I have never gotten a buck with a bow, just killed my first deer with a bow 3 weeks ago for that matter. I was hunting this past Saturday morning, trying to get my buck before all the rifles start going off, and a small 4 point comes walking by at about 7:45. He was just kinda milling around and eating not ever aware of me being there 15 yards away. This young buck stops and gives me all kinds of shots, broadside more than once. Well, I pulled back but just couldn`t get myself to pull the release trigger on him. I kept thinking of what he may be next year or the year after. Well after about 20 minutes he feeds on out of range and I go home empty handed. I felt pretty good about letting it go but didn`t feel too good about not putting one in the freezer. I am confused on what I think about it, I know if I would have shot, he was mine, but I just couldn`t or didn`t do it for some reason. Thanks for letting me vent.

Hack

Sounds to me like you did the right thing. You were uncomfortable with taking a young buck so you didn't. Good for you. It's been said on here many times, if you are uncomfortable with the shot, for whatever reason, don't shoot. Sounds to me like your starting to practice deer management. I have the same problem on my farm. I've got a small 6 point that has given me 3 or 4 shots over the last month. But he and 2 other bucks are the first bucks I've seen on this property since we bought it 4 years ago. And I just can't bring myself to shooting him because I want bucks here again next year. Hope this helps. Good luck.

KEEP IT LEGAL. KEEP IT SAFE. OR WE MAY NOT GET TO KEEP IT AT ALL.

Don't worry about it. I do it all the time. Let the little ones go and if you need the meat, shoot the does. I have two does in the frezzer this year, and donated another one. I feel better about that then I would have shooting a small buck, which I could have done on numerous times this year.

I've always felt that if I have to think about whether to shoot or not, I'll regret it later. When the deer you've been looking for shows up, you wont have to think about it. You did the right thing.

And now for the rest of the story:

"Thwack!" went the arrow as it whacked the small 4 pointer that badluck had moments before let walk....The other hunter was confused as to why the other hunter didn't shoot but was nonetheless greatful to have some meat in his freezer...

Moral of the story...Man you gotta do what you wanna do or it ain't worth it...read some of the posts of the "Trophy Hunters" that haunt this place and how irratable they get towards the end of the season when they haven't arrowed one yet. If you felt good letting it walk then good...Enjoy watching some of them...Enjoy harvesting some of them...

~Will Hunt For Food~

[Deleted by Admins]

Dog is right - YOU are the one who had to make the decision. If you thought it was right at the time, then it was. Don't second guess yourself after fact.

I had a similar, but completely different experience this past Saturday that I'm going to post under the topic title of "Scab Hunters?"



Shoot often - Hunt always

badluck any time you see a deer and can not decide whether to shoot it or not because it is to young you have made a personal decision that is always correct for you, forget what others say or think as long as it is legal and you feel good taking I and many others will congradulate you, I will also take my hat off to you for letting one walk.

I had a fawn, no spots but still this years deer at 10 yards broadside for 10-15 minutes this year and could not bring myself to draw the bow even, why would I have even considered it? It would of been my first bowkill, but I let it walk. I did get my first bowkill this season though later, a nice fat, mature doe.

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

you would be beating yourself up either way, so dont worry about it.

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass

If you ever have to wonder whether you should shoot or not, the answer is always no. That's a rule my uncle taught me when I was a kid and I haven't ever been in a situation that it wasn't true.