I hear ya.

This is my second season hunting with a recurve. First season I missed a turkey at 20 yards that was really 25 yards. Didn't draw on a deer or even get the chance.

Fast forward to last Friday. I also slipped out in the dark in a bottoms area where 4 terrain features come together. Put out a doe decoy, nestled in the tree line in my ASAT leafy suit on a tree seat I made. I had four 10-12" trunks in a C around me, and about a 13 yard shot to the decoy. I was hoping to catch bucks cruising these travel corridors (I was set up between two) who would see the decoy and come right in. That was the plan.

About 90 minutes later, I'd only seen one small buck across the bottom on a hillside. I was thirsty, so bent over and put my bow down, reached in my pack to grab the gator aid and sat up, finding myself face to face with a spike that was staring me down from 15 yards. He'd slipped in heading to the decoy. I froze. He looked at the decoy, then back to me, then turned to walk to the decoy. When there was brush between us, I put down the drink and grabbed my bow. Lot's of broadside shot opportunities, but I was hunting something bigger at this time of the year.

After 5 minutes he started acting nervous, and out of the corner of my eye I saw another buck walking in broadside at 8 yards. Nice 1.5 year old 8 pointer, all bristled up and stiff legged, sidling his way towards the decoy. The spike moved off, and the 8 point messed around the decoy for probably 20 minutes. I had my bow arm up the entire time, and my shoulder was really aching. I had no plans to shoot, but had several opportunities from 8-15 yards.

He finally got spooky 'cause the decoy wouldn't move, and when he turned to walk away, I put my bow arm down as it was screaming bloody murder. When he got far enough away, I put the bow down to give my arm a rest, and watched him walk away. It was then that I decided to turn my head to the left back towards the decoy.

Huge 10 point. Pushing 170s. 8 yards broadside. He caught my head movement and snapped his head my way, staring me down. He never got a lock on me thanks to ASAT, but that close, he knew something was up. He never settled down, and worked his way all around the decoy for about 15 minutes. Bow was at my feet. From the second I saw him, I knew I wasn't going to get a shot. He finally looked away and I figured now or never, bent over, grabbed the bow and sat back up, just as he snapped his head back my way. I beat him, he never saw me move, but he also never gave me a shot opportunity. Eventually he walked away. Must have been fate, as a split second earlier he would have been behind a tree and not seen my head move and a split second later I would have seen him out of the corner of my eye. Oh well...

Awesome, awesome deer. On the ground at 8 yards was a treat. I hope to see him again tomorrow when I hit the same area. Supposed to be mid 20s to mid 40s with light west winds. Perfect

Ps.

Hey fellas, remember me? Good to read you again