I don't know where to start! After this mornings hunt we headed back to my house, Preacher Tony's lodge for this trip. I had previously made venison bbq so we had it ready for lunch. We filled up on it and watched some hunting shows, shot bows giving Tony a chance to shoot some of the Bowtechs and then it was time for a nap, which I never got. I allowed Tony to sleep a little extra knowing he needed it and then I woke him for the afternoon's hunt. We were in the tree shortly after 4:00 and settled in. I was hoping Tony's seven point would show himself again. First to show tonight was a 1.5 year old doe, behind us and downwind. Try as she might with her head in the air she must not have gotten a good enough whiff as she simply went back to eating although she kept watching behind her so, so did I. Shortly a 11 point (spike) came in behind us and acted all nervous. He was less than 15 yards away and stood there trying to get wind of something although he was unsure of what. As I looked down the field where the 7 point so many times came from, I tapped Tony on the shoulder and pointed, there he comes. Tony smiled, chuckled saying " I can't believe this, I was just looking down there and wanted to see him first this time". He (the 7 point) kicked up his heels for some reason and came running Tony's breathing quickened as he attached his release and readied his bow. I had the camera running, the record button was on. Mr 7 came in direct, no calling needed tonight and at 25 yards the bow came to full draw. I steadied the camera, flaaaap, I heard as I watched the arrow fly high in the screen. My heart sunk as Mr 7 jumped the way he came. I grabbed the call and contact called. Mr 7 didn't know what was what. He only saw the spike run and heard a noise. A couple calls and he was coming back. As he walked in I mentioned to Tony to quickly nock an arrow. Mr 7 kept coming and as Tony came to full draw, I ranged the animal, 28 yards I said, steadied the camera and fllllllaaapp. My heart sank as I watched an arrow fly low and the buck fled directly away from us. I grabbed the call and contact called. He stopped, looked back. Mr 7 didn't know what happened. He didn't know what that noise was but all he knows is he hears a doe over there. What the hey he's thinking. A couple calls later, here he comes, turns broadside walking parallel to us. I range him as I steady the camera, 24 yards I tell Tony as the bow comes to full draw. I'm watching the screen and say stop him.....mah.....mah and I hear fllllaaappp. My heart sinks as I see an arrow glance him high. The buck jumps out of range, stops and licks his nick. He walks a little, licks his nick as I glass him and verify a skin/hide nick on his back. I relay the bad news to Tony, it's just a nick PT. I called to him a couple times, he licks his nick and walks away. I turn to Tony, smiling and reassuring him that it happens, it's bowhunting. I've done it. I know lot's of guys whose done it and many of us will do it again. I also told him how awesome that was to share that experience with him, to have him share it with me. He apologizes mentioning that I gave him 4 chances at Mr 7 and he blew it. I reassured him I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. In closing. a torrid of texts came and went from both Tony and I and as we stood in the Pin Oak laughing and giggling like a couple kids. I reassured him that everyone will console and embrace in his experience and again. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I had a wonderful visit, a life long experience, life long memories and most of all. PROOF ON VIDEO! mmmmuuuuahahaahahahah. :p :D Now how the hell do I get this long ass footage on line? !
AWESOME!!!!!! I wish I could replay the message Tony left on my voice mail.... "I don't know, man, I just don't know.... afterwards I was shooting one went high, one low then they were right in there... man I suck!!!.... I just don't know........ hahahaha"..... Well it was something along those lines!!!!!!! Good stuff T!
Lifelong memories for sure, like I told Tony when I got the message, I have done the same thing... With a shotgun at that!!! Looking forward to the video, I can tell Tony is the kind of guy who will take it all in stride cuz after all, that is hunting..
Man. That's a tough pill to swallow. I'm sorry man. Been there done that. I missed 4 different deer in 20 minutes 7 years ago. It ain't fun. But still. I just cant help but laugh a little. Oh come on now. You will too. In time. Gonna blame it on the broadhead? Lol I keed, I keed. You'll get em bro. Keep plugging away.
Start to finish it's just over 6 minutes. I'm uploaded it to my computer and I'll manipulate it some but there really isn't anything to edit out. It played out perfectly. The whole story, weekend could be longer. I'm burning a DVD for Tony later, anyone else want one. LOL How long can one be for youtube?
That's what I would call a hunting buddy, well said Rob. The thing Is Rob, Tony don't dare give you a hard time anymore.
I'm sorry but I was laughing as I read this. I'm not laughing at you Tony but hopefully with you. I can just picture the whole thing even without video. I can see Rob willing those arrows to hit that deer. Kinda like when your shooting pool and the ball looks like it might miss so you lean towards the pocket. Count your blessings Tony. I have NEVER got a second shot. I wish you would have connected! I have been in your shoes and I know it's not funny yet but someday it will be. Imagine how big he'll be next year! Bigger target too. lol. Chin up big guy! The seasons young! I can't wait for the video! It's amazing what some deer will do to get more air time!
You know what, that EPIC moment will help PT nail a big buck in NY!...He needed to let those nerves pop off a little with a PA practice session. Good luck the rest of the way Tony, I am rooting for you.
imagine how many misses we would really see if we all had a camera on us all the time on every hunt.. come on, we all know we havent admitted them all! well maybe a few guys do.. sorry Tony, better luck next time! but the vid sounds entertaining!
I mentioned that Greg. He said not. When we got back to the house. The bow was on after I calmed his nerves. He said he had buck fever, Rob fever, camera fever and BHC members fever. He's had a monkey on his back on this dry spell. I think he really wanted it and it was nerves, peaking at the shot, target panic. God bless him and his 3.5 hour ride home. I know he's beating himself up but I loved every minute of it and I hope he did too. And guys, I'm headed for bed. I promise if youtube allows me to do it, with works faster connections I'll get it up online tomorrow.
