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Can't seem to catch a break!!!

winnsborosports

winnsborosports

New Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2021
Messages
4
Hunting on Tensas River Refuge in Louisiana yesterday and had a great chance to bag a decent buck. It was just shooting light when I heard him cross a small stream to my right. By the time he made it to me I was ready with bow in hand. He was 7 yards away broadside with his head turned toward me, staring intently, almost like he was waiting for me to blink. I began to draw back slowly (I pride myself on how smooth my bows draws) and lick my lips. He was mine, no way I would miss at this range. As I got the bow about a quarter of the way back, suddenly my arrow loosed and flew about 3 feet before hitting softly 20 feet below me on the ground. Of course Mr. Buck at 7 yards distance could hear me breathing much less a botched attempt at 1st degree deer murder. He sprang off only to leave me scratching my head. It was when i looked down i noticed that my release trigger had my wrist strap caught on it so when i put tension on it, it released. I got down and left, lol.
 
Uhg! It amazing how many of these same, accidental release, stories are here. We all have had something weird happen. Hate it for you.

I'm not sure if you do, but I've gotten in the habit of drawing my bow a couple of times once I get settled in. It tells me if something like this will happen.
 
Not sure of your experience hunting with a bow so take this for what it's worth.

You should have waited for either him to look away or let him get some distance past you so you were out of his sight line before attempting to draw . Deer may not have the greatest vision BUT they do pick up movement very well. Also, if he is staring intently, whether up at you or off into the distance, that usually means there is something that he doesn't like or is uncertain of and is waiting for another indication before he decides to bolt. This is what it means when you hear the term "alert". If he doesn't see, hear or smell anything after awhile, and this could be over ten minutes, he may settle down allowing you to opportunity to get a shot at him. Knowing when to draw and when to wait is a very important skill which can only be learned through multiple encounters. Best advice I can give is to remember to stay calm and that you've got more time than you think to take the shot.
 
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