First shot ever...a Big miss!

[dirtguy]

OK, I've come late to the game here, as in I'm 50 years old and just started bow hunting a couple years ago when my older son got interested.  He insisted on Trad, and that was fine with me.  We did a lot of home work, found a mentor, started on state land, later got access to private land,saw a lot of deer, but neither of us got a shot until last evening.

I was still hunting along a well used trail, about 15 to 20 yards away, wind coming to me.  I was stopped with tree behind me, completely covering my silhouette.  I heard steps coming down the trail, and the biggest buck I've seen yet is coming.  Twelve points, very tall tines.  I may be crazy, but I swear he was gray around the muzzle (Do they get gray?).  20 paces away he stops and now he looks nervously at me.  Hesitates, turns back down the trail, walks, stops, turns his head and I let fly - underneath him!

     

Even though I missed, that was the best time I've had in a long while!  I will be out there every available minute!

[ranger 3]

Just remember to pick a spot or better yet a hair and don't shoot at the whole deer. You will get him the next time, good luck.

[magnus]

Welcome to the club. It's an awful feeling to miss but that's what keeps us coming back. It's addicting! Good luck!

Magnus

[Hill Hunter]

been there done that, keep at it and you will connect.

[Bud B.]

You missed an older deer. It's been my experience that deer do get grayer with age, kinda like an old dog. If you see more distinct gray around the muzzle, you've likely got an old timer in sight.

Consider it a gift to have just seen him. They don't get old just out of sheer luck. but in this case we'll say he did...  

Go back. He's most likely still in that area.

[Bonebuster]

Chalk it up to experience.

Seasoned bowhunters, with dozens of successfull hunts behind them, have done/will continue to do EXACTLY what you did. Ain`t it great!  :D

[Mudd]

I'd say you're in the ranks of some of the finest hunters and bow shots out there now...lol

I think it's a wonderful experience for you other wise you might have come away thinking "This is way too easy!" , yeah! right!..lol

Don't be discouraged just keep going and things will settled down for you.

Congratulations on your encounter.

I'd be willing to be that it's something you won't soon forget.

God bless,Mudd

[reddogge]

Consider you did everything right just to get a close shot at a beast like that.  Take solace in that thought.

[JimB]

Congratulations on a great encounter and for having the wisdom to appreciate it.They do get gray and one has to do a lot of things right just to get a look at a creature like that,let alone on foot at bow range.

When we get close to big game it can be quite a mind scrambling event.It is so different than calmly shooting targets in the back yard.It is hard to pick a spot and put together all the elements of a good shot under those circumstances but you will learn to somewhat control all that.

This endeavor is as much or more about the journey than it is about putting meat in the freezer.You already seem to grasp that.I am very impressed.

[varmint101]

lol I did the same thing my first shot only mine was over her back.  Funny thing was she milled around and I got another shot and made good on it the 2nd time.

Keep at it!  It's fun!!!!!!!

[hitman]

Welcome to the great world of trad hunting. If it was easy everyone would do it. Rewards will come, just keep at it.

[BRONZ]

Originally posted by ranger 3:
Just remember to pick a spot or better yet a hair and don't shoot at the whole deer.

Everyone of us makes this mistake from time-to-time, and it usually leads to misses.  The intensity of the moment causes us to forget to focus and "aim small".  The adrenaline rush is one of the many reasons we're out there though.  Congrats on a great experience!  

[Kip]

Change your handle to heart guy or lungsguy.Gotta help.I know how you feel by the way.  

[calgarychef]

The first time you shot at a target I bet you missed too.  Unfortunately there is no real world way to practice on live targets under hunting conditions.  Hunt lots and it'll all come together.  

Did I evet tell you about the time I missed a whole moose at 15 yards..........?

the chef

[59Alaskan]

Getting that close to that old of a deer is a fabulous hunt.  Think through what you did wrong and what you did right  You know that old buck is doing the same.

[amazonjim]

Woodsman ship is far better than a good shot you will get another chance.

that old buck made the first mistake, by letting you get that close, just think; it may have been the closest he's ever been to a hunter, and he's lucky to walk away.  you both probobly will remember that for awhile.. he's still there, go get him... good luck

[bolong]

It happens to everybody, don't let it get you down. Good luck on the next one.

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I'll take a clean miss over a bad hit any day and be thankful for the encounter..

[Blasterjdh]

Sound like you were doing everything right...except for the pick your spot portion.. Great job at getting within range. I bet you were excited...