I came really close to harvest my first deer. I practice with my bow enough to be comfortable up to 50yards.
I have taken into account every detail possible as part of my preparation for this season. From gear to scouting locations, to practice glassing to keep in good shape for a pack out.
The first day while trying to cross a ditch 6'deep x 12'wide the tree log that was lying down to cross collapsed with me on top, with my bow in hand I landed on my face..literally. Completely covered in dirt and disoriented I ended up getting lost, I could not make sense of the map on my phone...I'm pretty sure the fall got me all massed up. Finally found my way out. Feeling beat while on the trail I bumped a doe, which lifted my spirits and put me on higher alert.
5 minutes later I spotted a little Buck bedded. It took me over 1 hr of dragging myself on the ground to close the distance..I got to 45 yards until a Calfire helicopter Hoovered over me spooking the buck...I could not believe my luck.
I went home that evening then to work the next day. As soon as I left work I ran back to the woods. Got higher looking for a buck and bumped a Doe with a nice Buck....they didn't run but walked away as I threw myself on the ground to avoid being seen. I left the area to try to keep them around for the next day.
The last day in the morning I got higher and OMG I spotted 2 Bucks from 450yrds. They were sparring for like 20 min..it was quite a sight. I said a prayer and I got rewarded, they decided to bed down by the bushes below.
I retrieved and planed my stalk. I marked the location where they bedded on my phone, checked the wind and the route. I Went all the way back and down the hill and around the area until I was able to get within 100yrds behind them, I dropped my bag, put on another pair of socks and a ghillie jacket, and try to close the distance. At 35 yards I noticed one of the bucks looking at the bush where I was hiding...F$#$K...I had missed marked the spot by 30yrds! They were to my right not in front as I originally thought. They calmly walked away...
Here is what I learn:
1) Take your time marking the spot, do the math, range the distance and compare that to the scale of your map. Use as many visual points of reference as you can.
2)If you think you are close stay put! Do not advance until you can see the deer. They could be to your right, left, or right in front but you might not be able to see them.
Rifle season is next.
I have taken into account every detail possible as part of my preparation for this season. From gear to scouting locations, to practice glassing to keep in good shape for a pack out.
The first day while trying to cross a ditch 6'deep x 12'wide the tree log that was lying down to cross collapsed with me on top, with my bow in hand I landed on my face..literally. Completely covered in dirt and disoriented I ended up getting lost, I could not make sense of the map on my phone...I'm pretty sure the fall got me all massed up. Finally found my way out. Feeling beat while on the trail I bumped a doe, which lifted my spirits and put me on higher alert.
5 minutes later I spotted a little Buck bedded. It took me over 1 hr of dragging myself on the ground to close the distance..I got to 45 yards until a Calfire helicopter Hoovered over me spooking the buck...I could not believe my luck.
I went home that evening then to work the next day. As soon as I left work I ran back to the woods. Got higher looking for a buck and bumped a Doe with a nice Buck....they didn't run but walked away as I threw myself on the ground to avoid being seen. I left the area to try to keep them around for the next day.
The last day in the morning I got higher and OMG I spotted 2 Bucks from 450yrds. They were sparring for like 20 min..it was quite a sight. I said a prayer and I got rewarded, they decided to bed down by the bushes below.
I retrieved and planed my stalk. I marked the location where they bedded on my phone, checked the wind and the route. I Went all the way back and down the hill and around the area until I was able to get within 100yrds behind them, I dropped my bag, put on another pair of socks and a ghillie jacket, and try to close the distance. At 35 yards I noticed one of the bucks looking at the bush where I was hiding...F$#$K...I had missed marked the spot by 30yrds! They were to my right not in front as I originally thought. They calmly walked away...
Here is what I learn:
1) Take your time marking the spot, do the math, range the distance and compare that to the scale of your map. Use as many visual points of reference as you can.
2)If you think you are close stay put! Do not advance until you can see the deer. They could be to your right, left, or right in front but you might not be able to see them.
Rifle season is next.
