Well I have scheduled my first bow hunt for next Saturday. I'm excited and nervous, all at the same time. The thing that is bugging me is how to deal with first time emotions; from being in the stand for the first time and, if I'm lucky enough to put one/two on the ground, how I'll deal with the knowledge that I just harvested an animal. I love and respect animals, as I'm sure many of us do and would never take one in cold blood or allow it to die in vain but how do you folks who, like me, started hunting later in life deal with those first time emotions?
later in life? how late? Anyway, my advice to you is to focus more on being safe, enjoying each moment in the woods, and learning from every trip. Though it is about killing a deer/bear or whatever, don't over think that. If you have been practicing and know this is what you want to do, then when the time comes, you'll be ready. However, control your breathing, focus on one spot on the deer NOT the whole deer. Are you familiar with where to shoot a deer (anatomy wise)? do you know not to take quartering to shots? Don't rush, the deer don't know you are there and they will still be there in 30sec so, take you time. Wait for a clean shot. Just have fun and there really is no way to control the adrenalin rush.
Ok so not really "later" in life. I'm only 30. LOL Just didn't get my start until recently. No one in my family hunts so its been all by my lonesome for now. Thanks for the advice. I go through these moments where "will I squeeze the trigger" or "will I regret this" come into play. Usually I bounce back and remember why I wanted to start hunting in the first place: to be outdoors and feed my family; but as it gets closer to go time, I get a little more anxious. My over-analytical brain gets me in trouble at times. At this point in time, I'm just ready to get away from a computer desk (regular 8-5) and out into the woods.
Hunting isn't for everyone. I started hunting in my early 20's. I'm 30 now. I love it. Do you know how to field dress (gut) a deer? Do you like the taste of deer meat? What makes you want to go hunting? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure you really WANT to kill an animal. Because if you don't then, why hunt? just go camping. If you do, but you feel weird or anxious about it that's normal. It's something you've never done before. Do you have anyone in your area that can help you? are you signing up for an outfitter? are you bowhunting or rifle hunting?
If you are fortunate enough to take one, sit down and take it all in. A few things to remember for your first hunt: -be safe -be sure of your shot, don't rush it -after you shoot try and focus on what the deer does (how'd it react, where'd it run) -note a few landmarks where you last saw it, before you get down Most importantly, enjoy yourself out there! Good luck buddy
I got lucky and had a buddy who bow hunts and he got me into in it since like you non of my family hunts i got into when i was about 17 and im 19 now and ill be doing this for as long as possible
I've only watched videos of field dressing. No hands on experience. I'm sure I'll be a little green around the gills the first time I have the experience of doing it but can get over that quickly. I LOVE venison! The reason I want to hunt is for meat, for a variety of reasons from better grade meat to harvesting my own food. In short, more control of my own livelihood, knowing where my food comes from, etc. I think, just my opinion, people would have more respect for what they eat if they were charged with harvesting and processing their own food rather than just picking out a cellophane package. The whole "get back to our heritage" thing. I want to hunt and really strive to learn what I can about the sport, I think its just first time jitters. I'm going with a guide this time out as I'm new to this particular area and since its my first time hunting. Then I'm meeting up with some bowhunters in the piedmont NC for a hunt in a few weeks. Learning from anyone who's willing to give me some time in the woods. I'll be bowhunting. Not much of a gun person so I'll stick to archery for now.
First time jitters?! You'll get them every day out if you're lucky, its a great feeling. I've hunted a few years now and each time on the walk to my stand or blind my heart beats outta my chest. Every time you see a deer, even out of shooting range, it's a feeling better than any red bull could jolt you with. And your first kill....enjoy it. That feeling never goes away. Stay safe, shoot straight and enjoy the woods. Best of luck to you.
I am sharing this experience with you. I am 29, and although I have hunted in many other forms, for birds, turkey, and deer, this is my first year bowhunting for deer. I did previously bowhunt for hogs in another state. I can't wait. I am trying to get out hunting this Sunday, and then this Tuesday and Wednesday. I honestly can't wait to slay something. It is beautiful, rejoice in the kill because you have done it responsibly. You educated yourself, and you are taking one more step towards controlling what you consume and where it came from. You shouldn't have any negative feelings about that. I am an avid animal lover, I have two dogs, and I'm getting a third. 2 of them are bird dogs and that experience from raising a puppy to training to shooting pheasants and other birds is awesome. I've never been more excited for a hunting season before in my life. I've gutted a deer a handful of times, but every time you do it is new to you. Things change, techniques, instruments, etc. Have fun with it, and take it all in. Relax, and let that arrow fly into backstrap paradise. *excuse the Ted Nugent-esque tone haha*
It is normal to be nervous or anxious the first time you go out to harvest a deer. After that first kill, your eyes are opened to so mch more and things that you didn't even think about. If you ask most any of us that have been hunting for a long time, you are always nervous about something when you go out...anxiety is a good thing. It makes sure you are remembering everything, keeping yourself in check so when the opportunity presents itself you are ready and prepared. Enjoy the kill, after you let that arrow fly...soak it up! It is a feeling that only gets more amazing with each kill. As long as you harvest your animal ethically, and don't waste it...there is no reason to feel "bad" about killing a deer. The animals job is to provide as food and our job is to be ethical and harvest it in a quick and respectful fashion!
To the OP, this was my first season hunting and I was wondering the same thing you were about if I woul have the nerve to take the shot. And guess what, I did. I was shaking for at least 45 minuets after I released my arrow. There is a period of about 30 seconds that I do not remember and that was right around the time I released. I am thankful I didn't let him get away because that was a golden opportunity in an area that had not seen any deer for months. One lesson I learned is that you have to be prepared for after the kill as much as everything leading up to it. If you enjoy watching shows and videos of people hunting then you will enjoy hunting as well. Being that I just went through a very similar situation, I am here to tell you that you will be ok with harvesting a deer. I'm not one who enjoys watching or knowing about animals suffering, but I also know that I love venison an shoulder mounts, both of which this deer gave me. If you want, pm me and I'll send you a video of my deer kill.
I myself have only bow hunted for about 7or8 years. But that first time i saw a deer come towards me felt my knees start to shake and butterflies are not even close to what i would say my stomach was doing i new this style of hunting is for me. Its a crazy thing for many of us you cant stop thinking about that feeling when your arrow leaves your string you see your broadhead hit and you know all that hard work has paid off. Go slow. Take your time and be patient let it all come together. When it becomes time to draw your bow down on your first deer you will no if you can let that arrow go or not. Iv taken a few people out that thought they could kill a deer and just didnt let the arrow fly but still shoot there bow and very much enjoy venison. Good luck
Thanks for the encouragement guys. I'm sure I'll be fine. I've always been a fan of hunting shows/videos and always wished I could do it. Now to be in a place where I can is pretty cool feeling. I hope the excitement never goes away and I will definitely use what I harvest, as much as I can get out of it, certainly. Thanks again!
