The thing about bow hunting---WHEN you actually get that chance to take your FIRST shot at a live animal you suddenly forget the distance for each pin you forget to breath you forget to follow thru as you would when practicing you forget your name and after the shot you are trying to figure out WHAT WENT WRONG?The first shot of my bowhunting life was at a very BIG buck--when i did release the adrenaline took over--i pulled the release trigger and actually lunged forward sending the arrow several feet from where it was intended to go--the only way to control the heat of the moment is to go through it and learn from mistakes--the key word here is LEARN.

jsasker, very well said!!! There is no shame in making mistake' s or taking bad shot' s when a bowhunter is just starting out, as long as you learn from the experience. I think we have all been there and done that. Pike

Hey Deadlyrifle, I meant no disrespect at all. Sorry if it came across that way. I know how it is at the heat of the moment. I didn' t mean to get on an ethical soapbox. I just know that when I started out and made alot of mistakes that my dad and a few others were there to help me. I was just always taught to be sure of your shot before you ever take it. But, I also know that all you ever learned can go right out the window when you get so excited. I remember when I shot my first buck, I watched him fall about 40 yards away. Then I almost fell out of my treestand because my legs were shaking so bad. Then got down and had no idea where the deer was. Anyhow, you will learn as you go. Man I have been bowhunting for about 18 years now and those darn deer teach me lessons every year. I guess that if we ever figured it all out it wouldn' t be fun anymore. Anyhow, to you and the other guys, I am sorry if I came across wrong. Just trying to help out a fellow hunter. Hope the apology is accepted. And Deadlyrifle, i hope that you have as much fun and enjoyment that I have been blessed with out in the woods. Your in for alot of fun!! Oh Yea, alot of frustration also

Hey DR now ya know, learn from your mistakes! I missed a huge 8 point @ 20 yds season before last and it still haunts me! Good luck hunting and always be opened minded and learn! Wait for the best shot and it should pay off in one form or another! I need to go hunting NOW![:-]

Sounds like a good first season to me! You saw deer and had a shot opportunity. Bowhunting is a humbling, takes patience and persistance. You can' t beat yourself up, learn from your mistake and move on because it won' t be your last!