I choked!
 

Saturday AM we finally got some cool temps and I finally got an opportunity at a nice buck and I blew it. I was sitting on the ground in the spot where I killed my doe last year. It is a Oak grove with a finger of woods that extends into a pasture. I sit in the dark of the trees in the morning hoping for deer to be moving at the pasture edge feeding on acorns. At about 30 min. after sunrise I saw movement to my left. I froze while it came in. The I unfroze when I saw a nice 8 point walk into view. I started shaking like a hound dog passing peach pits!. "Calm down, calm down", I told myself. I tried to catch my breath and wait for an opportunity to draw. He crossed behind a Cedar about 10 yds in front of me and I made my move. Thats when I blew it. I left my index finger on my bow hand over my arrow. When I tried to draw the shaft stayed put and I pulled the string away from the nock. OH CRAP! Well I got my arrow renocked, still shaking and out of breath. The buck had cleared the Cedar and noticed the movement. He turned arourn and headed back into the trees. I tried to draw when he went behind an oak but I didn't move fast enough. He saw the movement and took off like a rocket. I was both thrilled and heartbroken. It was a fabulous and disappointing morning and a day I will never forget. I also learned a valuable lesson about where my finger is. And I don't need to hold my arrow on the shelf. I have an arrow holder for that. My heart is almost back to normal now on Monday morning. I'll go back to that spot in a couple of weeks and try again. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

RE: I choked!
 

We all learn from our mistakes and lil mishapps ...does sound like a thrilling moment ...Best of luck You'll get a shot again :)

RE: I choked!
 

TX.....If I ever lose that feeling....I'll quit hunting.

Jeff;)

RE: I choked!
 

Just like a wide receiver does after getting burned for a TD.....shake it off, line back up, make a great play!

RE: I choked!
 

You got the fever and Oh what a feeling it is.

RE: I choked!
 

I know all too well just how you feel TX ,last season I was hunting a particular 10 point buck and during the rut I called him in unexpectantly and as he crossed my shooting lane i did the exact same thing you did and missed my shot of a life time .I never seen this buck again last season and I'm not sure today that he's still around .The owner of the property say's he last seen this buck in the spring ,but hasn't seen him since . So hopefully he's still around .

nubo

RE: I choked!
 

Buy a wisker bisquit and that scenario will never happen again.

RE: I choked!
 

No, I don't like them and don't really need one. My arrow will stay on the holder with the bow turned 90 degrees. The fault is 100% mine. My equipment is definitly not to blame.

RE: I choked!
 

Well that is part of bow hunting, we have all blowed our chances. I have sit back and laughed at myself several times. Good luck next time. Still a great thrill.

RE: I choked!
 

two words... wisker bisquit... why shoot a rest that you have to hold the arrow for it? isnt that the rests job.... lol i love those close encounters they always get me going... good luck getting back on that buck

RE: I choked!
 

we all make mistakes, the good thing thou theres always a new day ;)

RE: I choked!
 

Oh man, sorry to hear that, been there done that. Thats why I shoot a WB and I hunt from stands. You'll get em next time.

RE: I choked!
 

Absolutely, same here, good stroy tx.

RE: I choked!
 

Same for me, very well said SBG.

TX, you'll replay that in your mind for years to come. Just don't let it happen again... THAT's what it's alllllllll about.

RE: I choked!
 

I feel for you. I used to get so worked up that I could not even breathe right when I saw a deer!
I still get worked up upon spotting one but have forced myself over the years to regain control. At least till after the shot!!

RE: I choked!
 

Dont sweat it. I knocked my arrow off my rest the first time a deer came in view. That was 20+ years ago and ive never made that mistake agian. There will be more chances, and this weekend is looking real good here in Texas. Im going to be out stalkingin Brock this weekend, it will beat the heck out of the hot weather we have been having. Get back out and you will probably get another chance. Consider it a learning experience.;)

RE: I choked!
 

Neat story. Over time you will get that adrenlin rush under control. You'll get another whack at him.

RE: I choked!
 

If you dont want to use a WB you should try a Ripcord dropaway. Same concept as far as the arrow not falling off only a lot better than a WB.(IMHO)

RE: I choked!
 

Amazing how you can lose all you thoughts when that buck is right in front of you....thats what keeps me going back to the woods!!!! Besides, I think that has happened to all of us at one time (or) another.I bet that will never happen to you again.

RE: I choked!
 

I have been doing this for 22 yrs..........................

And you may have just described my next hunt....................

Gotta love the feaver:D

RE: I choked!
 

Whisker Biscuit!

RE: I choked!
 

txrookie....you sound like a HUNTER to me...go get em

RE: I choked!
 

Well rook,...I'd actually love to have that experirnce right now. It's been a while since I've SEEN a deer.[&o]

My heart started beating faster when I was reading your story. I think I can remember that "rush" feeling. When I get that feeling, my ears quit working and I start gettin tunnel vision. It usually takes several seconds before everything gets back to almost normal. I love it!!! That's why I keep hunting, just for that feeling. Okay,okay, I admit it,.....I'm a junky too! It's just been waayyy too long since I've had a fix. It coming though, I can feel it!

You'll get him!

RE: I choked!
 

I, too, felt the rush and the disappointment when reading your story.
That is the name of the game, and if that ever goes away, hang it up.
Great experience!
Brian