my first shot at a buck, i was way too excited...first year bowhunting...calm as could be till i let the arrow loose...then i about fell from the stand. initially thought 100% i smoked him..i knew he ducked and took it a hair high, but my lighted nock disappeared..i thought for sure it sank into his chest...all i could think of was CALL SOMEONE! grabbed my phone and before i could dial it flew out of my hand to the ground lol. i couldnt calm myself at all...first shot at a deer with the bow and a GOOD buck...would been my biggest to date even...i knew i couldnt sit in that tree but knew i shouldnt move...in fear of falling out, i snuck down and got my feet on the ground and snuck outta there...


the next year, i watched him die...he trotted 15yds or so and stopped and my heart sank...i KNEW i smoked him..i WATCHED IT! but i started 2nd guessing...did i make believe that perfect hit? why didnt he run hard? why is he standing there? grabbing for another arrow and he buckled and fell over dead. heard him suck air 4 or 5 times and that was that...then i just got wayyyy excited. buddy was grouse hunting on the other side of the mountain so i got on the radio and hollered BUCK DOWN!!! he says what kinda hit blah blah..im like NO!!! BUCK DOWN!! lets go! he ran the whole way to me and looked up and the whole tree was shaking...i made him climb up and get my bow so i didnt have to climb down with it lol..(climbed a hemlock tree so no chance for a tow rope!)

before the shot, im fine...but after i know i did good and put a good shot on, i let it go...usually just shaking and excitement..not hootin and hollerin like the guys on tv...i have found its much worse with the bow...maybe because i killed 12 with a firearm and 1 with the bow..i dont know..the only one i got THAT excited with the gun was the first one i about passed out from breathing so hard lol...but this year, i put my buck down with the gun and knew he was done and dead and i was a little excited..just to go see him upclose...just not the same...i think being stuck up in a treestand SUCKS too lol....thats the worst part of it!