Chris,

What you have admitted is difficult for many to offer a response.

But, I will offer you my thoughts as I would my own son. At this moment you are feeling saddened by your actions. You should be! Instead of waiting for the Stag to follow you chose a doe. You then compounded the error by not following her. You took a second shot because of emotion or greed.

Instead of pre-scouting for the direction of a blood trail you left to fill your stomach. When you did find the wounded animal you did not dispatch her but, left her to suffer while you conveniently walked back to your vehicle for a weapon you should have already had. Son, you screwed up.

It’s over, let this be a hard earned lesson and become a better hunter. Hunting is not for the killing, but, for the rewards that nature provides. Get yourself over to the shooting range and learn to place each bullet. While there discuss ethical values with other hunters. You have learned to hunt now learn the values of hunting. When you do this you will undoubtedly become a noble hunter.

Sermon over, John