Its story time from old Cayugad...

I was bow hunting one year and had a bad experience like yours. It was shoot a doe first season before we could harvest a buck. I was hunting a friends property (which was thick with does)which was next to a man who they said was NUTS and would shoot me if he caught me on his property. He hated hunters and especially those that shot does..

Well I was in the stand, it was about -10º and almost time to get out of the stand.I was all bundled up because of the cold (first mistake). A doe came in, I was not excited at all, but drew the bow, set the pin on her, hit the release, and I heard the string hit my jacket. And the arrow went spinning and took her too far back. I was sick. And off she ran, bleeding real well, and with snow on the ground tracking was easy.

Well she headed right for that sanctuary where the nut case lived.. So I knew I would not trespass his property, so I told my friend I was going up to his house and ask his permission. I was told I was nuts, let it go and shoot another one. He then was concerned that thenut would shoot me. I just laughed and walked up the road to his place (with no weapon).

He greeted me at the door in a rather unkind manner to say the least. I explained that I had hit a doe hard with an arrow, and it was running towards his property.I had not tracked it further when I saw where it was heading. He just stood there and stared at me. So I asked him if I could continue the search and if I had to go on his property to get the doe would I have his permission. He then started his rant about hunting and shooting doe.. So I finally said, look its your property, that's why I am here. I know you hate hunters, especially those that shoot does, but my freezer is empty and I want to recover a deer so it does not go to waste. You can let me on your property to find the deer, or I will just shoot another one tomorrow. Then two will be dead.

He kind of stammered around and invited me in for coffee. I told him thanks, but I really want to find the deer. So he told me to go ahead. So off I went. My friend was shocked that I was still alive.

Turns out, the deer turned and headed right back to where it was shot. I found her (still alive I might add) and recovered her. I then went back and told the NUT that I did not have to enter his property, told her what the deer did, but thanked him for his permission. His wife and him even invited me to dinner (which I refused).

I later took him a stick of venison salami I made. And now when we pass on the road we smile and wave...