Yes, that's right My first year hunting with a trad bow and I'm 3 for 3. I had three shoot opportunities this year, unfortunately I missed all three. So, I'm at a 100% for the year.  It wasn't until I saw Jimmy Blackmon's video on utube, "Shooting from a tree stand", that I saw the error of my ways. So, thanks Jimmy for the instruction videos.  All my practice time was on leavel ground or from an elevated position of only 8 feet. I was hunting from a sumitt climber and was climbing to about 17 feet. I shot just over all three by just a fraction of an inch. But, I have to say it was the most fun I've had in a long time. This is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while learning all I could. This site has been a wealth of information for a new trad shooter.

This is my 2nd year, killed a big buck 1st year, was like this is easy, this year 4 misses, cold hard reality set in. Trad hunting putt me over its knee and gave me a spanking, but I have never felt so alive!!!

I sold my Matthews compound about 3 weeks ago to fund the purchase of a new Black Widow and I prob won't be buying another compound....ever. I have hunted with my recurves, have yet to shoot a deer (most have been too far away) but have shot several squirrels with it.

Can't cheat on your stickbow with a compound. ... you have to date her!!       I also got rid of everything modern years ago and went back to my recurves... never looked back.

Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey!

Pick a spot.

QuoteOriginally posted by kadbow:
Pick a spot.

Pick a lower spot.

If that don't work, pick an even lower spot.

I always have to remind myself of that.

Even misses are sweeter with a stickbow.  Congrats on the "leap".  You won't go back

I would seriously consider lowering your height in the tree.  Since moving to traditional I keep it at 10-12 ft.  reducing the step angles will help a lot.  Just a thought.

Congrats. I traded my compound for a custom hunting knife to match my longbow. Never turned back.

It is more skill than a compound is.

QuoteOriginally posted by tracker12:
I would seriously consider lowering your height in the tree.  Since moving to traditional I keep it at 10-12 ft.  reducing the step angles will help a lot.  Just a thought.

I agree with this also.  The older I get, the lower I climb.  I look for trees with a lot of back cover, or lower growth around me.  These kids at 30' are crazy, and the shot angles are extreme.  I also enjoy the experience of a deer that close.

Welcome aboard! Glad you are haveing so much fun...thats what its all about. The harvest success will come with time and experience. It sounds to me like you are already getting them in close and getting shots. That is the hardest part, the shooting mistakes will get corrected with practice like you are finding. Congrats on a great first year!

I have to say that going above 14 feet for me increases my chance of missing or wounding deer.  I prefer right around 12 feet and shots inside 20 yards.  With that shot I am going to be right in the boiler room most of the time.

^^+2  Agree completely....

I would try aiming low on your next shot, I think alot of misses are deer jumping the string. I missed or hit high on every deer I shot at with traditional equipment until I started aiming low (missed high six times in a row the first year and two the second). I aim for about 2" above the bottom of the chest now...so far so good.

Welcome to the Tribe My Friend!! Now yer Hooked!!

QuoteOriginally posted by PaulDeadringer29:
I sold my Matthews compound about 3 weeks ago to fund the purchase of a new Black Widow and I prob won't be buying another compound....ever. I have hunted with my recurves, have yet to shoot a deer (most have been too far away) but have shot several squirrels with it.

Sounds exactly like what I'm in the process of doing right now!

Welcome.. I bought my first quality trad bow 22 years ago and life was over as I knew it...