Originally Posted by tostermann

Hi everyone:

I am a disabled man with cerebral pasly. I went riffle hunting a few times many years back. I shot at a couple deer with a 30/30. However, I missed both shots, mainly because of the open-sights and my balance issues, do to the kick of the gun.

This past July, my friend suggested that I purchase a crossbow and get back into hunting. My friend is a Parker bow sales rep. After only a few shots at his yard target, I was hooked, and I purchased a 2008 Cyclone crossbow.

After only a few weekends of practice, I was able to hit a deer (photo) targert 57 out of about 62 shots in the kill zone at 10 and 20 yards.

I went on my first hunting outing last night. Using a ground blind, I was able to get a broadside shot at a smaller sized dow at about 20 yards. In order to get the shot, I waited about 15 minutes to get the shot as the deer moved into shooting range while eating. During this time period, I drew my crossbrow into the shotting position 3 times before deciding to take the shot. I was a shakey before the shot, but I felt like I was still in the kill zone when I pulled the trigger. However, I don't remember much before the shot, my heart was pounding and I was breathing very heavy. Needless to say, I missed the shot and lossing my 15 dollar bolt made things even worse. Who misses a broadside deer at 20 yards! I must really suck.... I don't want to give up hunting. I love being outdoors, and I love the stories with friends. However, I feel like I am always going to be the guy who always misses the shot and losses arrows in the field. I have no confidence in the field. During target practice yes, but in the field no. Any advice would be great. Maybe I should just stop hunting.