passing up the iffy shot


elkoholic

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With all the fuss about poorly hit deer (bad shot/shot choice) and some iffy shots that resulted in a kill (luck?), I look back on two hunts this year with a strange satisfaction. On one hunt I rattled in a 150+ buck for my daughter who after five to ten seconds of trying to draw a bead on the biggest buck she had seen while hunting, let the big boy trot off because she did not feel comfortable with the shot. The second hunt, with my son, was somewhat similar as a 140+ buck charged to within 15 yards and then proceeded to circle around us and never presented a shot my son felt comfortable with. Both of these deer were big bodied (over 300 lbs. on the hoof) and pretty decent head gear. Both my daughter and son have taken deer before and can shoot as well as anyone. I am very proud of them for their decisions not to shoot and their attitudes about antler size not having any bearing on their decision. Were they disappointed about not getting those deer? Yes, but they also realize there is more to hunting than shooting something. Their respect for the animals they hunt says a lot about their charactor. Sometimes being a parent is good.

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Re: passing up the iffy shot

That is great, you are teaching them well. I do not take shots I am not confident in. Have passed some pretty good deer that I probably could have made the shots on, but ended up not taking.

Kind of similar in a way, my 8 year old daughter during the muzzleloader here had some great opportunities on several does, but would never squeeze the trigger. As we were getting ready to get down and head back she told me the reason why she could not squeeze was because her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid to shoot. She was worried with her excitement that she might not be able to make a good shot.

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Re: passing up the iffy shot

Welcome to the forums alkie 1 and congratulations on your one-shot-one-kill doe. You shouldn't care that someone else got the first shot in as long as yours was the last.

It is really too bad there are shooters, and then there are ethical hunters. It is a shame everyone who wears the orange during hunting season are not as ethical as you and most on this board.

.....popgun

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Re: passing up the iffy shot

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You seem to be raising two fine hunters! Keep up the good work, their decisions are certainly commendable.

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My thoughts exactly. drp, if you ever feel the urge to bring in a 140 or 150 class buck for me, please let me know! LOL

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alkie, you did the right thing for that doe. Congrats on the clean kill. Glad to have another ethical Cheesehead on the forums!

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Re: passing up the iffy shot

Stick out your chest Dad, you can be proud of those up and coming hunters. smile.gif With kids learning sound judgement like that I believe we stand a good chance for future generations not to go a stray. smile.gif It's so good to know that so many of our forum members are knowledgable, ethical, and support their kids in making the right chioces. Great job people! smile.gif

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