the off chest wall not quite poking out the hide on the off side.


one of my full length hunting shafts, and what was left lodged in the off chest wall

Great job Jack.

Very inspiring Mr. Skinner, Congratulations!

Way to go Jack.  

Very much appreciate you thoughts...well stated.  I can relate for sure, and you are right, there is no subsitute for good practice.

Great shot and very nice work on your equipment!

Very nice Jack! Congrats  

Congrats!

Fantastic!  

Nice story. Congrats on the nice doe and good shot.

James

Congratulations! Very nice write up. Thanks for sharing.  

Very nice, Congrats!

awesome!

nice shooting congrats  

Congrats!!! That was a great shot!!!

Way to go good shot.

Congratulations on a fine looking doe!  You also have some good looking equipment!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin