I know you've been after a doe this season, so "gettinga kill under your belt" can be accomplished that way as well.

To answer the how long question, the first buck was my first full season of bowhunting - but that was after many years of rifle/muzzleloader hunting. It wasn't anything huge, actually the smallest buck I've every shot. A little 6 pointer. It was a great confidence booster though.

Bottom line, shoot what YOU want.