I am always anxious to get my first deer with a bow out of the way. Seems if I am going to have an issue, it arises with that first encounter. After that, I remember my preshot routine and make better decisions. I have been bowhunting for almost 24 years, killed countless animals and still find that the moment I decide to take a shot...I can be over taken by stupidity. It is one of the reason I truly love bow hunting.

She was "just a doe" but she was the one I wanted to take this weekend. I was sitting on a boat seat in a hackberry tree and was surrounded by somewhere around 15-20 deer. There were 3 doe and the rest were a wide variety of bucks. I only have two small lanes trimmed but can see most the area in front of me through the branches and I have a solid backdrop.

The excitement started once I decided to go ahead and take her. I can stare at doe all day long, but the moment I commit, the excitement starts. I lifted my bow and got ready but she wouldn't give me a shot. One, she had to stop long enough in one of my lanes and two, the bucks had to let her stop long enough to take the shot.

I spent 30 minutes waiting for the right opportunity. Trying to get a draw with that many eyes is tough...trying to get the draw with that many eyes and hoping for the stars to align is tougher.

It started getting later and the bucks coming in were getting bigger. Well, now I had the little bucks pushing the doe and the bigger bucks pushing the smaller bucks, and the other two doe had enough and just left. I really thought that my chance was over when a mature 8 pointer (with mediocre antlers) came in. He pushed the other bucks off the chum pile and the doe saw her chance to slide in while he was making room.

She stopped perfectly broadside in my opening. I went to full draw, went through my pre-shot routine, pick a spot and it seemed the bow had a mind of its own and let the arrow fly.

Upon impact, I could already see the red forming behind the shoulder. I watched her jump a fence about 20 yards away and then she was gone. Within about 30 seconds, I could hear her last breath and I knew that she was expired.

Truly grateful for the experience and the

Nice!

...well done Sir!

I aiways enjoying reading the stories. Thanks for posting.

Way to go txshntr!!!

Way to go.

Dang these stories make me nervous. Way to go David.

Good job bud.

Congrats.

Make you nervous?

Thanks everyone!!

Just feels GOOD !!!

Very nice!

Hey glad the arm is doing well! Great post!

Appreciate it bud. Arm has healed surprisingly well and is as good as new

Well done Sir

Yep, congrats!!

Heck of a deal David! Great write up too. I was starting to have "doubts"

Congrats
Great shot placement

Ready for eating. Good job.