Hey everyone, I'm not really expecting any replies to this, but I just felt like saying it. I'm not a seasoned hunter, my father wasn't big into hunting, and I've only recently gotten into hunting (rifle included) in the last 5 years. I've hunted a bit before that, but never seriously. I started taking hunting more seriously after moving to Kentucky because a lot of my local friends out here take hunting very seriously. I love hunting, I feel very peaceful when I'm out in the woods, and for me, it's my escape from this crazy world. I enjoy rifle hunting a great deal, but recently I've gotten into bow hunting. I've never taken a deer with a bow (yet), but I've been out a few times with a bow. Bow hunting has taken everything I love about hunting and has given me a fulfillment that I find difficult to put into words. Without sounding crazy, it's almost spiritual for me. It's so nice to be able to go into the woods and not have that beautiful silence broken by an ear shattering blast from a high powered rifle. I feel much closer to everything I'm doing in the woods. With a bow, I have to get up close to the game, I have to mind the wind, scent, and my movement much more than I would with a rifle. As I mentioned before, I've never taken a deer with a bow (yet), and I don't really even mind. I feel much more satisfied actually "hunting", even if that means jumping up a deer with my movement and watching it run off. I would be THRILLED to get a deer with a bow this year, but I'm enjoying the whole experience more than anything. Cheers guys.
Good luck to you this season and i know what you mean about bow hunting being so much more relaxing (and not freezing your @$$ off!!!) i just got my first bow kill this season after 4 years of bow hunting it is a awesome feeling!
Welcome to sport or as I put it (lifestyle) of bowhunting. It's truly an addictive passion. One thing I can tell you in my 10 plus years of hunting is that you always are learning something new. And that's really important. To not think you know it all cuz the second you do, the deer or nature or weather or your equipment ect. will prove you wrong. Keep that in mind. Also if there is one thing you can do is practice, practice, practice. You see as bowhunters I feel we have a responsibilty and obligation to be ethical. We need to be respectful of nature and of other hunters. This might sound little like a lecture, however I really don't intend for it to mean that way. Just one bowhunter giving another advice. Good luck this season, shoot straight, and be safe!
Good luck to you! I have not been a bowhunter for more than 5 years either. I was fortunate enough to take a deer my 5th or 6th time in the woods. It was actually my birthday weekend, so that was cool. One piece of advice I can give you... The first time a deer comes in within bow range, your heart is gonna be pumping like CRAZY! Take long slow breaths and exhale through your nose. This helps me stay calm so I can make a steady shot. Be patient and make sure you wait for the right shot placement. All of this may be obvious to you but it's hard to do when you've got a rush like what bowhunting gives you. You'll see. After you take the shot and if you see the deer go down, then you can be excited all you want lol.
Words to live by, I havent shot a deer yet. I got drawn back on a doe last season and I got the shakes so bad I missed her. The next time I get the opportunity I will hopefully be able to contain myself.
Welcome to bowhunting!! I know what you mean, sitting in a tree is 'my time'. It's when I get to recharge my batteries, so to speak. After the stress of everyday life thru the off season, I finally get some time to relax recharge. I love watching the sunrise and sunset in the full beauty of nature. The sounds of life from all around me while in the woods. It gives me the feeling of being just that much closer to God while I'm out there. He always gives me something special to see, it's just whether or not I'm paying attention enough to catch it. Good luck this season. Your first deer with a bow will be something you cherish for years and years to come
That happened to me on the second deer I drew back on after I had already claimed my first one. She came into my friends food plot very early one morning before daylight and I drew back on her and was unable to see my pins. She was looking right at me. When she put her head down again I let the cam rest on my leg to take some of the pressure off of my arm but she kept looking up at me. After what seemed like forever I could not hold full draw anymore and was busted when I tried to let the string down as easily as I could. She ran off and within one minute I would have had enough light to make the shot. 18 yards broadside too. I got down, went inside and went back to bed pissed at myself. It's very hard to stay calm and wait for the right moment. I'm too new to bowhunting to know if it gets any easier with experience. I guess you just have to keep at it.
