Missed at 5 yards!
I screwed up big time. Hunting from the ground I caught a glimpse of a doe. So I rested the rifle on a limb to get ready for when it showed itself again. Next thing you know it pops up close to me, and is heading right at me. Rifle is still on the limb but the closer it gets I cant see the sights because I am pointing the muzzle lower. At under 5 yards it sees me, and turns to run. I fire because it is so close, and miss!
Not sure if I hit it, I take another shot. Of course I miss because it is running. It stops near some brush and just looks at me. I only had 2 rounds in the lever action Winchester, so have to reload. I slowly get out another round, but by the time I chamber it the deer snorts and runs off.
The only good thing is that I wont make the following mistakes again:
- if the deer is close, step away from the tree so I can point the gun
- dont make running shots (I already knew that)
- keep more rounds in the magazine
- practice shooting with your hunting clothes/gear. I had my backpack on, and the strap kept me from shooting as accurately.
- dont panic. Of course deer fever is not a bad thing, but I will certainly practice that scenario so I am ready next time it happens.
Just thought I would share my mistakes...