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Post by windingwinds on Nov 9, 2014 18:40:50 GMT -5
So walked into woods tonight sort of late, around 4:20 p.m.(had to get some wrestling shoes for oldest boy). Spooked a deer as I started to walk in. Decided to back off since wind wasn't right and still hunt edge of woods. Watched squirrels go nuts. Was getting dark, about 5:10 p.m. small deer walking my way (at this point I am smelling backstrap cooking). Wait for broadside shot.....I miss, way low. She trotted back about 20 yards back the way she came but still very close. I take my second arrow and draw back. As I release arrow hits a small branch and doe doesn't react, simply trots off about a minute after shot. I wait about ten minutes, find first arrow as I expect, no blood. It was dark enough I didn't manage to find second arrow, but I am almost certain I missed with second shot. Going to get out tomorrow morning and search thoroughly for second arrow to be sure I missed and check for any signs of doe. I will be happy enough if it was a clear miss. At least I had the chance, I went and checked my shots on my target, I was dead on target. Disappointed with myself, and probably will leave compound in the house next time.
Is it possible I did hit her, has anyone had a harvest that the deer didn't really react but go off and die?? Every deer I have ever shot always ran off to die. Not sure how much sleep I will get tonight.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2014 18:49:29 GMT -5
The buck I killed today never ran...that is until I jumped him after thinking he was dead. He jumped at the shot, then slowly walked off...stopped for a minute, walked a little further and laid down. Never had one do that before.
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Post by omegahunter on Nov 9, 2014 19:39:51 GMT -5
My first bow kill acted like it was a swing and a miss except I could see the arrow sticking out of her as she turned around and walked away. She went about 40 yards which just took her over the hill and out of sight where she fell dead.
Saw one on an old bowhunting video that showed no reaction at all. Just walked on about 10 steps and just tipped over.
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Post by GS1 on Nov 9, 2014 19:48:36 GMT -5
I shot one with a muzzleloader once at 10 yards that just kept walking. I could see where I hit and he never reacted at all until right before he fell over. Then he just stopped and wobbled a little bit.
I would get some lighted nocks.
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Post by Woody Williams on Nov 9, 2014 19:51:54 GMT -5
I've killed a number of critters that jumped more at the sound of the bow than the strike of the arrow. A few jumped and bolted less than ten yards, stopped turned to look back as to say "What was that noise" and do the tip over and die on the spot.
Ticking a limb - I'd say it's a miss, but like you said you never know so recovery of the arrow is important.
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Post by windingwinds on Nov 10, 2014 9:34:39 GMT -5
Found my 2nd arrow a few feet from creek, a couple yards short of where deer was standing. No blood but from spot arrow is I am sure not a hit. Glad I followed my instincts and backed off, she never seen me or was flustered too much. She hopefully will hang around and attract some bucks. She was number 5 of deer seen this season. I've tried lighted nocks in the past, for whatever reason I had trouble with them activating. I won't be carrying compound for a couple weeks now until I'm sure it was just buck fever and a branch that made me miss. Now it's more important to get some meat in freezer, and ideally my boys get their first deer. If I have to wait another season for a archery harvest so be it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2014 9:38:53 GMT -5
I admire your decision. If you aren't completely confident in your weapon, it's best to not use it until you are. I always use the weapon I am MOST confident in which is legal at the time. For that reason, I went to a crossbow. I am not about challenging myself to do things the tougher way when the life of an animal hangs I the balance.
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