Hey All. I'm sitting here in my office at work and just had my recurring daydream of a huge buck that I missed three seasons ago. It was in early November and I was on stand before daylight. Shortly after daybreak I got a glimpse of a doe cruising through just on the outskirts of my field of view. Not too far behind her was a MASSIVE 10 point typical. It was exciting to see, but I was a little bummed that he was so far away. Now I'm second-guessing my stand placement. Well, lo and behold, a minute or two later here comes the doe wandering back in my direction with the big boy lingering about 30 yards behind her. Over the course of about three minutes the big boy gradually approached a shooting lane that I had ranged at 32 yards. I drew back just as he stepped into the lane, and I whisteled softly to halt him. He stopped. I settled my pin behind his shoulder and calmly released what I was certain to be a fatal shot..... Like fish in a barrel, right?[&:]

At the sound of the shot the buck ducked slightly. I saw my green nock flip up into the air right in front of me as I watched the arrow fly harmlessly, immediately over the deer's back. I was utterly SHOCKED! How could I blow that one? Well, the buck took about three quick strides and then stopped. I thought I may get another chance, but he melted off into the thick before I had the chance.

As it turns out, the range was actually 18 yards. I had mixed up my range finder readings and ended up 14 yards long on my sight setting. That, combined with a minor string-jump by the buck, as well as whatever happened with my nock (?), led to an event that has haunted me off and on for three years now. I can still see him clearly in my mind. About a 160" class, perfectly symmetrical and extremely heavy 10 pointer. It was a gimme, and I BLEW IT![&o] That memory is so very bitter-sweet. It was an amazing experience that I'm glad to have had. It's a feeling that's hard to explain. A non-hunter would not understand why I sit here now three years later, mind wandering, about a some deer in the woods. Ya just had to be there.

Anyone else ever haunted by a similar exprience?