I shoot my bow extremely accurately. I got some 1/2 inch groups at 20 yards today. Every couple shots, I let one fly. I do not feel comfortable going in my stand and shooting knowing that every couple shots, I let one fly. It would only wound the deer. I knew if I got a deer within range, I could take it, but it just didn't feel right. There was a small chance I would wound the deer. I didn't want that to happen at all. Therefore, I sat the season out. How many of you skipped the season?

It sounds like you did the right thing but if I were you I'd focus on the problem. I live to hunt and am now going through major depression since the seasons over. Can't imange skipping it.

zac,
Sorry you felt you needed to sit this one out. When you say you have a flyer every few shots, how far out from the rest of your group are they? Chances are, you are torqing the bow every few shots. The kill zone on a deer is approximately 7" tall by 10" wide. While I commend your commitment to making a clean kill, the best way to improve is to spend some time in the woods. Practice as much as you can and hope that it all works out when the opportunity presents itself. Good Luck!

My flyer is usually 5-6 inches away from the rest of the group. But if I hit in the middle of the kill zone then 5-6 inches away would miss the kill zone.

Have a pro watch you zak. Form, consistent formis the key. Sounds like you are a bit off on something. When I have nice tight groups and then sling one it is usually because I did not concentrate, punched the release or canted my bow. Many things can cause those few poor shots. See if a pro can detect some flaw and then clean the freezer out and get it prepared for next season. I commend you for wanting to be well practiced and ethical. More beginners could learn from your patience.

I did have a pro watch me. I think that since I have 2 arrows right in the kill zone, I get over confident. I think I can make that other shot in the kill zone, also. That is why I let a flyer go.

could not imagine having to sit out a season its only been a couple weeks and i am having major withdrawal pains

Zak, if I remember correctly, this was your first season shooting a bow right? If so, I commend you for your decision. I did the exact thing my first year shooting. I started with a recurve hunting bow and did not feel confident enough to hunt deer. With lots of practice, learning and help from others, I bowhunted the 2nd year of shooting and was able to take my first deer.

I think too many people buy and start shooting a bow for the first time in mid summer to early fall and think they are ready. Bow hunting is not firearms hunting. Good luck in next season Zak!

I'm right there with you Zak. The first year I bought a bow I didn't go hunting at all. Instead, I practiced shooting. This was my second year with the bow and the first season I've been out hunting. I can make a kill shoot 99% of the time at 20 yards, about about 85% of the time at 30-40 yards. Iin light of that, this year I've given myself a self-imposed limit of ~20 yards.

I'm right there with ya man. I had the same problem last year. this was my first season hunt8ing with a bow and I got one on the last day of the season. I passed on several shots early in the season and got busted twice on the draw, but everything came together on that last day. Just wait till you ar ready, practise and build your confidence. You'll do fine next year.
Bill