this is my first year bow hunting and im excited about opening day. been shooting all summer and fell really good about taking my first deer with a bow.

i was wandering if alot of people let does walk in the begginging of the year and try to wait for a buck. i know that its gonna be hard for me to just because ive never killed one with a bow. ive had alot of does on my camera and every now and then i will have pictures of bucks.

just trying to get some feedback on what other bow hunters do

I have approached the season both ways in the past, and here's my advice being your first year bowhunting. I would take the first ethical shot you are given. I will guarantee you will get the jitters the first time a deer gets inside 20 yards, so it's best to get that under your belt as soon as possible. There are many, many things that can go wrong bowhunting and it's best to figure out what those things are as quickly as possible! Not saying it's going to happen the first time...but it will happen sooner or later!

yeah i still get excited gun hunting when a deer walks out so i can only imagine when one comes out when im bow hunting. while im gun hunting i let alot of deer walk just becuase i enjoy watching them. the hardest thing i did last year was let a big 8 point walk cause i couldnt get a clean shot on him, i probably could have took him but i wasnt a 100% sure.

If I were you, I would shoot the first good shot I had. I guess it depends what you want. If you only want a buck, then wait. But if you find that it is "hard" for you to wait, then don't wait. WHen you have a good shot take it! Hunting is for you, not for what makes everyone else happy. This year I'll be waiting to take a doe. Other years I've taken the first legal deer I see. Just depends on what your goals are.

-Jake

early season...hammer them! closer to rut...let them go...late season, depends on your deer population and farm management you want..personally Ill hammer them out late season too!

I love hunting in general. Ill probably take whatever walks out if i can get a good clean shot cause my wifes already hounding me about putting some more deer meat in the freezer lol