Newbie Question

[Buckeye28]

Finally got out with my rifle for the first time this season.

Around 5:15pm three popped out from the tree line. (Two doe, and a baby) They were about 175 yards out. I watched for about 10 minutes, and they never came any closer. I ended up taking a shot, and missed of course. They were gone before I could line up another shot.

I waited around for about 10 more minutes to see if they came back around, never did.

So my question, and remember I am a newbie, so go easy on me....in that situation, do they ever come back out?

It was pretty close to dark anyway, so I couldn't have waited much more than 15-20 minutes anyway.

Just curious if in that situation it's ever worth it to stick around, or just pack up and head to the house, cause you blew it. :bash:

 

[Mike Belt]

You never can tell. They might. They might not. A different deer might show up. Overall though, it's doubtful that late you'll get another shot at those same deer. That being said and based on your claim to be a newbie, do you know where your rifle is hitting at 150 yards and are you proficient shooting at that range? In the scheme of long range shooting 150 yards isn't that far but still it's not like taking a shot within a 50 yard range. If you're guessing using Ky. windage and elevation it's better to not take a shot than possibly hitting and crippling a deer that you may not recover. It's better to watch and learn. If your deer repeat their field entrance at a certain point move your stand closer. You'll get your shot at a closer range.

 

[Snake]

I really hate to answer a question with another question but did you make sure you didn't hit the deer ? Late in the season deer may be suspicious after a shot at them but I've actually seen them sneak back in to the same area they was shot at a couple of hours later . Like Mr. Belt suggested make sure you can make a shot that far or atleast what your rifle is capable of doing at farther distances .

 

[Buckeye28]

You never can tell. They might. They might not. A different deer might show up. Overall though, it's doubtful that late you'll get another shot at those same deer. That being said and based on your claim to be a newbie, do you know where your rifle is hitting at 150 yards and are you proficient shooting at that range? In the scheme of long range shooting 150 yards isn't that far but still it's not like taking a shot within a 50 yard range. If you're guessing using Ky. windage and elevation it's better to not take a shot than possibly hitting and crippling a deer that you may not recover. It's better to watch and learn. If your deer repeat their field entrance at a certain point move your stand closer. You'll get your shot at a closer range.

Thanks! Good advice. I need to sight in my scope, it's been a couple of years, and at that distance I really don't know what it is capable of.

 

[Buckeye28]

I really hate to answer a question with another question but did you make sure you didn't hit the deer ? Late in the season deer may be suspicious after a shot at them but I've actually seen them sneak back in to the same area they was shot at a couple of hours later . Like Mr. Belt suggested make sure you can make a shot that far or atleast what your rifle is capable of doing at farther distances .

I waited about 10 minutes after I shot and walked to the spot they were standing. I found plenty of tracks and fresh droppings. I didn't find any blood after a pretty thorough search of the area. I found their entrance into the field, and went into the woods about 10-15 feet but saw no blood there either. I'll definitely go back and set-up a little closer next time. Need to see how well my scope is doing also.

 

[Winchester]

You never can tell. They might. They might not. A different deer might show up. Overall though, it's doubtful that late you'll get another shot at those same deer. That being said and based on your claim to be a newbie, do you know where your rifle is hitting at 150 yards and are you proficient shooting at that range? In the scheme of long range shooting 150 yards isn't that far but still it's not like taking a shot within a 50 yard range. If you're guessing using Ky. windage and elevation it's better to not take a shot than possibly hitting and crippling a deer that you may not recover. It's better to watch and learn. If your deer repeat their field entrance at a certain point move your stand closer. You'll get your shot at a closer range.

Thanks! Good advice. I need to sight in my scope, it's been a couple of years, and at that distance I really don't know what it is capable of.

Go spend a little time at the range and get familiar with your gun first and foremost. Same deer not likely to come back but others could come out in a field most any time or anywhere.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

You should be confirming your zero and doing some practice before every single season.


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[JeepKuntry]

They may return, but the time will probably be different. Give that area some rest. Did you shoot free hand at that range? If so I would suggest purchasing some shooting sticks.

 

[dburt]

Don't know if a group of does/yearlings would behave differently, but 2 years ago I missed a single cruising buck at about 120 yards. I had a perfect broadside shot with my super accurate 30-06, I'm guessing I hit a small limb, but who knows I could've just blown the shot. Well he ran off. 15 minutes later he was back to almost the same spot walking around as if nothing happened. I never could get another shot, but had him in my sights a couple times. So yes, they can come back. My advice in that situation would be to definitely stick it out. If not those deer, the last 20 minutes of light can be a magical time, and shots sometimes get the deer moving in who knows what direction. Good luck the rest of the season, hope you get to try your gun out at 40 yards! My 2nd and 3rd deer I ever killed were at about 20 yards with the same 30-06, one from the ground! :)

 

[Stalkhunter]

Range time


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[Mike Belt]

Never assume that because your rifle was on 2 years ago that it still is. Don't even assume that from year to year. Sometimes don't even assume that during the same season. Bumps happen. You're out there to kill a deer... to take something's life away from him. You owe it to him to do it humanely. As much as I love to deer hunt I would never step into the woods without knowing for a fact that my rifle was ready to do just that.

 

[SBS]

As others have said already, know your weapon and how it shoots before you pull the trigger. Practice. If even a 100 yard shot seems unsure to you- don't take it. Of course, even when you're sure, things can happen to make for a bad shot.

You said you walked 15- 20 ft into woods. That is nowhere near enough. For example, my son shot a doe last week that went 60 yards. We found only hair at the spot where he shot her. No blood at all for 20 yards, then probably less than 1/4 oz of blood in the next 40 yards. I was thinking he made a bad hit but we found her and he hit a little low- no lung but destroyed heart. No exit wound so not much blood.

I don't want to be too "hard on you " but I would definitely prefer reading this post if it was directed at me than to endure the sleepless nights I've had after losing a deer. They deserve our best efforts in every way.

 

[Jcalder]

You never can tell. They might. They might not. A different deer might show up. Overall though, it's doubtful that late you'll get another shot at those same deer. That being said and based on your claim to be a newbie, do you know where your rifle is hitting at 150 yards and are you proficient shooting at that range? In the scheme of long range shooting 150 yards isn't that far but still it's not like taking a shot within a 50 yard range. If you're guessing using Ky. windage and elevation it's better to not take a shot than possibly hitting and crippling a deer that you may not recover. It's better to watch and learn. If your deer repeat their field entrance at a certain point move your stand closer. You'll get your shot at a closer range.

Thanks! Good advice. I need to sight in my scope, it's been a couple of years, and at that distance I really don't know what it is capable of.

this is the number one reason people miss. I've done it. My friends have done it. I won't go with any weapon now that I haven't shot before the season and I may check it periodically throughout the season.

Having said that, 175 yards is a tough shot to make without practice and a semi decent rest. It can be a challenge also with calibers suited for more short range shooting. I don't know what you shoot but an offhand shot with any caliber is gonna be a challenge. Add a gun that's not sighted in and a short range caliber and you're asking for disappointment. Not trying to be a Debbie downer. But shoot your gun before you go back


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[SBS]

I should've also said that hunting is a lifelong learning experience and we all make mistakes along the way. I've certainly made my share. Just keep at it and strive to learn more and do better. I'm glad you've joined the hunting community and wish you the best of luck!

 

[Coldfusion]

I never take my rifle if I didn't confirm zero THAT YEAR. That being said 150 is a decent length shot, make sure you have a good enough scope that you can clearly asses your target, that's an individual thing. But I highly highly highly suggest woods hunting. Your shots generally will be within 30 yards or so. And to me it's the real joy of hunting when in the woods you have squirrels around and birds come out. And at close range you watch deer come and go and watch their behavior. It's alot more fun than field hunting to me. And hearing a bruiser approaching not just seeing him across a field. Just my opinion but hunting to me is more than killing. Learn your woods and pattern your deer then get in the woods. You'll have a blast. Good luck.

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[larry ipock]

Never assume that because your rifle was on 2 years ago that it still is. Don't even assume that from year to year. Sometimes don't even assume that during the same season. Bumps happen. You're out there to kill a deer... to take something's life away from him. You owe it to him to do it humanely. As much as I love to deer hunt I would never step into the woods without knowing for a fact that my rifle was ready to do just that.

This
x2

 

[Dbllunger]

Lots of great advice from what I consider knowledgeable people here. My favorite part of this thread though is the fact that no one has bashed the OP for what happened. A lot of hunting forums would have been relentlessly harsh and degrading. This is why I keep coming back here. Thanks everyone.

 

[Simple Man]

Maybe..l shot a 6 pointer last year. 45 minutes before dark he stepped out into a small field and I took a bad shot and missed. As he stepped back into the tree line I noticed he stopped running and looked back and this gave me an indication that he was ok and most likely was not done in the small field. I set tight and 35 minutes later he headed home with me.

I shot over a really nice 8 pointer several years ago and he never showed back up. Every deer is different.

You did good by setting around for 10 minutes...cool thing about hunting is they're is always tomorrow.

Good luck