Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 01:16:54 PM
He's using a crossbow. We had several does come by and passed in the hopes of getting a buck. Finally a spike/crab claw came in with his nose stuck in a doe's butt. He tried mounting her but she was definitely not ready, though didn't smack him around. Unfortunately, all of the broadside opportunities at 20 yards had her right behind him. She finally moved off and he wandered around and around only stopping facing us or away. As he moved off to our left, I thought he had maintained about thirty yards distance, the last he had been near one of our reference points. He stopped at the last possible place my left-hand shooting son could swing to his left and I told him thirty yards. Turns out the buck was at twenty and went a hair over his back... my bad..... The buck only ran a little ways, ate some Alder leaves at 44 yards and then moved off.
A while later, another doe showed up coming up the path toward the few apples we tossed out this morning, I could see a buck down the hill behind her, a real nice fork. They kept looking back into the brush and a smaller spike/crab claw came out following another doe. He offered a shot right away at 30 yards but my son decided to wait for the bigger one to come up. The two does moved to about 20 and 25 yards, they kept glancing at us, but did not seem to be overly concerned. We had set up with our backs to a big stump and, unfortunately, little cover in front of us. The little buck moved past the does into a little bowl, the big guy just stood there looking at the others. I could see my son shaking a bit, but he had the crossbow resting on a tripod. The buck started up the path, but then turned and moved toward the little buck. He stopped at about 35 yards, behind several trees, and spent about ten minutes raking a vine maple. He moved back and forth finally, but stayed at 42 yards. We haven't shot 42 yards this year, but the other crosshairs have been on target. The farthest one was marked 42. The does started to move away after eating four or so apples so my son decided to try the shot... right over the big guy's back. :'( I sure do like the lighted nocks!
Anyways, the first miss did not seem too upsetting, he could blame dad after all. :rolleyes: But this one really bummed him out. Hopefully, he will be able to redeem himself this evening since I saw five deer in the spot where I put our blind and it is where he shot his last two bucks.
I told him the misses are what make the successes all that much sweeter. :)
Post by: andr3wxmma on October 21, 2017, 02:50:57 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on October 21, 2017, 03:20:11 PM
Post by: DoubleJ on October 21, 2017, 03:31:30 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 04:43:15 PM
I lost 7 arrows before I shot my first archery deer. Keep plugging awayOnly 7? You're good. I bought a second dozen arrows mid way through my first elk season....
Uuugh though, "miss" number three.... Ten or eleven yards, buck would not clear the window for him, when it finally did, it was hidden by a bunch of grass.
Forgot to remind him to aim low, looked like he just creased the buck's neck. Just a hint of blood on one vane nothing on the ground. Video verifies. Will post later.
My wife just texted... buck down.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 07:15:23 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on October 21, 2017, 09:16:08 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 09:22:25 PM
At least it's a target rich environment. Pat your boy on the back. It won't be his last miss if he keeps hunting. It may turn out well too. Perhaps the brother of your 2016 buck will show up tomorrow. :dunno: Could happen!
I tried to remind him of the positive of missing three bucks in one day... many people don't see one shooter buck in a season, let alone three in a day. I guess he's been spoiled a bit.... 8)
Post by: Elkcollector82 on October 21, 2017, 09:37:46 PM
I lost 7 arrows before I shot my first archery deer. Keep plugging awayOnly 7? You're good. I bought a second dozen arrows mid way through my first elk season....
Uuugh though, "miss" number three.... Ten or eleven yards, buck would not clear the window for him, when it finally did, it was hidden by a bunch of grass.
Forgot to remind him to aim low, looked like he just creased the buck's neck. Just a hint of blood on one vane nothing on the ground. Video verifies. Will post later.
My wife just texted... buck down.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Buck down..... can’t wait to read this story. :tup:
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 10:40:05 PM
Post by: JakeLand on October 21, 2017, 11:07:12 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2017, 11:10:50 PM
Nice !! Tall spikes and good eats :IBCOOL:
Yep, about ten pounds heavier hanging weight than my nubbin mule deer this year. He seems pretty average for here, I'm guessing 2 1/2 yo.
Post by: Widgeondeke on October 22, 2017, 07:22:34 AM
Congrats again K
Post by: lokidog on October 22, 2017, 08:15:25 AM
Post by: The scout on October 22, 2017, 08:26:56 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on October 22, 2017, 09:03:03 AM
Post by: lokidog on October 22, 2017, 10:26:52 AM
I missed three deer last year in less than 24 hours. Found out my pins got screwed up on the drive to my old man's. Now I always double check to tighten all the bolts on the bow. There's always something to gain from a miss, plus it just means you get to keep hunting!
My son does not like the hunting part as much as he likes the tracking. Give him a blood trail to follow and he's loving it (ironically, my wife's least favorite part). I reminded him you need to shoot them first though.... :chuckle: