took my bow for a walk tonight looking for stumps and small game.  carried 2 broadheads just in case, as we have until January 31st in MD to hunt deer.  on my way back to my truck with 30mins of shooting light left, i hear what sounds like a deer and catch just a bit of movement, confirming what i heard.  i sneak along towards the direction of the sighting.  once within 50yds of where i think this deer should be i take a knee.  just then, i see the deer appear, looks a little stumbly (if that's even a word), and lays down about 35 yds away, which is 20yds beyond my comfort zone.  almost immediately the deer sees me.  after a brief stare-down, it gets up, stumbles again, and makes its way down a fairly steep decline.  i know for sure at this point the deer is hurt and, without any other vehicles in the parking lot, feel fairly confident that i am not running off a deer that a fellow hunter may have just shot.  instincts took over at this point and i decided to chase this deer as hard as i could.  several times i got within 30yds but opted not to shoot.  this chase lasted for what seemed like an eternity.  through briar patches, deadfalls, then ending in a half-frozen creekbed.  at one point i lost the deer completely.  made a 75yd circle then sighted it again.  at this point i eased back into the creek and took a 20yd shot that barely missed.  the deer continued down the creek and i proceeded after him with my one remaining broadhead.  after a short stalk i got within 15 yards and took another shot.  i was exhausted at this point and did not make a perfect hit, only catching what looked like one lung.  not wanting this animal to suffer any longer, i went back upstream, recovered my arrow from the earlier miss, and put another one into him.  this shot too hit nearly the exact same spot.  at this point, knowing he would expire but not as quickly as i would like, i approached him and did what i thought was right-details not necessary.  i will post pics tomorrow, but he looks to be a 1.5 year old buck whose already lost his antlers.  he was shot with a 45lb mamba and 2016 shaft tipped with 125gr woodsmen head and 125gr adapter.  both of his front legs were broken at the joint, which i assume was the work of a vehicle not too long ago.  this was not the way i envisioned my first trad harvest, but i will sleep well tonight knowing that i took this deer's life before a coyote or starvation had the chance.  thanks for reading and my apologies for such a long post.

There's nothing wrong with a taking a deer like that.

Good job!

That there was an amazing story. You are a very ethical hunter who has great respect for his quarry. Your first trad kill was perfectly legal and memorable. You should be proud.

                   

Stuff like that happens, be thankful you were around to end his suffering.. Ya did good. Sleep well tonight. More thrilling hunts will come your way.

Instead of feeding yotes the deer will feed you and yours.Things don't always work out perfect.

Congrats on your first harvest.

 job well done!!

You can be proud! Nothing wrong in taking that deer.

Well done Sir.

Good job! Now lets see those pics!

Good job taking the deer. You did what was best!!

well done!    

Good work. How did you finish him?

You did good!    

Well done      

QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
That there was an amazing story. You are a very ethical hunter who has great respect for his quarry. Your first trad kill was perfectly legal and memorable. You should be proud.

                     

I couldn't of said It better!! Congratulation's on a fine job!!

Way to go! The way things have been going for me I might have to hunt closer to the roads to get one for me! LOL.
GLENN

thanks for all of your positive feedback guys.  i will post pictures in the morning.

sounds like one I shot years ago.  Broke it's back and hit the shoulder blade with my last broadhead.  A stout hunk of dead tree near by in a baseball swing finished the deal.  Sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do.

Congrats!!

Mike

Good on you bro!!            Thanks for sharing your story!!