I started bowhunting last year, after not doing it since 1986. Everything really had changed from the bows to equipment since then. I was unsuccessful last year in getting a deer.
I went to one of my stands this past Friday evening. I got set up about 4:40 it was uneventful till I was glassing and noticed a nice buck about 200 yards away on the edge of another clump of trees. I watched him come out to a water hole and get a drink. He stood around for a few minutes and then couldn' t see him anymore. I thought maybe he went back the other way. All of a sudden he appeared walking the trail in the tall grass right towards me. That is when my knees started shaking. I had my bow hanging in the tree and I grabbed that quickly. I thought to myself if my knees keep this up there is no way I' m going to be able to pull my bow back. I thought if he kept walking that way he should end up right in front of my stand. I looked him over closely and thought he' s a shooter and if he presents a good shot I will try for him.. The closer he got to me the worse I was shaking. I have been hunting with a rifle for 24 years and never had buck fever this bad. As soon as he walked behind a small bush I pulled my bow back. He was walking right along and I gave a grunt with my voice. He stopped right away about 13 yards away. I put my pin on him and released.
It was a good hit, right behind the front shoulder and the muzzy 3 blade 100 grain took out both lungs with a complete pass through. After I shot I was expecting him to take off running. But he just kind of jumped and turned a bit. The first thing I thought was did I miss him!! Then right away I could see a red spot behind the shoulder and knew it should be a good hit. He then kind of walked -trotted about 25 yards and wobbled a bit and fell over dead the whole thing only took about 15 seconds.
I had to sit down because instead of my knees shaking my whole body was shaking. I looked at my watch and it was 5:35. I waited for about 15 minutes to climb down to look at him. What a rush I can see why bowhunting is so addicting.
His rack is very even, it' s a 4x4 with a 14 1/2" inside spread. I took it to the taxidermest on monday to get the head mounted. I figured he was the first one with my bow so I should get it mounted. I already have one from last years gun season at another taxidermest. I just hope they both aren' t ready at the same time or I will have to take out a second mortgage on my house. LOL. I hope the picture turns out.