first sight

[sivart33]

this is my first year hunting with a bow.  i was wondering if i should just shoot the first mature deer i see, or should i pass over the does and go for the males?

i am torn on the subject, i know i can see more then 1 deer and get in range, but i don't know if i should let the first go and then never get my chance again.  last year during bow season (was out bear hunting) i saw 3 bucks and 2 in shooting range (20 yards) but doubtful ill ever get that chance again.

[sivart33]

i guess this must be a personal thing to make my mind up on....

[halflife65]

It is a personal thing.  For me it helped that I had shot lots of deer and some elk and a few bears with a rifle before I took up bow hunting.  That being said, my first year I shot the first legal buck that stepped in front of me (a little 3 or 4 point).  It helped me to not shoot a doe, though.  Having said that, there is no shame in shooting a doe (where it's legal, obviously).  It definitely helps to get the first one out of the way. 

It'll be harder than you think once you're actually trying to kill one of them.  Like I said, no shame in taking whatever is legal.

[uplandhunter870]

im still waiting for my first archery deer and ive been flinging at everything legal, ive missed more than my fair share of shots (clean misses no wounded animals) i personally dont care if that first bow deer is a basket 3 point a doe or a massive buck i just want it. i think its more of a personal choice, if you think you can pass up does and smaller bucks and still get at that good buck go for it. i also think it all depends on the area, number of deer around and how much time you have to hunt

[BLKBEARKLR]

if you get a good shot, and you are confident and not a horn hunter, then shoot the first deer that is legal. It takes a lot of things for everything to be right to fling an arrow. A lot more has to come into play than with a rifle. I myself opening day would whack a doe in a heartbeat.

Joe