RE: There goes my chance at a brute!!
I had nearly the same situation happen to me yesterday evening. Big Buck, 130", coming right down my path, he gets to ten yards behind some trees, I draw my bow, he hears me, looks at me, I settle my pin on his vitals, just about to release and gone, he bolts. didn't make a sound, just trotted quickly to the next ridge. highest of highs to the lowest of lows in deer hunting. I'm glad I didn't rush my shot and you should be glad you didn't take a marginal shot at yours, here's to good luck the rest of the season for the both of us!