RE: A starter buck?
 

The only way to lessen the fever is to pop that cherry.

Seriously, it gets better with time. I don't shake until after the shot, which is something that'll never go away no matter how many years I'm at it.

Take deep breaths, conecntrate, and do what you can to relax. It'll all come together and you'll pull it off, but only experience will really get rid of those bad shakes.

We're still talking about hunting deer... right?

RE: A starter buck?
 

I hope! lol thanks Dan.

RE: A starter buck?
 

I started small also, this spiker came in 30min after i set up 10yards broad side perfect shot with my 30-06. Lol this actually happened this year.

RE: A starter buck?
 

Like everyone said, shoot what you want, it is all up to you. I have only shot 1 buck, he was around 122", doesn't really matter to me whether I shoot a buck or not, I just like to hunt, so I shoot a doe when I want to shoot a deer, let the little ones walk. It just doesn't really matter. It isn't like if you don't shoot a buck you are a bad hunter, or not really hunting, that is how some people make it out to be, but it isn't. Just do what you want, it all feels the same to me, GREAT!

RE: A starter buck?
 

Shoot that first one regardless of size. then get picky.

RE: A starter buck?
 

I started small. Started with does and a spike first yr. then another spike the next then a 3 pnt. and this yr a 5pnt and 6 pnt. filling in the gaps with lots of does and missed a couple in my beginning yrs.

RE: A starter buck?
 

This is my third year bowhunting, but my first year getting one. My first two years i passed up little four pointers that were only like 20 yards away broadside. I figured i would see something bigger but never did. So this year when i got the opportunity for a good shot i took it. It was only a button buck but it was the most exciting thing I have ever done in my life. During shotgun season this year i was able to take a nice 8 pointer which was awsome. Hunting isnt about taking the biggest deer possible. Its about being out in the woods doing what you love to do.

RE: A starter buck?
 

You have your whole life to shoot MR. Big. Why pressure yourself with that just starting out?? You aren't out there to please anyone but yourself and gain experience. All of us started out shooting does and " any " buck that walked by. Well most of us have. Heck some of us still are happy shooting any buck. That is the way it should be.

I've been hunting for almost 30 years now. I still get shakey knees when a deer comes by that I want to shoot. When I decide on shooting a deer, I focus on takingthe shot. I focus on the spot where the arrows needs to be. Just like target shooting. Usually I am calm at the shot just as I am when practicing on targets. Granted you are still making sure the deer is in a good postion and there are no obstructions in your way... but I amconcentrating onwhich spot on the deer that needs to be hit. Put everything in the back of your mind but making the shot. It's hard to explain but it works for me.

Goodluck!!

Tim

RE: A starter buck?
 

MAn the first one that walk by (as long as it isnt like a fawn with spots) but the first one that walks on by shoot it.
It will help with the shakes because you will know what to expect next time and you will feel alot more confedent in your self.
This was the first year i have taken any deer with my bow. And i have been bowhunting for 3 seasons now.
My first one with a bow was a button buck. then i shot an 11 point (but hes not very big but i did get him mounted because i was proud of the deer) then i shot a doe.
So dont worry about shooting horns just go out and shoot a deer.

RE: A starter buck?
 

All of the above is good advise. You are really lucky to be young and getting started in bowhunting. I didn't start til I was 42. You seem to have things well in hand. Just do what YOU want to do as far as killing your first deer with a bow.

Controlled buck fever is the best feeling there is. If you could capture and put it in a pill it would be the most addictive drug ever.