Ive been hangin around here for a while now, and I haven't really told a lot about myself, this is my 2nd full season bow hunting whitetails. Last season and half a season before that I shot a Mathews Q2. I was a decent shot, I would have 2-3 inch groups. I was very confident with that bow. Well this September I bought a new Creed, basically because I got a very good deal on it (100 bucks under cost), from a dealer that was separating from Mathews because he couldn't meet the quota on Mathews brand bows. I put a Spot Hogg on it, a QAD Ultra Rest HDX, the Mathews brand quiver, bought Carbon Express Blue Streak Selects, well, in the first 2 weeks having it, I went through a pack of CS, couldn't figure out why. Took the bow to Scheels, and they told me that the sight was broken, and switched it out, then while they were putting that one on, they found out that one was broken too. So come to find out, the sight was off, which was why I was shooting so bad. Fast forward to October, Im out the first weakend its open, Im on my land, in my stand and I put Nocturnels on my arrows the day before I went out. Im sitting there an hour into my first sit, and I have 4 does coming in, they come all the way to 5, 8, 10, 12 yards. Im pulling back on the last one, and the Nocturnel pops out of the arrow. Think eh whatever its a fluke, I let her walk, threw another arrow on and she was at 37 yards and I let if fly, and she ducks it.... Oh well its first weekend. Next couple times Im out don't see anything. Fast forward to Nov 11th/12th Im out and on vacation from work for 3 days, I go to my spot, sitting in the stand and I have a lone doe come down, she stops at 22 yards. Turns perfectly broadside and I let one fly, and it goes under her, because I've got buck fever so bad i would guess. Either one of these would be my first deer. She didnt blow, didn't run away just stood there and trotted another 10 yard back. Im mad because I missed right now, so instead of just letting her go like i should have and sat still, I start moving, throw another arrow on, and she's blowing while Im doing this, I shoot at her out of sheer spite and frustration. I had the following Monday/Tuesday off to for vacation trying to get peak rut sits. Well, after that first week off I didn't want to go again. And I haven't been out again since. Hadn't touched or even thought about my bow since that Monday. Well thanksgiving rolls around I and bring it home so my cousin can shoot it, because he's looking at getting a new bow. So he's shooting it, and shows me how to shoot better. It works. I shot probably about 100 arrows today from 20-40 yards and I was shooting really well. I am very pleased and I am re energized for the second half of the archery season. My groups were practically on top of each other all afternoon. I will be out after shotgun season with my buddy who will be back from Army training. Im pretty excited, and I am confident in my shooting and my bow again. It will feel nice to get this monkey off my back of not taking a deer. Thanks for any advice or whatever. Mike
Bowhunting is not easy. It took me 2-3 years of bowhunting before I got my first deer. If you are seeing deer and getting them in range, you are doing something right, even compared to the most experienced bowhunter. There is nothing else you can do besides work hard.
I know how you feel. I had a shot at three different deer this season and missed everyone. Be persistent youll get yourself one soon enough.
I'm on my 4th year bow hunting and have yet to shoot a deer with my bow. I drew on a doe 3 times tonight but never had a shot. Keep your head up. Sooner or later you will get the drop on one
Practice a lot, and then practice some more. Practice from stands with your hunting clothes on. Practice with your broadheads. Do not change anything about your setup the day before a hunt. When a deer comes in range stay as calm as possible, pick the right pin for the distance, pick a tiny spot on the deer to aim at, don't just shoot at the whole deer. Aim at the lower third of the deer so if it drops at the shot you will still hit the kill zone. Have a shot sequence to follow, memorize it, and consciously follow every step, every shot you take when you practice, so when you are shooting at a deer you don't have to think about the actual shot, it should just happen. This way all you have to do is decide the distance, pick the right pin, and put it on the tiny spot you want to hit, and let the rest happen almost by reflex. Sorry for rambling on, keep at it, it will happen.
Keep going it only gets better. Season after season you will get better and know what to look for for making a hunt go without any flukes. Your in the right direction.
Don't worry I'm going through the frustration too. Had a trophy 10-pt walk right where I wanted him, put it on and made a awful shot but still hit, lost blood trail.... This is also my first year out and still going for my first deer. It's pretty frustrating but it'll all work out soon. We all gotta keep hope, next one my just be right around the corner.
Great post! This happened to me and my first deer. Practiced all summer long, it was just second nature by the time I drew on the deer. I saw it, drew, all the sudden it was running away with an arrow in both lungs. To be honest I don't even remember looking through the peep on the deer...it just sorta...happened!
Been there too... it gets better... just keep at it and RELAX... there are guys on here that kill one every few years. It's okay. It'll happen when it happens.
I agree with what many stated and all great responses. I learned a long time ago that's why they call it Deer Hunting and not Deer Killing.... I still wonder how the Native Americans did it so well.... LoL < Ps 46: 1 >
Did you broadhead tune because that could be a part of the reason why you are shooting well with your field points but not out in the field Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Field points are like shooting a .22 rifle...it's fun for target and plinking but almost completely pointless beyond that. I practice completely with a set of mock hunting arrows and nothing else. I stopped shooting groups and shoot at inividual target spots on my 3D deer and block because of ruining flethings and arrows but it works. When I get a new bow I try to get my fieldpoints and broadheads to shoot the same but after that I never use the FP's. Judging (guessing) yardages is another possible problem. I'm generally good at guessing yardage but since I started using a rangefinder I'm far more confident. I don't range every deer, I range spots in all my shooting lanes so I already know the yardage in any acceptable shooting scenario or a reasonable point of reference for any spot around me from my stand.
its called a learning experience. This bow season I didn't even get to draw on a deer . two hunts into buck season ive had the chance to take 4 does . who can figure. keep hanging in there your time will come .
