With a bow I can only shake my head.....

[Jmax]

Had a much better day today. Got to my spot and set up at 7 a.m. but was not sure if I was where I needed to be. At 7:30 just over a rise up a small hill in front of me I saw my first deer. I could only see it's back as it walked along feeding and just as I lost sight of it it raised it's head and had horns. Never presented a shot. An hour later a squirrel in front of me took off barking and would not shut up. I knew something had him going. Sure enough off to the side of me back from where I had come in from I saw a deer making it's way through the underbursh heading my way!emoEek I zeroed in on it's head and it too had horns. The deer was angling towards me and I thought if it would just keep coming that way I would have a great shot. At forty yards I brought up the bow and got ready to shoot..five or ten more yards and he would be in my freezer. He stopped behind some bushes and stoud there eating something. I could see it's vitals but I thought it would come closer. As luck would have it the next thing I know he gets right behind that bush and angles away!emoDoh I could have shot but forty is not my idea of a great shot and I thought he would come closer. Not a huge deer but he had three on one side and two on the other but I do not think he had eye tongs.emoRolleyes At eleven I saw a doe with a yearling and that was my morning. Four deer and almost a chance to shoot. This was a good morning. Lots of squirrels and acorns where I was at. I think that is why those deer are in there.emoThumbsup Jmax

 

[Wet Willie]

Glad you got out this morning Jmax and it sounds like you have found a pretty good spot that the deer are using. Just a matter of time before you bag one. I only wish I could join you. Al

 

[Liveliner]

Great report.  I enjoyed the way you told the story.  I kept from scanning ahead to see if you got the shot.  That was a very good hunt when you went and saw deer.  The fact that you saw the deer heading your way gets your blood to pumping and the excitement taking over.  Getting the opportunity to shoot is a benefit of the hunt however I enjoy the experiance of that "Almost".

 

[Jmax]

Liveliner - 10/2/2007 3:10 PM

Great report. (skip) blood to pumping and the excitement taking over.  Getting the opportunity to shoot is a benefit.

Thanks for the compliment. I agree completely with you LL. I tell my son all the time it is not the "kill" that makes the hunt. That is just a bonus for the freezer. To me it is the stadagy, planning, concilment, and all the preparation that comes togather to see them without them seeing you first. The enjoyment of being able to hunt in what the Lord has provided for us is a true wonder of nature. I have noticed over the years that when I was younger I got the buck fever blood pumping before I ever was ready to shoot. Then as I grew older I got it right as I was about to shoot. Now it seems I get the blood rush right after I shoot and the deed is done. Sure makes for a better aim. I have put enough deer in the freezer over the years that it does not effect me like it use to but I hope I never loose that blood rush.emoAngel Jmax

 

[SpurHunter]

Great read JM! Almost makes me want to get out there! I am waiting on cooler weather, and some black powder wafting in the air! Well...that is after the youth hunt...the little killer is after a bigger deer than last year!

 

[ratherBfishin]

When I stop getting that rush that is when I will quit hunting. it is one of the best highs you can have. There is nothing like sticking one with your bow it is so much more rewarding . Just hang in there Jmax .

 

[Liveliner]

Same here with the blood rush after the kill. I went through the same phases you described. If I have a lot of suspense and anticipation of the shot on a very nice trophy buck for an extended time, I can still sit as still and as calm as Dead. But when it is like that and I get the shot, I will get so fired up I must get out of the stand and sit down. What a rush.</p>

 

[churly]

Good report. Just hang tight and you'll get a nicun! I still shake like a leaf and if I ever quit, I guess I'll start playing golf!

 

[cooperjd]

good job jmax, i think i'll finally get to hit the woods on the 13th. i seem to stay gone all the time and i'm not home to hunt. i just wish i could scout before i go, so i think i'll be still hunting/scouting to try to learn the new area.

i've tried explaining to my roommates and other friends up here just what its like to shake so bad your knees don't work after a shot. they laugh at the folks on the hunting shows when they get emotional and excited. people that don't experience it just can never know how high the highs can be. its' not a passion, its not an obsession, not a hobby, or a sport. its a lifestyle. it's who we are and what we do. and there is nothing greater.