Had him at 25 yards

[Nilehunter]

     Went out deer hunting this weekend.  To get to public land you have to drive through a few miles of leased or owned private timber land.  After the morning hunt the wife and I are headed out to have breakfast with the rest of the family and as we just get out of public land when I look over and a 4x4 muley is standing 25 yards off the road.  He's broad side and doesn't have a care in the world.  My wife stops the truck and I get out with bow in hand.  A million thoughts going through my mind.  Almost instinctively I draw and set my first pin slightly high on his chest.  Then it hits me like a kick to the boys... I cant shoot it's private land, I won't be able to feel right about it.  So I draw down the whole time my wife is calling to me shoot shoot!  As I walk to the door of the truck A car comes around the bend.  I think to myself another good reason for not shooting.  Every time we drove through the private land after that we would see at least 4 deer.  Some bucks some does.  Who said mule deer are dumb?  They know where to be when the arrows start flying.  All and all it was a great trip though.  Saw lots of deer and called in a white tail buck and doe.  Just not close enough to take the shot.

[buckfvr]

Had you shot and got caught, youd not have been able to feel right about it for about 5 years.......they changed the law, its now poaching if you know its private land....bye bye deer, weapon, vehicle, and what ever else they decide.  Glad you had that feeling.............

[mfswallace]

Similar Story about Ethics-Who knew I had them 

I have 2 little bucks(1 legal) come in around 7pm and know that there is a wide 5x5 that might be around these guys.  They leave around 7:40 and 15min later I see Grandad  starting down the hill.  When he gets to 50yrds I'm watching for a broadside turn or stop quartering shot but he never changes course from his head on shot and stops 20yrds away at 8:06  Light is fading and although I can still see my pins and his broad chest I have to just let the light fade on a near death experience for Grandad. 
I am stuck in my blind till midnight as to not spook the deer I can here hanging around.  Got to the truck and sleep just after 1am then back up for the hike in at 4am.  Watch a little 2x2 till 9am then head home for the day.  Gonna go back tonight and see if he comes in from the same way and maybe a little earlier.  If I can pattern him enough I'll try and catch him 10-15 minutes away from my blind for a legal shot 

[stickbuck]

I'm sure you are glad you made the right decision. No animal is ever worth risking all that you can lose for an infraction such as this. Keep making the right decisions and one will eventually hit the dirt. On a side note, mfs, that is a pig. Hopefully he comes by during legal hours tonight. Good luck to you both!!

[Nilehunter]

Similar Story about Ethics-Who knew I had them 

I have 2 little bucks(1 legal) come in around 7pm and know that there is a wide 5x5 that might be around these guys.  They leave around 7:40 and 15min later I see Grandad  starting down the hill.  When he gets to 50yrds I'm watching for a broadside turn or stop quartering shot but he never changes course from his head on shot and stops 20yrds away at 8:06  Light is fading and although I can still see my pins and his broad chest I have to just let the light fade on a near death experience for Grandad. 
I am stuck in my blind till midnight as to not spook the deer I can here hanging around.  Got to the truck and sleep just after 1am then back up for the hike in at 4am.  Watch a little 2x2 till 9am then head home for the day.  Gonna go back tonight and see if he comes in from the same way and maybe a little earlier.  If I can pattern him enough I'll try and catch him 10-15 minutes away from my blind for a legal shot 

Good luck!!  I hope it all comes together for you.