Got off work in time for an hour hunt before dark Tuesday. So I headed out to sit my blind. While walking down I spot a buck in a field off in the distance so I decide to try and stalk in on him. Creeping closer the buck stepped out and gave me a broadside shot. Without time to range I estimated 60 yards and flung a rage hypodermic (ranging after the shot showed 63 yards) ... Heard the good thump, he donkey kicked and I was feeling confident. Unfortunately when I got to the arrow while there was a blood trail the arrow had guts on it. With some advice from some great local guys I’m lucky to call friends I decide to give it about 2 hours. Usually hitting guts would warrant a longer wait but with the storm already starting and having work in the morning options were limited. I searched for over 5 hours on hands and knees following a good blood trail. Eventually I felt like I was just pushing him and decided to come back the next day. As soon as I got off work I flew over to start the search and found him in a completely different direction then where I lost his sign. Unfortunately some predators had their way with him and there was absolutely nothing left. The joys of my first ever Archery kill quickly were overcome by disappointment in my shot placement and not making a quick and clean kill. Unfortunately while this is apart of archery hunting it sucks a whole lot more when it happens to you. That’s a wrap for this season unless I’m able to sneak over to AZ for my archery tag. Looking forward to next year already.
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