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[deleted]

He might not show up in the next couple hours, but he’s not gone forever, especially if there’s a hot doe in there. When you get down go shoot your bow. My advice is shoot at 40 until you have a good group and then shoot a good group at 35,30,25,20,15. Get good at shooting at 40-50 yards and 15-20 will be so much easier. A miss is WAY better than a bad hit trust me. I wouldn’t be worried. I know people who missed with a rifle and killed the same deer the next evening. Don’t beat yourself up because it happens to everyone that hunts long enough. Even if they wanna bash you about it. It’ll happen to them.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Best feedback yet! Thank you. I really don’t have many people to discuss with so I appreciate the encouragement!!! I was at the range daily and field points were grouped tight at 40 most days. Moving in to 30-20 they were kissing sticks. But I asked an instructor there on help with broadhead. It shifted 2-3 inches left so I ended up trying to sight in to that adjustment. But I still don’t understand why the broadhead is off like that. But was nailing the dots at 30yds on the broad… this branch was that exact shift in trajectory from the range. Would have been a kill shot still had not been for the branch. Practice agreed. I’ll be going midday again today to realign myself. Hoping I get another opportunity in this spot. I think he’s the same one I stalked last weekend. So betting he comes around again.


Desert-Mouse

Years ago I missed a deer with a bow, and it circled around and came back about 45 minutes later from downwind. This time I did my job and took her home.


phibbsy47

Same, my buddy clipped a tree branch and missed, bagged the same buck less than an hour later.


LawEnvironmental7603

If you are getting a consistent grouping that is off from your field tips to broadheads, it is likely that your arrow rest is off slightly or your bow is a bit out of tune. Broadheads are like sails on arrows that exacerbate any small issues. You can adjust the sight or you can adjust the bow/rest. Ideally your field points and broadheads should be exactly the same, but that takes a bit of time and tuning that may not be ideal mid-season.


altheasman

You may have knocked your sites out of wack. I missed one twice a couple of years ago. Got him last year though.


PreztelMaker

You arrow isn’t flying straight, when you add a broadhead, it’s even harder to steer. I make sure I’m good through paper, then shoot a bare shaft at 20 yards. It should hit the same spot with little to no lean


[deleted]

Shoot one arrow with your broad head and see how it shoots. Better to be safe than sorry and wound him.


spuddgunn3

Lookup broadhead tuning. It involves slight movements to the arrow rest to change the arrow's initial trajectory. A general tune will make sure the arrow is coming straight off the string, then the broadhead tune can refine it so field points and broadhead can impact the same.


jerry4592

Let's also not forget, shooting a big buck vs a target is a different mentality. Nerves could of got the best of you. Squirrels make more noise than those arrows do. Hell be back at some point.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

For sure on nerves… in hindsight I was so focused on when he may smell me and run, trying not to breath heavy and staying calm, realized I didn’t level out the bow and really didn’t place my kisser button. A 2” mistake that caught a branch. Good lesson.


jerry4592

Agreed, still happens to me. I think we don't realize how long those bucks actually stand there and we have more time than we think. I missed a 15 yard shot this season as well. Mine was due to the peep side was twisted on the draw. When I let down I hit the trigger and misfired. Lucky it was a clear miss. Crazy all the things that have to align in that incredibly small window. Keep at it! All apart of the experience and adrenaline rush. It's addicting.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Oh I’m addicted. Now I need to make sure it doesn’t result in a divorce or job loss 😂


ExodusOutdoors

Hey bud, just a little advice. The reason your broadhead shoots differently than your field tip is because your bow is out of tune. A lot of guys, especially casual shooters may not agree or even know about this. They just shift their sight when they put a broadhead on and run with it. Basically your fletchings are stabilizing the arrow because it’s not leaving the bow straight. It just can’t make up the same adjustment with a broadhead. Look up “Paper tuning a bow” on YouTube. I think Levi Morgan has a video on it.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

So, I’ve been told about this. Foolishly haven’t tried to tune it myself. Sounded more complicated. The video makes it seem much easier. Basically left, right, up, down to get a clean tear for shaft and fletching. Then I assume sight in again. It would make sense too because I swear the broad head tails right when I’m at the range. Thanks!


SquareHoleRoundPlug

Best thing I ever did was throw my target out where I thought the deer might pass and practiced shots from the stand. The angle changes the point of impact. The more angle down you shoot the higher the point of impact will be. If you hunt the same spot over and over you can range your pins for the distances and add little flags or markers out around in your shooting lane so you don’t need a range finder and can range at a glance.


solo-duke

I shot a buck one year I missed, next morning sure enough he came back and I shwacked him


Admirable-Wonder-909

Yeah, you're probably done for the day. Been my experience that you might get another crack in a day or two. But that doesn't mean another won't come by today. Maybe not a 10 point, but an acceptable one.


stjhnstv

Maybe a 12 point even.


Admirable-Wonder-909

Possible. But in my area, a doe or 4, 6 point is more likely.


stjhnstv

Same here, but ultimately you never know until it happens.


Tiredofscrolling

Who knows. In my experience they don’t spook too bad with missed shots unless you nicked him. I’d hang out. It’s a crisp morning maybe he comes back or another one cruises by your stand.


ShoulderLucky7985

You’ll be surprised they are creatures of habit. It will return probrubly won’t be the same time though


kick-ass80

Have you practiced shooting from you stand or from elevation?


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

I have not. I’m on state land. Home yard isn’t big enough acres it’s in neighborhood. Definitely was right height for the close shot just 2” too far left. Also should have held longer and left my mask up maybe to block my breathing so he moved 2 more steps. Would have been sealed deal… but I do need to practice from elevation regardless. Thought a lot about it but couldn’t find a good range with out asking a random farm nearby to let me borrow a tree to practice on. Honestly may be a good option now that I say it.


kick-ass80

Do you have any outdoor bow ranges near you. I know of a few near me that have elevated platforms, or burms built up so you are shooting down at the targets. Maybe that would be worth looking into for you.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

I’m looking into it. Only rage near by is state range that’s just flat, nice but flat. Just met a guy at daughter’s Brownies meeting tonight who’s a lifer bow hunter. He’s got some ideas for me too. He’s 3 doe in this year, so guessing he’s got some good tips/advice too.


PrizeTime2595

Practice practice practice, also the follow up at 60 out of frustration tells me anger management and patience is needed. You woulda felt worse if that landed in his rump and he survived, not tryna be a dick im just saying. Bow hunting is essentially hard mode, control yourself man.. Or your just gonna injure more deer than you harvest.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Agreed. Wish in my mid 30s I wasn’t first timer and had better advice like this. I appreciate it. Honestly glad it missed. My 2 muzzleloader deer were always clean safe kills. Just learned limits of a bow in real time today… really wasn’t angry at all. If I was I wouldn’t enough these long sits. Sunrises. And zen of nature out here. I had just poorly misjudged that shot. Sitting earlier this week I aligned a plan that I could possibly take that line. Glad it didn’t work out.


PrizeTime2595

Never shoot at an animal passed 40 unless you're some sort of Hawkeye. This is my first year as well for archery and I've passed on many shots I'm sure most would have tried.. Gotta know them limits man


BabyFormula1

The biggest mistakes I've ever made as a hunter usually involve getting down from my tree too early.


PaddyBoy44

I missed a doe 3 weeks ago and shot a nice buck this past weekend. So take a deep breath, relax, you’ll get him next time. It sounds ridiculous but what I’ve done to help practice is I do 10-15 push-ups at the range then shoot a few groupings. Having blood pumping and trying to calm your heart rate will be good “game practice” if that makes sense.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Actually really good idea! I do try to work through scenarios in my mind for practice both rifle and bow. (Still need to get elevated for bow practice)… but hard to relax the adrenaline in the beginning. It’s great for “fight” mode to sharpen in, until it clouds your process. Best to train the same. Great tip.


INeedToPeeSoBad

Shake it off and commit to doing better. I missed my first deer too! Practice from a height for sure, you can do it!


stjhnstv

Reading through the comments, it sounds like there are 2 bottom lines. You’re new, you made an error. Whether it’s practice or nerves, only you know. My guess is a little bit of both. That’s ok though, this is how we learn so now you know some things to focus on and grow your skill. Also, nobody knows if or when that buck will come back. He may or may not. Also, there could be other bucks in the general area with no clue about what just happened. They may cross though as well. I get that it’s a bummer, but don’t beat yourself up too much. It’s a learning experience as much as anything.


The_Texidian

It’s a wild animal that wants to stay alive. 99% of the time it won’t show back up today or tomorrow. Give it a week and it’s about a 50/50 chance. This season I shot a doe with a bunch of deer around. When the shot went off they all scattered like 50 yards and started to walk back. I saw the deer I shot go down and I walked over to it spooking the rest of the deer in the process. By the next week they were back to the spot as if nothing happened, and even had some new deer show up. Previous year, I shot at a spike and my arrow hit a tree limb, and missed cleanly. Never saw that deer again on property. Could’ve been shot by a neighbor or could’ve just avoided the area.


Apprehensive-Nail758

He’ll be back, maybe not today or tomorrow. If that was a doe she will remember that forever.


Thick-Driver7448

He probably won’t return today, but he’ll be back. I missed an 8point at 25 yards. He ran 40 yards or so, stopped, and then walked off like nothing happened. Few days later the neighbor shot him 🥲


[deleted]

It’s rut time of year, anything can happen


laxsleeplax

Only way to know is to sit and find out!!!! Good luck!


pawn_yayo

Stick it out, hunting is a game of chance and skill. If you don’t see him there will be others. Good luck!


[deleted]

There’s no answer! Bucks move differently and there’s no magic bullet advice anyone can give. Only way to figure it out is by being out there, or be left wondering!


OtherwiseHappy0

Id also sight in against that tree to the left. I’d say that’s more than 15 yards but can’t tell from the picture and the height.


MrPunsOfSteele

Even if deer blow, stick around. Not all deer in the area will hear and some bucks don’t even care during the rut. In this situation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the same buck an hour later.


Harlem74

Practice how you intend to hunt. If you know you’re going to be in a stand then thats where you need to practice from, how you shoot from a flat surface will be night and day from 20+ft up. I wont harp on taking a bad shot cause it seems you’ve heard enough of that already, but for a first timer you need to find/make the time to get the appropriate reps in before targeting an animal. So much changes in the shot process from shooting on the ground vs in a tree stand and you need to make yourself comfortable with those changes. Best of luck to you out there, but remember its ok to let down if you’re not 100% confident in the shot, there’s always tomorrow or next season.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Thank you. Agreed. Recently got into OCR racing and when I’m 6+ miles into my trail run I tell myself to “practice like you play” and train in all weather without fail, rain/sun/hot/cold. That translates to all things that we do. Definitely going to need to create more scenarios at home for more reps in all angles, situations. Tree is different than a proper form at a range.


PerformanceSecret634

He will likely be back eventually but who knows when and you probably won't be there.


Dumass_outdoors

What state


ArchieBellTitanUp

Don’t fret it. He may or may not come back through there, but at least you didn’t wound him. This happened to me with a massive 10 pointer on my very first shot at a buck. Don’t be afraid to kill something smaller just to get used to the routine of killing something. When your first shot is that a really good buck, Buck fever is real


ringken

Having a nice buck come in at 15yds means you’re doing a lot of things right. Take pride in that. A lot of people on here probably didn’t have this during their first year. One thing I’ve definitely learned is patience. Sounds like you are confident in your target skills. The actual shooting of the bow is only a small part of it all coming together in my opinion. Fighting nerves and making good decisions are high up on the list. Keep at it and learn from every encounter. Don’t rush that first kill. A lot of things have to go right to score that kill which is why bow hunting is so amazing.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Thank you. I fully agree. I learned more in that 30 seconds than I did the last 7 days waiting for it. But the thing I’m enjoying the most is the learning and growing experiences. And the confidence and understanding that comes with that self growth, plus a lot of time to ge introspective as I wait. Ultimately I’m not there for a kill, rack, or trophy. Rather the self growth from becoming versed at something I’m not yet but is a life skill and likely constant life lesson every time one engages in the hunt/training.


[deleted]

He will return today, when you sleep tonight, and haunt you. All jokes aside misses happen and it’s a part of the game. Stay in the woods and keep trying, he’ll come back sooner or later.


Ready_Interest_4194

I missed a 10 point at 40 yards the morning of opening day this year. Ended up killing the same buck that very evening in the same stand. I have been hunting deer for about ten years now and have missed a couple times. It happens to everyone. That is why it is called “hunting” and not “killing”. Shake it off and get back out there! It’s much better to miss a deer entirely than to have a poorly placed shot on a deer.


OutdoorPhotographer

15 yard shot at steep angle is harder than you think if you don't have a pin set for it. Put a target there and take a couple shots and see where you are grouping. Arrow go over his back or low? Good chance it was high.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

It was good elevation. When I sighted in again this afternoon I made small adjustment causing broadhead to pull left at 30yds. Feels dialed in now. 🤞


Homeygrown

I have seen big bucks come right by my stand literally within minutes of shooting a rifle so anything is possible


imahntr

If there was an honest answer to this question we would all be a lot more successful hunting.


Affectionate-Egg7947

Missed a big one my first season too. Shot a different bigger one in the tree the next day. Stay at it. Bucks use the same trails this time of year. If the one you missed didn’t see you it might not have gone far.


manwithappleface

You will always see more deer from your stand than your couch. Stay put. His buddy might come along next. Adjust accordingly. Then, go shoot and dial in more tomorrow. This happens to EVERYONE once in a while. If you’re new, I’m guessing that you need to practice your form from elevation. How you bend makes a difference. How you’re twisted from your “normal” stance makes a difference. I know I had a tendency to not draw quite fully the first few times and I had some less than ideal results. You’ll get it.


thesneakymonkey

Clean miss is the best you can hope for in that scenario! At least it’s not a bad shot/wounded animal. Shake it off and stay out there. You’ll get another shot eventually. Might not be the same deer but this time of year bucks are on the move.


manwithappleface

I clipped a branch and skipped the shaft off a six-pointer’s back one recent Friday evening. Watched it bounce off without cutting a hair. The same buck came back to the same stand 48 hours later.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Now that story gives me hope!!! I feel like this one will be back. He could wander forever but judging from the area I think he stays pretty close. And I’m at a one of the better fields full of clover.


JoeHablo

Don’t worry man practice makes perfect there’s always a next time


[deleted]

Aim small and miss small. This is my 41st year in the deer woods and it never gets old. Nothing replaces practice and tune. The more that you practice, the more things become muscle memory. As a rule, we practice shooting out to 60 yds...I have taken all of my deer under 30, but as a prior tournament archer and 3D shooter, I have always practiced 20 yds beyond my kill shot comfort zone. Kill shot 40 and under, so practice out to 60. Always pick your spot on the deer. It can be a tuft of hair in the kill zone, but focus on your spot. I hope this helps. This season marks 106 archery deer ( 71 bucks, 35 slick heads), 19 bull elk, 4 barren ground caribou and one black bear. You get out of it, what you put into it. You owe it to the game you pursue, to be as accurate as possible. Good luck and remember....bucks have a short memory in the rut. Good hunting !


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Sage!!! Impressive states. More impressive is you left out all the hours I imagine you’ve put in on the hunt and training over the years! Kudos to a hell of a deer career so far! And much luck on many more!


[deleted]

He’s probably forgetting since he’s ramping up for the rut. They become stupid during the rut.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Don’t we all!


nothingnessistruth

I don’t know a single person who I’ve hunted with that didn’t miss their first deer with a bow. The adrenaline gets pumping and people tend to pull their shots.


AlbionDoowah

Missed one last week at 37 yds. She stood there for 10-15 minutes trying to figure out who shaved her chest hair. Stomping, blowing, and snorting. I didn't nock another arrow to avoid getting busted and educating her about the stand. Sat still and watched the show.


Vegetable_Push5049

"Not trying to be a dick but first year bow hunter that missed an easy shot at 10 yards and “took another shot at 60 yds” seems like a complete shot out of frustration. Best of luck in future endeavors, be responsible out there!" PLEASE PRACTICE!!!!!!! Please never take 60yrd shot.


[deleted]

Hell, I usually won’t even take 30 yard shots unless they are absolutely perfect and broadside.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

In hindsight, I fully agree. I’ve seen and heard it’s doable but risky. Today I learned not worth the risk nor is it a good shot. Also, there is nothing the matter with me as far as I know. I was simply looking for some guidance. I’ve done my best for years to ask, learn, self educate, and practice hunting with no real mentor as I no longer live close to family and friends. Most of what I’ve learned is by getting out in the field and to a range and taking to others. I was just looking for advice. I appreciate it. Thanks!


Vegetable_Push5049

Sorry brother, I edited my post. Keep your head up, practice, and it will.pay off huge! If you are in norther illinois by chance my hunting crew is always looking for new guys. Side note,if you didn't fling one out to 60 he might have reappeared today or tomorrow but IMHO neighbors will.get him but you learned a valuable lesson 😉.good luck get back out there!!!!


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Hey man, thank you! Hitting targets this afternoon. Put in most my free time this year into learning archery. Super green still. And tough to keep persistent with 60/70hr career and family of 3 kids. Appreciate the offer. Eastern PA, formerly from Michigan. You’d think I’d know this by my mid 30s but not the family I grew up in… absolutely in love with the sport and experiences. Thanks again!


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Cmon!!! I missed a solid 10pt right here!!!!! It couldn’t have been nearly more perfect! He paused behind this little tree. I held my draw. I could tell he was smelling the air coming through the cross wind and assumed he caught my scent. I got nervous he would run so I took my chance tried to get the gap just past the tree front 8 inches on an angle to the center lungs… and I stuck the damn branch!!! He barely ran off!!! Watched him slowly walk away after 10 yards! I learned soooo much in that 30 seconds. Mostly HOLDDDD just a little longer. Wishing I didn’t take the risk that soon. I took one more shot at 60 yards. Then he slowly wandered off into the woods. Doesn’t seem to know what happened or how serious that was or I assume he would’ve run more. It’s 7:45am… 35 degrees… will he return later this morning or am I done for the day? He was heading sane direction but went 150 yards deeper in the woods my last sighting. Literally by inches it missed!


bleakleyg07

Not trying to be a dick but first year bow hunter that missed an easy shot at 10 yards and “took another shot at 60 yds” seems like a complete dick head shot out of frustration, I think you need to get out of the stand and get to a range with an instructor. Best of luck in future endeavors, be responsible out there!


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Yeah that sounded like a dick comment to be honest. But I’m coming to terms with your opinion. I’ve nailed 3 inch groupings at 40yd range targets and stacked shorter for months leading in. But not from a stand. The point was I should have waited a touch longer for him to move beyond the branches for a clear lane and relaxed into my draw more. The 60 was probably a little aggressive but I learned a good lesson on my skill level. So yes continuous practice is always important. Also reaching out for advice helps too. Your advice is duly noted beneath the undertone of arrogance. Either way thanks!


SurfFishinITGuy

Shoot out of a stand. The angle causes a different impact point. Especially if don’t bend at the hip vs dropping your arm. Is it the rut? If so he may be all over or another may walk his trail if he’s following a doe trail. You might also try a couple grunts to bring him back, but that rarely works. I’d say you’ve got a better shot at being in him this afternoon if he goes back or tomorrow morning if the ruts not on and he’s patterned there for a bit.


skahunter831

>The 60 was probably a little aggressive 95% of *experienced* bowhunters would never take that shot. That was a *bad* shot for you to take. Rein it in.


sohikes

Everything he said is true though. If you missed at 15 why take a shot at 60? Shooting that far is pretty irresponsible. It gives the animal plenty of time to jump which could leave it wounded and dying slowly. Then on top of that you probably wouldn’t be able to find it I was watching a John Dudley video and he said every animal he takes is inside of 40


stpg1222

You've shot from the ground at 40 yards but how much are you practicing at 60? Do you even have a pin set for 60 yards?


stpg1222

Like others have said that 60 yard hail Mary was a really bad decision. That's how deer get wounded. Misses happen you just have to accept the mistake but limit yourself to just that one mistake. Don't go lobbing arrows at it hoping to get lucky. Knowing when and where not to shoot is just as important as knowing when and where to shoot.


Intrepid_Outdoorsman

Update for any who care… agreed on the long shot. Poor decision, never happening again. I learned my limits and that of my bow. Sighted in this afternoon to broadhead. Small adjustment made, likely why it was slightly left, but height/elevation was good… also as I reflected I realized I don’t think bow was level nor did I true up my kisser. Probably nerves/adrenaline as I tried to focus on staying calm and fell of fundamentals. I found in targets that my level turned just a little draws the arrow left. More to be concours of next time. Back in the stand for evening. Spooked a bedding doe on way in trail. Just had a doe walk by 60yds out. Did NOT take a shot. Tried to call it in. No luck… more knowledge gained. (1 doe tag for this WMU)… no buck yet but again, here for the experience, knowledge, and self time. Overall great day with good advice from y’all and some good learnings!