Finally got a shot off and blew it!

[SpokaneSlayer]

Well, I finally got a shot at a buck that I've been hunting for the past 7 days.  He's a 3 point with a massive droptine or extra main beam, not sure which.  I've seen him nearly everyday and have made many stalks on him.  Today,  I spooked him and I didn't even know he was there.  So I watched him and 2 other bucks go off into a stand of trees.  I head back to my truck and drive around.  I decide to make one last go of it before calling it a morning.  The conditions were not ideal.  Wind at my back, sun in my face.  But, I walk in anyway.  I get about a quarter mile in and up pops a little spike.  Then 3 more bucks stand up.  One of which was the one.  I try to get around using a larg bush as cover, but the spike had walked over that way.  Off he goes.  I'm thinking, stalk over.  I back track and there are the other 3 bucks still watching me.  They walk up a small rock face and stop broadside just watching me.  I had already knocked an arrow, so I ranged them.  45 yds.  A bit on the far side of my comfort zone, but still doable.  I draw back, get my anchor point, put the sweet spot between my 40 and 50 yd pins, and let her fly....right past the front of his chest!   My elevation was perfect, but I think I failed to take the cross wind into consideration.  I watched as they trotted off.  I went to retieve my arrow after losing sight.  Couldn't find it anywhere.  I know I didn't see it in him.  So I checked for blood.  None.  I reaquired them and got a real good look at both sides of him.  No wounds.  Matter of fact, he was feeding as if nothing had happened.  Fast forward to this evening.  I caught sight of him from the truck.  He looked healthy.  I even managed to snap a photo of him.

[alecvg]

WOW!  Awesome buck!     Stick with it and don't be discouraged!  You will get him.  That buck is sweet!

[HuntingFanatic]

Hang in there! Hope ya get him! Thanks for the pics.

[Todd_ID]

Whoops!  I hate it when a plan falls apart.  We practice and practice all year, and something still seems to go wrong once in a while.  Keep at him, though.  There're a lot of days left for stalks and shots.

[mossback91]

 i blew a easy shot yesterday on a buck ive been chasing since the first.......dont feel bad lol

[SpokaneSlayer]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.  I'll be out again tonight after work.  I wonder when he'll rub the velvet off.  I'd really like to see him hard horned.  My wife says if I get him, we should get him mounted.

[tlbradford]

Neat Buck.  I have only seen 1 buck still in full velvet so far this bow season.  It is weird how they vary so much from area to area.

[SpokaneSlayer]

I know huh?  About half the bucks I've seen this year so far are still in velvet.  Maybe I should try hunting where I saw some rubs. 

[elkoholic1]

hang in there, little helpfull hint is cant your top limb into the wind 1/4  to 1/2 bubble if u have a level in your sight. will comp. for wind u need to practice this so u know how much bubble to give for the wind conditions... learned this shooting hundreds of 3D tournys over the years. especially with light carbon arrows.

[SpokaneSlayer]

Thanks for the advice!  I do have a level on my sight.  I'll have to get out there early one afternoon and shoot some before heading out.

[GoldTip]

Good luck and keep after him, thats a cool looking buck!

[markts]

That is a sweet looking buck. Go get him so we can see some close up pics Mark

[Instinct]

so this is my 2nd year hunting and was wondeing what time ofthe year does bucks rub?

[JackOfAllTrades]

I had an uncle once tell me that once I got close, quit stalking. Mule deer and Blacktail are incredibly curious. If on your next attempt at him, if you don't really spook him, but he knows you're there. ... See if he'll come 'your way'.

Hope ya get him.

-Steve

[bucklucky]

It just wasnt meant to be, oh well, maybee next time!

[mossback91]

I had an uncle once tell me that once I got close, quit stalking. Mule deer and Blacktail are incredibly curious. If on your next attempt at him, if you don't really spook him, but he knows you're there. ... See if he'll come 'your way'.

Hope ya get him.

-Steve

had one doing that last night but I was running out of daylight so i had to get up and get to the trail before dark

[JackOfAllTrades]

Always remember too.. That when you leave, leave like you're stalking your way out. Even though those deer know you're there, don't just stand up and walk away while giving the buck a salute. Leave discretely.

-Steve

[twisp_river_slayer]

wow awesome buck!

[Jeffrey]

He will look great on your wall at home.  He has your name all over him, now go get him!

[KimberRich]

Sounds like a close call! But your all over him..  Seeing him that much you got it figured out.  Go get em!