I've been bowhunting for 30 years, the first two I never even seen a deer. In '96 I lost the one and only deer to coyotes; shot in the last minutes of shooting time, no light or lantern and had to return the next day. Bummed me out pretty bad.

Practice. Granted that alone will not fully prepare you for what decisions have to be made in hunting situations, but lack of it will affect your shot.

I've had people say they couldn't even pull their bow at the moment of truth, later to find out they hadn't practiced or even shot an arrow after the season opened.

As for misses, I've had two. First one was misjudged yardage, second time was failing to account for the armrest on my stand. Bottom cam hit it causing the bow and my bow arm to jump 2-3 " straight up, sending the arrow another 15-20 foot higher into some adjacent pines.

Bad hits: One. Luckily when this doe stepped forward while the arrow was leaving the string, the broadhead severed the femral artery. She went about 20 yards.

It is a challange, but one I will continue to persue as long as my health allows.



Shoot often - Hunt always