Closer than they appear

I've always hunted heavily wooded areas where the shots might be 75-80 yards at most. Having practically no experience hunting deer in more open country, I learned a valuable lesson this morning. In low light conditions, the mind can play tricks on you and make objects appear much farther away. I had a nice buck walk past me in the pasture and didn't take the shot because he appeared beyond my shooting capabilities (Which aren't that good honestly). I should have done as bow hunters do and measured some reference points in the pasture so I would know for sure the distance at specific points. After checking the distance before leaving and on Google Earth, he was probably no more than 120 yards away.

It is better IMO to stay within ones limitations and not make a shot you are not comfortable with. I have kicked myself a few times for letting one go that I could have esily killed but then at the time it was the right call and I really do not regret not taking the shots.

Good luck in getting him the next time Dan.

Thanks.

Fortunately, I didn't end up empty handed this weekend. I shot this nuisance Saturday evening after watching two young bucks show up and pass by after responding to my grunt call. Although I suspected shooting the hog would mess up my evening hunt, I remembered how I hate feral hogs a lot more than I hate deer. I reluctantly hunted the same stand this morning not expecting to see much but ended up seeing the nice buck and three lesser bucks in the same pasture. When the rut is on, they don't pay much attention to anything other than the doe that's in front of them.

Winchester Model 70 25-06, 120-grain Federal Deer Thugs Ammo