Got up at 3:00 a.m. for a full day of hunting, the last I'll have during the week, and probably until the orange hoard arrives for gun season. Drove to my hunting spot and was in my tree by 5:00. I had used a drag line from midfield to my stand. Legal shooting time finally arrived and not five minutes later I heard the slow steps of a deer coming my way. I saw a deer coming to the stand right down the drag line. He stopped ten yards from my stand broadside. He had an enormous rack, but dang it was still pretty dark. I held at full draw trying to see well enough to make a good shot. I just couldn't do it. I just didn't want to wound him. He was one beautiful deer. I shot a real big deer last year, but this one would have scored much better I'm sure.

So, at least I got to be there to see him. Of course, I saw nothing the rest of the day worth shooting. Sat from dawn to dusk, except for a brief pause at noon to bag a turkey, which only took about an hour given the number of birds in the area. At least I brought home something! Good luck to you all this year.

Ah!! You were breaking my heart about the very rough day you had LOL

I think you made the right decision. I personally like to air on the side of caution. When in doubt he wins in my book. they'll be another day and another hunt for you to beat him at his game. Hopefully you'll be rewarded your actions.

wideone you had me going there for min! I felt like i was right there with you in that stand! Great story! I hope you can tag him i would like to see some pic`s goodluck.

You made the right decision, and I hope before season's end your rewarded for it.

Tough ,but the right decision