I started bowhunting in 1981. I killed my first deer at AEDC that year and was hooked for life. I remember telling a friend that I wanted to kill 100 deer with my bow and would give up gun hunting to multiply my chances. I can remember that hunt like it was yesterday. Still, seems like EVERY year I take to the woods as practiced and polished as possible. Yet EVERY year I still manage to screw up a "cake" shot. Last year was AGAIN...no exception.

Fact is, years ago I raised the bar even higher and decided I would not be satisfied with anything less than "perfect" shots. Pryor to that, I had taken MANY deer effectively enough, but the shots were not "perfect". My definition of a "perfect" shot is STRICTLY self-imposed. I want to either see or hear it fall. So the IMPORTANCE of being competent, and capable of executing these shots, at a given angle, MUST be understood AND practiced diligently.

The doe was exactly 21 yards from my position, it was relaxed, and I was at full draw. THe fact that I had already taken a couple does earlier in September just bolsterd my bulging confidence. I settled the pin about mid-body, and squeezed. I MISSED cleanly.

THe reason was because I had climbed higher in the tree than usual for lack of cover. So my angle changed my trajectory and the deer STILL, though not appearing nervous, dropped at the twang of the string.

So this season, DON'T forget to practice FROM YOUR STAND at targets ALL over your effective range.

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God, Family, Job, Bowhunting
Luck is where Opportunity and Preparation MEET!
When in doubt...back out!
SCAPAS.stay calm and pick a spot.