A good shot doesn't always mean a short recovery

buckster · January 10, 2015, 11:00:00 AM

Way to go Tim!

drewsbow · January 10, 2015, 11:06:00 AM

congrats

sticksnstones · January 10, 2015, 11:10:00 AM

Thank you Tim. This is a great write up of a situation that new bowhunters need to know about. I'm with you on posting gory pictures, but they really illustrated your point on how good a shot can look.

TBWpodcast did a great episode on one-lung recoveries. If anyone wants to hear some more on this subject after reading this, that would be a good one.
Thom

A.S. · January 10, 2015, 11:57:00 AM

Thanks again for sharing, Tim.

Hopefully, some (if not all of us) can learn a little from your story. Every time I hear someone say they hit one "perfect", yet it went a long way or they didn't recover it, I immediately think that they didn't hit it as well as they thought.

Congrats again, your perseverance is inspiring! I will buy you an adult beverage when we meet up to shoot this spring.

SheltonCreeker · January 10, 2015, 12:05:00 PM

Good story. Congrats on your recovery. Thanks for posting the results of your shot. How high was your stand? You sure hit the nail on the head saying this is a game of inches and angles. Things can look so good but the angle can get us in so much trouble. Congrats again.

Guru · January 10, 2015, 12:28:00 PM

Brother, that was an awesome hunt and write up!

Like you, I've been doing this for a long time...

I'm a firm believer that some critters are just put together a little different than others of the same species....I've seen enough both inside and out to confirm it. Couple that with the fact that some animals just have an incredible will to live and you have the ingredients for what you just experienced!

I know a lot of folks are saying one lung.....but from the photos....even with the angle, that still should have been back of near, and thru the far lung.....

But what it actually hit on that old girl...we'll just never know...

In the end all we can do is try to make the best shot as humanly possible....once the arrow is released...all bets are off.

Great job buddy....look forward to see you and the big guy soon

Mudd · January 10, 2015, 12:38:00 PM

Matty · January 10, 2015, 12:49:00 PM

Nice Tim. Great job sticking with it!

Owlgrowler · January 10, 2015, 12:58:00 PM

Way to go! I'm glad it worked out. Keeping them on their feet is sometimes the best.

You're description of the moments leading up to the shot reminded me of more than one encounter I've had recently. I'm thinking that these people savvy deer are actually looking for me, like they hear me, or, I've seen them hit my track, and then they hunt me down. If they do find me they usually go berserk and blow for an hour,...but every once in awhile one will be satisfied, back out and be fine with just knowing where I am so she can avoid me.( Or maybe disappointed that I didn't feed her! A lot of people feeding deer around here.)

January 10, 2015, 01:06:00 PM

Wow! It's crazy what they can do sometimes!

Congrats and glad you found Her!

Bisch

KentuckyTJ · January 10, 2015, 01:22:00 PM

One lung and just barely missed the heart. Good on you for braving the elements and for your tenacity of finishing what you started Brother. You are the real deal!

elkken · January 10, 2015, 01:38:00 PM

As archers we have a responsibility to the animals we hunt to show respect and gratitude for what they provide us ... good job Tim, great story and very insightful

kadbow · January 10, 2015, 01:48:00 PM

Glad it ended well! Nothing worse than losing one. Congrats.

Sockrsblur · January 10, 2015, 01:55:00 PM

Wow... tough deer. Also notable... very awesome wife!

doubleo · January 10, 2015, 01:56:00 PM

Congrats on a fine late season doe!

sheepdogreno · January 10, 2015, 03:12:00 PM

Congrats Tim! Excellent job of finishing what you started!

Bernie B. · January 10, 2015, 03:30:00 PM

Great recovery Tim. We all wish for that shot where we see them fall, but know that's not always the case. Way to hang in there to the end! Congratulations for your late season doe!

Bernie

Cyclic-Rivers · January 10, 2015, 03:33:00 PM

Well done Tim. Congrats on the big old Doe.

It amazes me how cognizant the deer are of their back trail and the scent they may leave.

I have witnessed does looping around to fool bucks and deer run patterns to shake coyotes.

mcgroundstalker · January 10, 2015, 04:44:00 PM

My thoughts keep going back to what your wife said to you about your friend Fred... Strange no one made mention of that here... I'm gonna guess his spirit was beside you during your hunt and recovery...

... mike ...

maxwell · January 10, 2015, 04:44:00 PM

Nice job Tim and Cathy, where was junior?? The deer hunting you out happens to me all the time. You done well to get her in close then making a real nice shot. Well done.