Got settled into my stand and within 15 mins a nice six point strolls into the field. It was real early but I decided it was the best deer I had seen this season. Nice tall rack---though not very wide. He was about 200 yards away. I guess I got a bit of the fever. Even pulled back from the scope and told myself to settle down. I squeezed off a shot and it was obvious I missed because he actually ran closer to me and stopped dead still. I tried to eject my shell quietly and in the proccess jammed the rifle. I fumbled around trying to get another round in the chamber and the deer did not move. I quickly fired off another round and off he went.

I searched for an hour and a half till it got dark. Called some friends and we searched a while longer. Going in the morning to look some more. Could not find any blood. Shot with a 30-06. I am sick to my stomach. I have never missed before---but as my friends assured me---if I never want to miss---hang my rifle on the rack and don't shoot.

Anyway--wish me luck in the morning.