Really poor showing

Etter · October 10, 2016, 11:28:00 AM

I had a great weekend of deer chasing but a real poor showing of skills. Friday afternoon I pulled into our club powerline and there was a doe feeding out in the open. I drove right up to her and she even let me get out of the truck and nock an arrow. At 8 yards she just looked at me occasionally while feeding. There was no way I could shoot her so I pressed on and went elsewhere. I saw no deer that evening or the next morning but saturday evening I saw eight from the tree. At 15 yards I shot at a doe and had a limb spoil the shot. Shortly after, I flat out missed another doe at about 22 yards.

The next morning I had another come in to feed and I shot her quartering away. The arrow stayed in her and she loped a few yards and then stood still and blew once. After about five seconds she took off crashing into every tree and bush she could run into. I figured she was quickly dead.

I walked transects for three hours and found nothing. No arrow and no blood. I finally called in a dog and found nothing either. First one Ive lost in a long while and it felt terrible. Ive been at traditional archery for six years and have killed bears, deer, and pigs with pretty regular success. I guess getting humbled now and again is probably a good thing.

huskyarcher · October 10, 2016, 11:31:00 AM

It happens! Keep slingin!

stagetek · October 10, 2016, 12:05:00 PM

Not sure "sligin's the answer. Maybe slowing down. Picking a tiny spot. Anchor and follow-thru. Then you might see different results.

jim phenes · October 10, 2016, 12:14:00 PM

it happens to the best im sure even ol fred bear had a few misses and wild goose chases under his belt.

huskyarcher · October 10, 2016, 01:05:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by stagetek:
Not sure "sligin's the answer. Maybe slowing down. Picking a tiny spot. Anchor and follow-thru. Then you might see different results.

Simply trying to encourage an obviously down fellow archer. Obviously said Hunter knows to "slow down", and "pick a spot", he stated he has been plenty successful in the past. Perhaps encouragement takes different forms in different parts of the country.

Etter · October 10, 2016, 01:28:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by stagetek:
Not sure "sligin's the answer. Maybe slowing down. Picking a tiny spot. Anchor and follow-thru. Then you might see different results.

That's what I'm supposed to do?? This has been quite a revelation. I normally just pull and pray.

fnshtr · October 10, 2016, 01:46:00 PM

Hang in there, everyone experiences slumps. Classy move passing the first doe. Success will be extra special when it happens, and it will happen (again).

elknutz · October 10, 2016, 02:18:00 PM

Yup that never feels good. Good luck with the rest of your season.

Etter · October 10, 2016, 03:04:00 PM

I killed a bear on opening morning. Otherwise my confidence would be truly shattered. I just hate losing one. I have never been so stymied by a situation though. She acted so sick and somehow didnt bleed a drop of blood for me or a dog to find. Very strange.

October 10, 2016, 05:07:00 PM

Sorry about that!

Hope your next outing is better!

Bisch

forestdweller · October 10, 2016, 05:19:00 PM

This is life, even rifle hunters miss deer and/or just injure them on occasion.

Thank you for being an ethical hunter and please don't beat yourself up over it.

Pointer · October 10, 2016, 06:43:00 PM

Don't be too hard on yourself...it happens to most of us. If your confidence is a bit shaken spend a little time stumping and focus on the positives...good luck!

kadbow · October 10, 2016, 06:59:00 PM

Just out of curiosity, what broadhead were you using?

Rob W. · October 10, 2016, 07:07:00 PM

A few years ago I was having an awful year. I struggled at times with my shooting and wasn't seeing deer. One morning I was thinking about leaving and decided to shoot a big fox squirrel. I missed that squirrel by about 3 feet. I decided I needed to leave and rethink what I was doing with a trad bow in my hand. Before I could get out of my stand I ended up putting an arrow through the heart of the buck in my profile pic.

Life is a Rollercoaster ride.

Etter · October 10, 2016, 07:09:00 PM

I shoot tree sharks. First time Ive ever had one not pass through an animal. The bear I killed opening day was a pass through thru both scapulas. She ran about 20 yards. Typical tree shark blood trails usually involve buying new pants but there was not a drop on this one

CoachBGriff · October 10, 2016, 08:21:00 PM

Last year I couldn't even get drawn on a deer! Then one time I finally got drawn, I spooked her before I could drop the string.

This year, it has seemed like I can do no wrong!

Keep after 'em and good luck!

kadbow · October 11, 2016, 10:32:00 AM

Wow, those sharks usually really open them up.