Jeramie Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 I haven't got to get out much this year. Im way to busy adding onto the house, work, and such. Now that this time change has hit its dark right after I get home so hunting time is limited. I left work about an hour early on Friday and headed to the ranch to see what was moving. I have a 45 mile drive to get home, 15 minutes to the ranch, etc. By the time I got dressed, got my bow, etc it was getting late. I got out there with about 45 minutes to dark. There is one field they jump into every evening so I set up in the corner..... nothing. I picked up my bow and went to check one final field. Its usually pretty hot for does and this late in the game im working for it. I started up a long, steep hill when I heard a deer blow. Immediately I though "Doe!" I froze. I saw the deer sprinting toward some briers down the opposite side of the ridge. I hit my "Can" a couple of times and it froze. I finally some some horn. It was a decent 8, roughly. It was starting to get dark. It was out about 75 yards. Far to long of a shot for a bow. I hit my can like crazy. I figured if i scared him with that he wouldn't be as spooked as if I just kept walking across an open field, uphill. I watched as he dropped back to my right over the ridge and started down hill behind me. He then circled and came right back at me! He was coming in from downwind! I hit the can again and stopped. Picture this, im right in the middle of an open field on the side of a STEEP hill. He is down hill and down wind walking up on a "blob" in the middle of an open field. I didn't have time to slip behind briers so I just drew my bow (while his head was down for a second). I was on my knees. He kept dropping his nose to the ground. I think he was looking for a scent trail. He kept getting closer and closer. Finally he stopped at about 25 yards.... A chip shot! He was slightly quartering toward me. I was still at full draw (I love 87% let off). I know I could have clipped one lung but didn't want to chance losing the deer. Thats one tough call to make in that situation. He never turned to offer a broadside shot. Instead he kept walking toward me slowly, one step at a time. The wind was blowing hard from the south and my scent was headed his direction. I had been at work all day and hadn't planned a hunt so that morning I had put on Degree, cologne, etc. Oddly enough it took him quite a while to wind me. He turned and trotted down the hill toward some heavy timber. I hit the can again and he stopped and looked back. He never busted out into a full out run. He just trotted.... That is the second time ive been on a buck (within range) in an open field, this year. None of the shots have ever been worthy of closing the deal. Im really hurting now. Dang ethical hunting.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! good decision. rifle season is less than 2 weeks away so you might get another chance. the deer activity is really starting to heat up. the bucks are chasing the girls like crazy. good luck---hope you close the deal next time todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanH Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! Man that sucks! Better luck next time! There are alot of people out there that would have tried to force the shot! I believe you made the right decision! Awesome Job!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! yeah, i hear ya. i've passed 2 or 3 shots this year because they just weren't a sure thing. i had a student tell me a story of a deer that walked within 5 ft of him. he tried to shoot it in the neck and apparently missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! My hat's off to you jeramie, for holding out. You'll get another crack at him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest huntinsanobsession Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! hey i know you realy wanted that deer but you made the right choice to not try the shot and try to wait for the right one but during rifle season you wont have to wait for as good a shot cause there are more angles that you can take it from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! Man, I have had no luck at all this year! I am starting to get nervous. I usually have atleast 1 if not 2 in the freezer already. My family has had some illnesses and with work, the weather and my kids, this has not been my most active year of hunting. Need to make some more time though and "git er' done" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY911Bowhunter Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Re: I Cant Close The Deal! I havnt even had a deer within bow range of the stand yet!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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