Dave, your story got me a excited. I could just picture the sight of that big boy coming to you and then the frustration of not being able to draw on him when you had to. Now you know he's there, he's healthy, and it doesn't sound like he'll be leaving town quite yet!
Good luck getting him.

Just so ya know, there were some "holes" in the vines that you could get an arrow through . . . if you were lucky. And since this buck would've been the biggest buck I've ever taken, I took the shot.

I don't "skyline" myself on a regular basis. In fact, I don't usually use my climber because I have to use "telephone pole" type trees. I prefer lots of cover and I match my camo to the trees I'm in -- remember, he never knew I was there. However, if I had moved, he'd have locked in on me.

As for drawing when they're at a distance -- several reasons for that. Number one--they WILL spot you when they're looking practically at you -- even at a distance. Number two, I didn't know that he would continue on his "rope" course. And number three, I had major shoulder surgery a couple months ago and just got the ability to draw my bow. I can handle a couple short practice sessions each week, but drawing and holding for a long time is out of the question for me right now.

And FINALLY . . . I decided to hunt here this evening since I knew he was around. I never saw him, but I shot a very nice doe!!!
I saw 13 total and could've taken 10 of them. I shot the first one I saw -- five minutes after I "set-up" my stand. Spined her and finished her with a perfect 2nd arrow. The buck will come later . . . maybe tomorrow morning!

Congratulations!Nice to so quickly follow up with a kill!

Way to go dave got some meat in the frezer now go after that Buck

HI DAVE.....Now thats what Im talkin about...back in the saddle agin......didnt know bout the medical...sorry to hear it....BUT YOU KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT YOU WERE TAKEN IN BY THOSE ANTLERS...at times..WE ALL ARE...NOW GIT OUT THERE AND DO ALL US CHEERLEADERS PROUD. .DONT LET HIM GET YOU TWICE!!!!! DONT SHAME US.....TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN......GIT R DUN!!!! ALL IN ALL THIS HAS TAUGHT US ALL A THING OR TWO OR THREE OR FOUR...HUNTING CAN BE LIKE PIMPIN.......IT AINT EASY

This made me think about one of my hunting spots. My stand is set up in a wooded area, the tree I'm in backs up to a creek. In front of me is a small clearing with two well traveled deer paths. The problem is, it's a small clearing with the farthest shot 23yds (ranged it yesterday) so If I don't hear or catch a glimps of the deer comming through the treesI'm going to be in the same position as Dave. I will probably get busted If I wait to draw once they get into the clearing. My plan is to see what's comming and draw just as the deer enters the clearing for an ambush shot.

Dave, I believe you did what most of us would have in your position and I also believe that only the person in the stand at that time truely knows if he (or she) will get busted if they move. I know if I don't stayalert when huntingthe stand I mentionedI will be in the same positionyou found yourself in, then I will have the decision to draw or not.

you should have drawn before he got there, better luck next time.

Should of, would of and could of.

I too have been in thickets with minimal shots and had to pass on shots due to deer looking in my direction. Deer have something called binocular vision meanin their eyes are top of their head and can see all around and can pick up movement very easy if one slips in on you. If you've been hunting for any length of time, you'll understand the situation.

Bobby

Now that's good!!!!

Dave I guaran damn tee that everyone in here would have done the same thing (taking the shot) you did. I admire you for truthfullness and honesty. All I'm gonna say is you'll get em next time. Congrats on the freezer meat (doe).