Tim Tripoli
Member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2016
- Messages
- 56
Need some advice, feeling bad because I blew it big time. Hurt my arm last week so it was difficult to pull the bow back, so I borrow my son in laws crossbow. Seemed like the logical thing to do. My tree choosing logic is pick a big tree because I am a little on the plump side and just nervous with the saddle thing yet. Plus I move around a lot. Only my second season saddle hunting. Its Friday morning here in Central Pa about 7:30 I can look down both sides of the tree where I am expect the deer to come from. For what ever reason I decide to stand up on Predator Platform to move, adjust, or what ever it was. At the same time out of no where is a beautiful 8 point right next to my tree. Like 5 yards, must have been walking right to me in the blind spot of the tree. So here I am standing on the platform hands on the tether, afraid to let go. When I realize I have no idea how to unhook the crossbow shoulder it and try and shoot with a deer that close. Never practiced with a crossbow from the saddle was first mistake. Even if it would have been my bow, not sure I would have know how to do it without spooking him, he was so close to my tree. So how do you guys handle a situation in close proximity when you are caught off guard? Was only about 14 feet up at my feet, any higher was to many limbs in the way.
So now the rest of the story I guess in the dark I did not get as high up in the tree as I did when I prep the area (16 feet to platform), so now I was too low in my back cover to get a shot off as the buck moved away. That deer never knew I was there, but it was like he had esp cause he pick the perfect path just outside of my shooting lane. He was moving with a purpose at a steady pace not doing the typical deer walk back to his bed. Maybe he smelled a hot doe I never saw. I think the whole experience last like 10 seconds. He got about 40 or so yard behind me and caught my scent, snorted a few times stomped his foot and took off. Not sure if I will ever see him in that area again. Do I keep the stand or should I look for different spot in the same general area? Feeling defeated.
Tim
So now the rest of the story I guess in the dark I did not get as high up in the tree as I did when I prep the area (16 feet to platform), so now I was too low in my back cover to get a shot off as the buck moved away. That deer never knew I was there, but it was like he had esp cause he pick the perfect path just outside of my shooting lane. He was moving with a purpose at a steady pace not doing the typical deer walk back to his bed. Maybe he smelled a hot doe I never saw. I think the whole experience last like 10 seconds. He got about 40 or so yard behind me and caught my scent, snorted a few times stomped his foot and took off. Not sure if I will ever see him in that area again. Do I keep the stand or should I look for different spot in the same general area? Feeling defeated.
Tim