Too much Caution Maybe maybe not???

[shankspony]

I'm a newbie to Traditional bowhunting and am basically self teaching as I go. Much Of my info comes from this site as I try new things read from these pages.
In doing so, you have to keep yourself realistic to your abilities.

Last night I decided to go for a hunt and look for a fallow deer. I soon found a small group way up on an open hill enjoying a bit of sun after a week of rain.  I needed to detour around the back of the hill for the wind, a walk of about 2 mile, but soon I was approaching their last position.
They weren't there, but I soon picked up their tracks and followed them over a rise, where I spotted this guy feeding about 50 meters away.


He would have been tasty, but there was no cover to close the distance.
I suspected he was an outrider to the main Buck. Its the rut , or the end of it anyway, so I crawled forward to look over a small rise.

There they all were about 30 yards below me.
Trouble was i am only comfortable in my abilities to 20. I lay and watched, hoping one would stand and walk up hill, but soon enough an errant gust of wind ruined it for me.

After they were gone I took 2 shots at a grass tuft where the buck had been lying. The shots went true.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

If you had any doubt whatsoever, you made the right choice to not shoot.

cool looking deer.

[ThePushArchery]

Shank,

Any hunt that doesn't end in a wounded deer was a successful one, whether you decided to shoot or not.

Great decision, it looks like you're on the right path.

Awesome photos.

[akaboomer]

A self imposed limit is a good thing. Especially if its conservative.You did right. Its much easier to hit when your not dumping adadrenaline.  Keep after them and show us the results when you connect.

Chris

[Sean B]

NOT!!  You did the right thing.  Stick with it, it'll happen at some point.  Good Luck

[awbowman]

You did a good thing.  

Besides I don't know what poundage are arrow you are shooting, but I don't like the angle on the bedded buck for a 30 yard shot IMO.

[wscruggs]

I think you made the right call

[wooddamon1]

Getting within 30 yards is an accomplishment in itself, keep after them and it will come together. Good luck and great photos!

[shankspony]

Yeah, I know from past experience that a good day on the hill can be ruined by a bad shot. I'm in no hurry, actually enjoying the process of learning to be proficient.

[Bjorn]

I applaud your caution! Only take that shot if your family is starving.

[rbcorbitt]

Shankspony.  X2 on the applause for not taking a shot that you are unsure of!      !

[fmscan]

Shank, You keep those standards! Congradulations on a great stalk. Success is measured by many things. You were successful. We are proud of you and I know you will be get one of those critters. Thanx for the excellent pictures.

[T-Bowhunter]

Shank, you did the right thing by not taking a shot you were unsure of.    

[SELFBOW19953]

Ya done good, Shank!!!  I am envious of not only having fallow deer to hunt, but having terrain-we have only flat in Delaware.

[VictoryHunter]

You made the right decision which was much easier to swallow than having to live with wounding a deer. You will get him next time. Thanks for sharing!

[maineac]