3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

Well, I started hunting this year and it is VERY different than video taping my husband hunting. Here's what happened the first hunt. I had a doe come in and offer me a shot at 12 yards - I missed<img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle>She didn't spook off, but offered me another shot - I missed.<img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle> The reason for these misses was the fact that I was shaking like a leaf from excitement and nerves. Wow, what a rush!!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>I wasn't even mad at myself, just a little disappointed. The next hunt, we were on new property we just got permission for this year, so we didn't know the habits of the deer as far as when to expect them to come out. We got in at 2:oo and agreed to start to come down at 4:45. Well, at 4:45 I lowered my bow to the ground, and wattaya know, here come the deer. Not a minute after my bow hit the ground, 4 does came right under my stand.<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>They walked in front of me 5 yards away, and ALL of them offered broadside shots. I couldn't believe it. I did try to get my bow back up, but the lead doe started stomping her feet, so I didn't bother. Since we'll be going back, I didn't want them to spook from that particular spot in the woods. But my goodness, how exciting!!<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>I don't know if my heart can take it. When we went out on Saturday, we were in our stands for about 45 minutes when the deer came in. Some does and 2 basket rack 5's were near my husband's stand, but there were too many leaves on the trees for a clean shot. Over by my stand, in walked a 6 pointer all alone!! Now, when I got in my tree that afternoon, I knew I would only have one area where there would be a shot I was willing to take. I could only pump up the tree about 12 feet and I had branches all around me. Well, he comes right to my stand and LOOKS UP AT ME!!!<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>It was the strangest feeling, having a buck's nose 10 feet from mine. He never saw me or realized what I was, so he just continued to meander around. A fork-horn had come in in the meantime, and they started to spar with each other - nothing serious. Then they went their separate ways, without ever offering a shot. So you see, my first week of bowhunting was full of action, but I got no venison in the freezer yet.<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>But you know what - I wouldn't trade any minute of it. I'm learning every time I go on a hunt, and I'm sure I'm going to get one soon - I hope so anyway.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>&quot;Bowhunting is the bomb!&quot;, as my 15 year old son would say. There is nothing to compare to the anticipation I feel sitting in a stand in the woods of seeing a deer walk out, or hearing the swish-swish of their feet through the leaves. It's AWSOME!! Thank you Lord for creating the whitetail deer.:)

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

This is my first year bow hunting as well. It is a rush. I too have, so far, missed a doe, had bucks come in and not present shots, had does come in and me just lowered my bow. I have also had a doe bust while I was in a ground blind. She blew when she was about 14yds away. All she needed to do is take about 2-3 more steps and I could have flung one at her at 12yds. I wouldnt trade it for anything either:) I too praise the Lord for the whitetail and all of his other creations he has provided for all of us:)

&quot;A Country Boy Can Survive&quot; </IMG>

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

Lady,

I have been bowhunting for many years and I still can't get over the &quot;thrill that I feel&quot; when one comes down the trail. The day that this &quot;thrill&quot; stops is the day I will hang up my bow.

Sounds like you and your hubby have been having a wonderful time! Congratulations!

...By the way, I didn't count three strikes just two.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> Let's just say the rest weren't in the stike zone.<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle> What a wonderful problem to have eh!

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

I'm with Antler Eater. I have been bow hunting for most of 39 years and I still get excited and giddy when I know I'm going to get a shot. HEY . . . that's part of the thrill.

Bowhunter

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

Good story lady, After 20 years there is still no greater rush for me than what you described. ENJOY

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

i wish i would have some luck like urs wtg how ya get one


lata

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

Ladybowhunter38, What a great post. I was just as excited for you as I read your post on your hunt. It sounds like a blast. Just keep at it and you will score. I have been kind of the same situation as you have been in. I have had opperturities like you have but I let them go but I have had a blast just watching them around my stand and don't regret it one bit. Keep at it my dear and you will get yours.

You brought out the feelings of my first year bowhunting which was only last year <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> But I guess I still feel the same way. Its a blast being so close to them and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Great job and post some pictures of your success in the future

Brian

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

When you stop learning something everytime, it won't be as much fun! Yesterday, I re-learned that a deer always comes in from the least desireable location. While I was watching the woods behind my stand where the deer ALWAYS are, a 6 point walked directly across the open expanse of the field behind me. He wouldn't come to my calls, so no shot presented, but it sure was fun trying! So far I have shot one buck, missed 3 buck, wounded zero deer. Passed on many that were too small. No matter what I always have a good time. Enjoy your season, the rest of the year drags until the next one!

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

LADY,

My dad is a seasoned deer hunter (gun) of 25 - 30 years or so. a couple yrs back he started loosing interest and getting bored with it. I talked him into picking up a bow and trying the close encounters. Well, this 53 year old veteran went to pieces the first time a small spike got within 20 yards, He got so excited and nervous he could'nt even draw back. Since then he's regained his interest and enjoyment of hunting. Bow hunting is the most &quot;bow&quot; dacious thrill you can get!

RE: 3 Strikes - Am I Out??!!??
 

Bowhunting nothing else compares to it, And when the thrill is gone I will quit..........