1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

I know you guys hate posts without pics, but, unfortunately, I don't have one. 20 minutes into my first time out this season, a scrappy 6 pt. meandered directly towards me. He got within 20 yards, and I released my first ever arrow at a live animal. 30 minutes later, I checked my arrow buried in the earth to discover it was completely clean. I had missed (deflection)my first opportunity to harvest a deer. The pain is so bittersweet. I'm happy to have had such a wonderful opportunity, the feeling was unbelievable, but I am dissapointed hundreds of hours of preparation didn't pay off in the "big game." I'm grateful I didn't wound him, and will be back out tonight, where hopefully another opportunity presents itself.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

How could you have a photo of a clean miss, unless you took a picture of the arrow...LOL

It happens, chalk it up to experience and realize, it's not so easy to hit live game compared to a still target. Practice more, watch your openings and cherish the memory.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Sometimes its not about the hunts that you harvest something on sometimes its the memories made through not Harvesting.

Ryan.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

If hunting was just about the kill then I would have given up on it years ago.
Your gonna remember that miss forever even after you connect on Mr. Big. Fun ain't it...

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

I agree it will be a great memory that I will remember forever even though the outcome wasn't what I anticipated. Thanks for the encouragement.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

The first TWO deer that I shot at with a bow were clean misses...lol

You seem to have the right attitude about, and that is refreshing. Get back out there a send one through vitals next time:)

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Happens to everyone! Get out there and get back at it!

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Bah! Don't worry about it! Just be glad you missed instead of made a bad hit. I've missed two deer in my career, both I remember vividly, equally as much as the harvests. Chalk it up to a lesson learned. At least it was old mossy horns ghost face that you missed!

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

There is a big difference between shooting at foam target and a breathing living animal. Targets will almost always have nice clear shooting lanes and your breathing is very different (really true for the first couple of animals you take). It is good that you are looking at this as a positive experience, because it was. It was a great learning experience, one you shouldenjoy. Jump back on the horse and try again.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

I lost count of how many arrows I let fly before bagging my first deer with a bow. Experience is the best medicine. Keep afterit and enjoy being out there. You'll get one.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Brush it off and track that buck down.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

That miss will just make your first kill even sweeter, trust me!

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Keep your head up, it'll happen for ya.

By the way, the title of this post is "1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago". What were all the other shots at, dead animals. LOL JK just a bad attempt at humor. Good luck to ya.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Dont loose hope, your time will come, and hey, mabe a bigger one is on the way. GL;)

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Even though it was a miss the adrenaline shot was worth all the preperation, wasn't it?

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

Hang in there man it will get better.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

I agree. Each hunt is a learning experience.

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

If you had tried to kill him instead of harvesting him he'd be dead.[8D]

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

I think we learn MORE from the times we dont getthe animal

RE: 1st shot at live animal happened 2 hrs ago
 

That is why it is HUNTING and not KILLING... Gather yourself and you will be presented with many other opportunities.