First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

This is my first year ever in the woods with a bow. I have only owned my bow since Feb. I have worked very hard over the last 10 months preparing and man did it pay off:)

It was Sunday morning and I was heading back into the woods with my brother to a tree that I had seen some solid action from just 3 days ago. I pointed out a good spot to him in the dark and showed him the directions the action came from and we went our seperate ways.

We ended up about 75 yards apart and could see each other easily. We settled in and watched the sun rise and the woods come alive. The chipmunks and squirrels began to shuffle the leaves as they chased each other around and turkeys could be heard gathering up after leaving the trees. We sat for a couple hours watching the show and enjoying our morning in the woods. A light rain began to fall but nothing to worry about getting soaked from........my brother did have to put away his book though.

I happen to glance over my right shoulder at 9:45 and to my amazement a buck was on his way right towards me from my back right side. Thank god I was 25 feet up because I stood up kinda clumsy and would surely have been busted at a lower height. He did not see me at all and I came to full draw immediately. He was now 13 yards away even with my stand directly to my right. The shot was clear but he was angled just a hair towards me and it just wasn't right. He then took a step away from me leaving a perfect slight quartering away shot. I settled the pin and squeezed the release and got a perfect hit right behind the shoulder. The deer ran as fast as I have ever seen an animal run and was out of site in 5 seconds.

I mentally marked the last place I saw him, went over hit in my mind and looked at my watch. I then sat down and tried to calm down because I thought my heart was going to explode.

With the time and weather getting iffy I decided to get down and go have lunch with my brother. We had a quick bite and called a couple hunting buddies to see if they felt like helping track this buck. They met us back at the spot and 1 1/2 hours after the hit the search was on.

About 30 yards from my stand we found blood and shortly after we found the arrow. Nice pink frothy blood so I was very excited to move on. We found more blood and marked each spot just in case. The blood trail could have been better but it was now raining so we were happy to find any blood we could. After about 1/2 hour my buddy says he has blood at the top of a small hill about 30 yards ahead. When I got up there he was smiling from ear to ear because not only did he find blood but my buck was laying right next to it. He was dead before I even got down from my tree. He didn't last much longer then the 5 seconds I watched him. He was already stiff and his neck was twisted back in a way that indicated he didn't lay down.....he FELL where we found him.

I am so happy I can hardly contain myself. I still don't believe it sometimes. It all happened so fast and yet somehow I kept my cool long enough to make a good shot.

That was by far the most rewarding hunting experience of my life....and getting to do it with my brother watching makes it even more special. I LOVE BOWHUNTING!!!!!!!!

Here are some pics


I know it's a little dark but my camera battery died in the truck if you can believe that so these were done at my brothers house in the dark when we got home.




This is the entrance hole. I used a WASP JAK-HAMMER 75 grain mechanical head. As you can see it was fully open at impact and performed very well.




This is the hole the head made in the left lung.




Doesn't get much better then this!!!! Again the broadhead did a great job. Guess all that practice paid off.




This is the head. As you can see it shows no signs of damage at all. When we butchered him later you could see the tremendous damage the head caused. I am impressed. 3 new blades and back in the quiver it went.




4 hours after we got home he was ready for the freezer. 60+ pounds of steaks, chops and grind........there is nothing quite like taking game from field to freezer with nothing more then a bow, arrow and a couple sharp knives.

I still smile every time I walk past those antlers on my wall.

I will NEVER forget that day, this buck and the feelings they both gave me.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!





Edited by - Rob/PA Bowyer on 11/14/2002 10:33:00

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats bud!! Nice buck!!

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Great job! Nice shot, too. That was a great story. Cool you got to share it with your brother. Feels good to have practiced so hard, then to have it all pay off I bet!

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Wow...

Way to go. Can you say "Fresh Frozen" !



&quot;It's not the kill, it's the adventure and challenge! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>&quot;

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

atlasman, as a long-time poster on here (going on three years now, geesh!:)), let me say emphatically that this single thread has probably every single element of what I would propose as the model for telling a successful bowhunting story!! No kidding, I've posted thousands and thousands (and losts hundreds <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> ) and read thousands more, and this has got to be the best I've ever read. (Frank, Matt, could one of you guys dig out the old HRAOP? That's Honorary Rack Award for Outstanding Post award for you guys who weren't here in &quot;the day.&quot;)

Congratulations, kudos, and everything else I can think of to write. And thank you for restoring the spirit of what this forum used to be.

Discipline -- not desire -- determines destiny.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

congrats all around. Great story and pictures. Should be some good eating this winter.

brian

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

What he said!! Congrats on your first bow deer. It's a nice rascal to. I lightened the picture for you a little.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

I absolutely agree with Greg.......I'm applauding the computer screen.

You did it and you DID IT RIGHT!! Congratulations!!! <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
That story and the emotion you are feeling really comes thru and is truly what this board is all about. I'd give you one of those H.R.A.O.P. awards if I knew how to work my new Moderator buttons?!<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

In any event......top notch Atlas, top notch!

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congradulations on good clean kill. My buddy hunts with jackhammers and I have seen the damage.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Thanks for the kind words guys. The best part about this story is that I got to live it. Memories of that day will stay with me for many many years. Can you possibly imagine how many times I am gonna tell that story??......geez I told it to my brother 10 times already and he was there!! LOL

My face hurts from smiling.


Here are a couple more pics showing the rack a little better. It has 6 points I can hang my ring on.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Christ , I was getting all emotional just reading your story!<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle> Brings back fond memories. I'm happy to see someone post the true emotions involved in harvesting your first bowkill or any bowkill for that matter. Theres nothing better than seeing all that hard work , practice , and money spent on hunting equipment finally pay off.
Congrats! and welcome to the Bowhunters Extremist club!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Your hooked for life now!

<---Doug---<<<

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Way to go,nothing like getting that first bow harvest and a buck to boot even better.Keep it and lots more luck to ya<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

NEVER HALF A$$ IT GO BALLS OUT

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Atlasman - you are the man! Congrats on a fine buck and an awesome story. What state you hunting in?

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Perfect!!!!!!!

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[Deleted by Admins]

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats! Great post!

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>What state you hunting in? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>


Western NY.


In case anyone wants to know he was taken with a Fred Bear TRX, Beman ICS Hawk, WASP JAK-HAMMER 75 grain mechanical, out of a Summit Goliath, Using a Bushnell Sport for range.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Atlasman, congrats on a great hunt. Your story put a big smile on my face. Thanks for sharing.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

greart first buck! congrats!:)

daytona 500 winner- Ward Burton
go Cat-22

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Man Oh man, what a great story. I couldn't agree more with MQ1Shooter. You did everything so absolutely RIGHT it is almost scary! Textbook hunt!

Like Bowfanatic, I too was almost getting emotional because I took my first buck with a bow this year as well. I've taken several does but never a buck. I couldn't have scripted a more perfect hunt for myself. I got into my stand before sunrise. Around 7:30am or so I saw the buck nearly 60 yards away trashing a sapling. Made one quick grunt and he walked right to me providing a perfect broadside shot at about 18 yards. He fell within sight. I left and went to my truck to give him time. Had a bite to eat then drove the truck in as close as I could and recovered the deer. The whole experience for me was exactly the way I wanted my first buck to be taken! He's also exactly the &quot;type&quot; of deer I wanted to get for my first buck. I just wanted a real nice looking rack. I didn't want a spike, 4-point or button buck etc. The deer I got is a beautiful, very symmetrical 6-point. It was great. Like you, I've told the story a million times so I know exactly how your feeling!!

http://www.clubphoto.com/reward.php?...ike283730&pwd=

Congradulations Blood-Brother!!

-Mike



Edited by - mjl927 on 11/14/2002 08:50:16

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats on the buck!! I have to agree with you MQ1shooter all the way!!! Great Thread!!

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats Atlasman on a nice buck and a great hunt. I remember my first bow kill which was a small doe and it was a trophy for me. I had a nice 8 point come in the first year and only had a direct frontal shot I didn't feel comfortable with. Taking a buck as your first bow kill has to be great. The pic of your venison looks great as well...my only suggestion is to wrap your cuts/burger in an airtight wrap such as Saran and then a finish wrap in freezer paper with the waxed side in toward the meat. I've had venison frozen over a year this way and it stays with no freezer burn or contamination.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

That looks almost exactly like my dad's first deer also. The only difference is that he shot it with a rifle. I'm still working on getting my first deer though and I'm really getting frustrated because I haven't been able to hunt for about a month. I missed the rut!!!<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle> I haven't even seen a deer in a month either.School and work are still more important for me right now as a high school senior. I absolutely love the support and advice you guys have been giving me. Thanks everyone and when my day comes, you can be sure you will all here about it.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

I can't beleive I forgot to congratulate atlasman. Nice going!!! You'll have the same results for years to come. I'm sure of it.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

CONGRATS THANKS FOR THE PICS AND THE STORY NOW YOU ARE HOOKED.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Having posted here for the last two years I must repeat what so many others are saying.

This has got to be one of the best examples of a post I have read!!!!

Congrats on a great hunt!!!

Thanks for allowing us to live it with you through the great story and pictures!!!

Makes me want to go hunting!!!

&quot; Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad&quot;

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats! Thanks for the story and nice job on your first archery kill.



Shoot often - Hunt always

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

atlasman my hat is off to you, congrats on your first bowkill and a great story. I fully understand your emotions, I got my first bowkill this year also, it was my 3rd season with a bow and even though it was Nov 1st when I got her I am still on cloud 9!!! Nice buck to boot.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats Atlasman on your first bow harvest. Great story and great pics. I harvested my first deer with a bow this year too, and like you I'm still smiling and can't wait for someone else to ask me about it. That deer will live forever in your mind.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats on your first successful hunt!

Even <font size=4>bigger congrats</font id=size4> on doing everything, and I mean everything, correctly!

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

I gotta go with the crowd on this one, Congratulations!!!

You are a credit to our sport. Your success is a prime example of preparation meeting opportunity!

You got your buck the old fashioned way....You earned it!!!! :)

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Well my season is now over. This morning was my last hunt with a bow. Sunday to relax and slugs start flying Monday morning.

My friend missed a nice 6 pt yesterday out of the same tree I killed this buck from. I went in it today and saw only a red fox.

What a year.

Saw A LOT of game. Had an owl almost crash into my head in my stand. Had 8 toms feeding and picking 5 feet from me one day while hunting from the ground. Had to literally lay down in a corn field because a bunch of deer came out and I didn't want to spook them so I laid in the mud until it got dark enough to slip away.

Got my first buck and had the time of my life.

Can't believe it's over already.

I can say without a doubt I have a whole new perspective on hunting and I only wish I had started archery a lot sooner.

See you in the woods :)

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats looks like your hooked now welcome to the addiction . It just gets worse with time and the more animals aquired .

If information provided by the members of this board have helped you please let us know .

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

A Great Big Congratulations!! As I read your story, I was thinking to myself that you must be a writer. The story was like reading a book, a very exciting one!I only hope I can get my first deer this season like you did. I'm in Westchester, in the great state of NY and we are bow only until December 31. So hopefully, I will be blessed and will be writing a post similar to yours soon. This weekend is a wash-out, so now I have to chomp at the bit for another 5 days.I can't wait because I, like you, LOVE BOWHUNTING!!! Congrats again on a wonderful post and a great first kill!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

I agree with you on special it is to have a family member there, I hunt with my husband and can't wait to share my first deer with him right there.<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats on your first, something you will never forget. Great story, very detailed. I seem to remember another member that told of a story with such detail on his first and the many more he has taken since. I think he lives in Alaska and hunts grislys with a bow. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>. Look forward to many more stories I'm sure.

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Way to go.!! I like the pics.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: First deer EVER with a bow(pics)and it's a buck!!
 

Congrats on your first deer with a bow and a buck to boot. Most cut thier teeth with a doe, but a buck, that's fantastic.

AND, I honored you with a HRAOP per MQ1 request, I agree, great story. I LOVE BOWHUNTING TOO!

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>