RE: How long did it take?
 

I started bowhunting when I was 13 and I just killed my first buck this year. I'm 23, so ten years is how long I waited. It took me seven to get my first doe. Until last year I had only saw two bucks while in the stand, neither of which were close enough. I passed on a few real small bucks last year and finally had one I liked come in range. As stated before, shoot whatever make YOU happy;)

RE: How long did it take?
 

I took me about 5 years to get my first buck with a bow. I started archery hunting at 13, and shot mine shortly before my 18th birthday. I had a TON of encounters with decent bucks in bow range throughout those years, but I didn't know a dang thing about what I was doing. I'm now 23 and haven't shot another buck with a bow yet. It can be frustrating, because in the last two years I've learned a ton, and finally consider myself a serious bowhunter. I put the scout time in, I'm careful with scent, I hunt the wind, plan exit/entry routes, I'm better at reading terrain, etc, but I still haven't been able to connect since that last buck. I've taken does with my bow, but no bucks since that first and last in 2002. Hopefully I've actually learned something, and I'm not just repeating my ignorant ways.:D

Anyways, I wouldn't get too bent out of shape about how many years you go, because frankly it's hunting. Shoot what makes you happy, and if a shot presents itself that you want, take it. If not, it will eventually.

RE: How long did it take?
 

i got my first big buck after about ten years of hunting. i started when i was 12. it would be a good idea to shoot something to get real life practice before the big one comes in range. it is not like practice.i shot at least 15 deer before a big one. i get them regularly now.

RE: How long did it take?
 

I was 14 when I took my first. Started hunting at 12. Im firm believer in getting kills under your belt. When you do get that NICE buck you want to have the confidence to take a good shot and harvest that deer.GL

RE: How long did it take?
 

First three years of bowhunting I was holding out for a nice, mature buck. Saw a few but never took any. A buddy mine told me to shoot what I want at first, sort of like "building up" to that mature status. So, that's the route I took. After 4 years of bowhunting, I shot a 4 ptr. After that, I felt like I had completed my freshman year, if you know what I mean.

In the last two years I have taken a nice 8 ptr and 10 ptr w/ my bow.

It may sound stupid to build up to it, but like others said...get a few deer under your belt, then you'll be that much more prepared when that big boy steps out in front of you.

Best of luck to ya!

RE: How long did it take?
 

I shot a decent 9-point for my first deer.Second season, first day, from the ground. My second was a doe, 6 years later.

God smiled on me for my first.

RE: How long did it take?
 

my first deer was a buck, but it was a six pointer. that first buck even though it was small i came "unglued". since then i've harvested a bunch of does to build confidence and now i am at the point where i can shoot a doe confidently and having harvested deer, have the confidence to make a good shot on a good buck when he comes around.