RE: Why do I even bring a bow in the woods??!!!
Dont worry about it. Think about this....#1 Your a bow hunter. Anyone can hunt them with a gun, takes a special hunter to hunt one with a bow. #2 You obviously are doing stuff right. He didnt wind you, you are hunting the right spot, and you were able to almost get a monster buck. #3 it happens to everyone. Survey how many bow hunters missed a deer bowhunting bc they were nervous. Trust me your not going to find very many.
Keep at him. You will get him. When I see rack and determine he's a shooter...I look at his feet....watch his feet all the way in. If you can see his feet you have a shot. When in range move from his feet up his legs to his shoulder adjust behind it pick a spot...and wack! Then go count his points. Just what I do. Good Luck.