Last night was our first snow, so I headed out right after work today thinking they would be moving. Got into my stand around 3:45, and had a spike buck respond to a couple grunts and head towards my decoy by 4:30. He followed the tree line my stand is in and got to within 30 yards of me, then ducked into the woods and ran off behind me. About 20 minutes later I saw the big boy 200 yards to my west, cruising north. I grunted at him a couple times and lost sight of him as he continued north. Fifteen minutes later, after looping east he came right at me, slowly. I gave him a couple estrous bleats when he got within a hundred yards or so, as he was moving slow. It was getting dark, and it took him a good 20 minutes to move the last 50 yards or so to check out my decoy. He circled to my left and checked out the spot where the little buck bailed into the woods, then he walked right in front of me at 20 yards, towards my decoy. I drew on him and couldn't see thru my glasses. They were fogged. When my glasses cleared I tried to line him up again. Too dark for a decent sight picture, couldn't see well thru my peep. I thought for a couple seconds about letting it fly, but decided tomorrow is another day, and I don't want to spook him. He kept me treed for a half hour, and by the time he wandered off it was way past too dark. I don't think he knew I was there. I wish my son could have been there tonight as I think he passed right under my son's stand with plenty of shooting light. But even more than that, I wish he could have been there to see when to NOT take a shot. He's lost three arrows this season already...no hits. Can't get him to understand that just because he can see it doesn't mean he can, or should, shoot it. He's 18, I'm 43. Obviously, thru his eyes, I don't know crap. He's spent tons of his own money on bows, arrows, etc....but fancy equipment does not a hunter make. When he gets home from school tonight, I'm going to show him exactly how my scenario played out on google maps, show him how close that big feller was to me, and explain one more time why I let him walk. I would love to hear suggestions from hunters who have had the same experience as I have, trying to teach young hunters. I'm all ears.
I'm sure they make some specifically for glasses now, but my grandpa used to use regular hand soap on his. Rub a thin film over the lenses and let dry. Buff off so clear and they won't fog up, also works on bathroom mirrors. Tough luck on the shot, but ultimately it was the right choice and hopefully it pays forward for you.
No teaching young hunters here but I had the buck I posted up here named OMG! in front of me at 20 yards a few weeks ago just as the sky was lighting up in the morning. I could see his body shape and recognized his behavior. I have a light on my sight pin and I could see through my peep enough to chance a shot but it would have been a big chance and I knew I'd never see the arrow impact to know where I hit him or even where he went beyond 40 yards. This deer is a huge bruiser, certifiable monster...no way in heck am I going to take a risky shot and hate myself for the rest of my life. Who knows if I don't take him this year he may be better next year..I have plenty of deer to shoot in the mean time and took a dandy Saturday on my MO tag. There is no "have to" situation if you respect yourself and your deer, both deserve better than a crappy, low percentage shot....enough crap can go wrong with a good shot as is.
You made a good decision. Sometimes ppl have to learn the hard way...hope your son can learn from your advice!!
