It's been 3 years in the making, but today it finally happened and I took my first deer with a bow! After watching a yearling buck chase around a doe and her twins for 30 minutes, getting in an intense stare down with the same buck and watching a couple does at the feeder, I let my arrow fly! Before I got to the stand i made a few corn piles about 20 yards away. The feeder is 45 yards away, so there was no way I was going to try and make that shot. Fortunately the area I put the stand intersects four major trails. Every single deer I saw ended up stopping at these piles to have a snack. When this doe came out I waited til she looked the other way to draw. At this point my heart was racing and my breathing became heavy. When I released I heard that distinctive smack sound and she dropped in her tracks. I tried aiming low but as you can see in the pic it ended up being a high shoulder shot. I rushed it and just put the pin on her and released. Next time I'll be a little more patient. All in all it great day and I now have some meat to put in the freezer!

Nothing like the first one!!! Congrats!!!

When those chitters that you get before the shot leave, it is time to hang it up. That is what it is about. I learned to go through a preshot routine to limit the "quick shot" that happens when the adrenaline starts flowing. Find out what works for you to control the temptation to point and shoot. Mine is quick and easy, but keeps me centered

Congrats again, that's awesome!!

I agree. I try to look at my immediate area near me to make sure that nothing will come in contact with the bow and then after I draw, I do another quick check to verify both limbs are clear of obstacles and that my arrow is on the rest correctly. This sounds like a lot but in reality, it only takes seconds. As stated above, it helps your focus and cuts the jitters just enough to make a good shot. My heart still pounds drawing on a doe, let alone a big buck and I sure hope that never changes. Its a rush that can't be described, only experienced! Nice job by the way. Freezer meat baby!!!

Awesome!

congrats

Good job!

Congrats on the first one down

Nice!

Very good. Glad you did not give up in the last 3 years.

Nice, it's a thrill for sure.

Congrats!

Oh man, it's on now! Congrats.

Congrats man.

Here's a simple tip I that always do that may help you ensure better aim and placement

I simply count down from ten after full draw. It helps me slow down and focus more on placement and the angle of the animal.

You earned. Well done. Make a habit of aiming low and you'll be happy. I aim for a low heart shot on a calm deer. 4inches under on a deer doing the stare down

Woo hoo! Great job!

Awesome! What a thrill. Also , I read somewhere that bow shots from elevated stands tend to hit high. That was my experience with my first buck.

I remember my first bow kill and the rush that came after. It only gets better from here. Congrats.

Congratulations!

Congrats on the first bow kill!

Congratulations

Congratulations on a nice deer.