People commenting on what you could have done better but no one talking about how you picked the perfect spot. Perfect. Most people wouldn’t have even set themselves up to even see a deer like that.
While I don't shoot at deer over 20 yards, if I stop one, I aim for the bottom of the body, not as high as your POA was. I wouldn't shoot at a walking deer at that range for sure, especially one quartering to me that much. I really don't like to stop them if I don't have to though. As far as advice, I'd recommend aiming lower if you stop one or even if it is as keyed up as that one appeared. I 100 percent agree with you that it wasn't a lethal shot, probably not even all that harmful. Good luck on the next one!
I like the fact that you’re open and honest about the situation, and you have learned from it. And now I’m not here to tell you what you should, or should not have done, but I do appreciate you sharing this, because I think you nailed it when you said that the deer looked a little nervous, so that means he’s probably more apt to duck an arrow. That’s what I took from it, and learn from it. Keep up the great work.
I think the deer heard the bow go off and actually could hear the arrow in flight. Been bowhunting for 55 years and every deer I have shot at it is a unique experience. I have had some drop like a rock pulling their front legs in to bound away at the sound of the shot. Others I have shot act like they did not have any idea the arrow was on the way. I also think the distance to the deer has some bearing on their reaction to the sound of the bow going off. I don't shoot at walking deer unless he is less than 15 yards or even closer and I still do not like to do that. That said I would really prefer to stop them but sometimes they are too close for all but the softest grunt. That said they won't stop jumping the sound of the string until they can get a bow to shoot faster than the speed of sound.
You did exactly what I would have done. I don't take walking shots, and, as you mentioned, take the shot right when he stops, but I have to get set after I stop him. You did good bubba. Most instances, the deer would not have ducked like he did. Hate you missed him...he was a stud.
I missed a buck that was cruising at +-25 yards. I didn’t try to stop him, He ducked and circled around to +-35 yards. Missed again, While he was stopped. He ducked both shots. Both shots I misjudged the distance.. A week later he came out cautiously. He stopped at 40+ yards and I aimed low and he didn’t duck. Went right under him. I used my best judgement .. thats all we can do in the situation
Don’t stop him. Just lead the shot a little. The alternative is stop but aim slightly lower than the knuckle anticipating the duck. In my experience, public deer duck 95% of the time at 30 yards. Nice hunt though!
Thank you I’ve only been bow hunting for eight years but I have actually been deer hunting for about 13 but bowhunting is definitely my favorite thing to do
I think had the deer not turned his head at the last moment he'd be on the wall. He turned and the arrow went right into his line of sight. Also those short flechings are loud. Stand by a target and let your buddy shoot it at 30 yards. You'll wonder how they all don't duck the arrow.
I have been hunting these deer for 45 years.....you did the right thing....i all ways want a deer standing.....then it's a crapshoot to see how much they duck....keep doing what your doing!...
I woulda done the same thing. Stop him, aim, shoot. What else you gonna do, next time you aim low then you shoot under him? Big bucks have a sixth sense. Love the channel and showing the reality of what happens out there bow hunting. Thanks for sharing, God Bless
You did it right in my opinion. I would stay away from shooting walking deer. Normally I will stop a deer but I had one this year that was moving and it was coming to a stop in my shooting lane. I didn't stop him and just as I was releasing my arrow, the deer hopped forward a little bit around 1-2 feet and I ended up shooting it in the guts didn't recover it. I rather have a deer jump my string then gut shoot another one. To decrease you chance for the deer jumping the string, I go with a bit of a lighter arrow than most (400 grain) for a little more speed so I don't have as much of an issue with deer dropping. Most deer I shoot are within 25 yards and haven't had an issue with it.
Sounds like if you couldn't let him walk passed with your wind direction as it was you did all you could do. Definitely gotta take the shot. I was in a similar situation in Indiana this year where I knew he was gonna bust my scent. I took a shot I normally wouldn't take before he busted my scent and it was a long drawn out track. Found him the next day. That quarter to shot isn't an ideal shot to begin with.
I would have done the same thing you did. I prefer if they stop by themselves ,but if needed ,I always try to stop them in a good opening. For me personally with my skill level , I feel like a 32 yard walking shot is taking a big chance. Maybe I would try a close walking shot. But with a bow I feel the best opportunity for a killing shot is a standing still shot. It never ceases to amaze me how fast a whitetail can react to a bow shot. Thanks for taking the time to illustrate that fact on the video. Keep doing what your doing. Good luck on future hunts!
Longer shot at a stopped alert deer. Lucky ya hit him at all. I've seen deer in Texas string jump & do a complete 180 with the arrow hitting on the complete opposite side! Those critters are lightning quick! 🎯🦌💯👍🏻
The hit made a really loud "pop" sound like you broke the thoracic cavity. First thing I said was...dead deer! After seeing the slowed down replay, I know the hit looks to be above the spine, but I've had arrows do funky things once they hit the deer. Could have deflected down through one or both lungs. With the high entry and ?exit?, you won't get much blood at all and they can go a long way on one lung (sometimes survive). Probably too late now, but a dog tracker if legal would have been worth a call just to be sure. I would grid search the area in a few weeks again too. Just in case. Really expand the search too. I have wounded more big bucks than I care to think about in 33 years of bowhunting. The past 10 or so years I started keeping all shots under 20 yards broadside or quartering away on relaxed deer only. I generally don't stop them if they're walking slowly enough. My recovery rate is near 100% now. Most of the time, big bucks come in fast and leave fast, so you feel rushed to take the first half decent shot. That's what I always struggled with. You work so hard for one or two opportunities on mature bucks each season, you don't want to miss a chance. It's tough. Hopefully he's alive and well.
30 yards is the worst distance. They got tons of time to react. Especially if they are on alert. I would've taken the shot the same way you did. Good luck hunting. Keep on slaying brother
It's feet in itself getting a mature deer like that on public land in bow range, sometimes the other things don't work out but in my opinion you won just getting the opportunity
At that distance, I wouldn’t have done anything different than what you did. I wouldn’t shoot a deer walking past 15 yards. Buts that’s one hunter’s opinion. The only time I ever aimed low intentionally, the deer didn’t move and I barely cut the skin underneath him. Never again. I’d rather just aim where I want to hit and give the deer his due if he drops. Great video!
I think you did exactly what you should have done. I think he was just on edge already and was ready to run at any given moment. That’s how public land deer get after they start feeling pressured
I try to aim 4” up from the bottom of the deer but hardly ever make it happen because of the excitement of the moment. When they are walking shots I tend to hit back to far. I love the way y’all do it! Keep it coming!!!’
30 yards compared to 20 yards, makes a fairly significant distance in a deers reaction time. If a deer has been alerted to a noise. Movement etc. They are now on instant alert and will react instantly to the sound of your bow when you shoot. They are dropping down to push away as quickly as they can. Which I'm sure you know. Your buck definitely was put into that instant alert mode. When you stopped him, his right hoof was off the ground and that would definitely be a sign that he would most likely react instantly to the sound of your bow. The problem is, we as bow hunters are focused on making a perfect shot, in a short amount of time. That we sometimes don't pick up on everything. That is a mistake I have made myself and will probably make again. You are definitely an educated successful hunter and know exactly what happened after replaying your video. All you can do is keep pushing on and try and make the best decision and shot you can. We are not programed like computers. We are humans. Good luck in your adventures. I really enjoy your videos and the public land hunting you do. Looking forward to more videos in the future.
My OHIO buck this year (10-23) was walking at 21 yards and I DID NOT stop him. Hit him a touch back in a major artery. Maybe I should have stopped him?? He didn’t jump my arrow. Ran 75 yds. My WEST VIRGINIA buck this year (11-5) was at 33 yds. He was barely walking, DID NOT stop him. Double lung, ran 60 yds. My giant KANSAS public land buck this year (11-16) was at 20 yards quartering away staring at a button and a doe. I DID NOT stop him. Double lung barely ran 40 yds. So my theory is that they are already wired this time of year. Adding to it with a bleat or a grunt, especially past 10 yds, only adds to them being on edge. Especially out past 30. Maybe let him come a little further down the trail and get broadside or quartering away?
I feel like you did your very best at that time so that's all you can do with the experience you had at that time. Heck I would have done the same, I hunt in Louisiana and I round down with my bow. Under 50yds- I use my 40yd pin, under 40yds- I use my 30yd pin. Sometimes I still hit them high with this thought in mind. A great quote I have is "wild deer do wild things!"
I personally don't know how you missed that deer!!! I would go buy a set of golf clubs. Bow hunting isn't for everyone my friend. I'm joking obviously. I personally think you did everything correct. I had my biggest bow kill get away from me this year. Lots of blood. No deer. I hunt in the south as well. North Louisiana boy here. Not far from ya and I understand.... you have to take the first opportunity when it presents itself if it is possible. You may can get away waiting in the Midwest. Southern deer can smell what you ate for breakfast before you fart! Not to mention they move like ninjas and some are gonna get away. 30 yards and out are not guaranteed. Love the videos! I watch all these public hunters on TH-cam and ya'll are my favorite. Maybe because ya'll actually know how to say the word acorn. lol!
Shooting a walking deer is a bad idea unless it's a really close shot. Definitely don't shoot at a walking deer at 30 plus yards. I think the biggest reason you missed is your very loud setup. Not only is your bow loud (sounded like a crossbow going off) but your arrow flight is loud also. Appears to been a quiet day so combine that with a loud setup and a buck on alert and they'll duck the arrow every time. I'd work on quietening your bow down and arrows down (maybe use less helical in you vanes?).
U did the correct thing buddy. The only thing you can say is the buck was a bit buttered up and nervous by his body language. I myself, I'm still gonna bleat and stop him. All this happens in a matter of seconds, so EVERYBODY can easily tell you what u should've done. I call them the could've, would've and should've crew. So disregard the Dr Phil's and keep hunting hard. That's bow hunting and there's gonna be a truck full of mistakes. Aim for the bend of elbow forearm all the time and you will be fine. Good luck and God Bless.
I would have not changed one thing. I learned a long time ago take your first and best shot don't wait. 8 out of 10 times I stop them but every shot is different. That Deer was very alert.
Personally I will only take walking shots if they are within 15 yards. I normally aim a tad bit lower just because our deer drop almost every time. If they do drop you normally hit mid body but if they don't you hit the heart. If I was in your position I wouldve just aimed a tad lower cause that's what I always do. It was a good video though and just goes to show how every deer is different. Love the videos
In my opinion distance is everything. 20 yards or less stop him and smoke him. At 32 yards though too much time for the deer to react. Especially when he seemed to be somewhat alert already. That's a shot you should take walking.
I was always told if you stop a deer always aim down his front leg right below his belly. They will be on high alert and can duck 12 inches in a split second. Shooting 30 yards while is deer is moving isn’t as easy as you would think unless it’s in a wide open area. I don’t think you did anything wrong. Keep doing it yourself hunter.
Great, great subject and example. I am just a novice, but I have been pouring over tactics and shot placement, and just missed a monster on public in East Texas inside 8 yards Tuesday for a number of reasons that I hope I've learned from, but this I think is a really good example of 30 yard or longer shots coming up high from the deer 'jumping the string,' which makes no sense cause they're ducking the dang string - ducking death. Anyways -- I've been convinced by the people I pay a lot of attention to as far as advice - and this is what I've been trying to mentally prepare myself to do - is aiming at the line of the belly like you did the back, so that a deer at distance, that can react, ducks into it. I think 20 yards in, you put it where you want to, but any alert deer at 25 or better - expect a duck and spin. I may shoot under a deer in the same circumstances, but that is what I would've done. But I also woulda let him close more distance on the line he was taking inside 20 yards (to have a closer target and reduce the quartering angle) if possible, but I know you're videoing and that adds to the difficulty. Anyways....I understand that sick feeling. I'm trying to let it go. You should make a video on that. How to get over boogering a hunt that laid itself out perfectly. Lol. I know how, but it's tougher. I had another encounter with that deer Saturday, but he trotted right through a different funnel area at 30 yards. No idea what had him moving like that cause I was tree huggin, listening and trying to stay warm. There is a lot of pressure in that area right now, so.... Anyways, good luck on some redemption.
If you watch that deer head and eyes he was watching that arrow coming and he saved himself!!! Don’t ever doubt yourself on what you did, you did the right thing, he just reacted like you or I would react at watching something flying at us duck and move!!! Good video buddy…
I would have did almost done the same thing far as stopping him and all that but at 30 yards i typically aim low heart because most deer I have shot at 30 or 40 always duck. This way if they duck I have lungs and if they don't I'm taking bottom of the heart out. But either way this all happens to us and that's the beauty of filming we can learn more from mistakes we have in bow hunting. Great work on the channel.
Hindsight 20 20 but I think that was the right decision and shot choice. Some deer duck and some don’t tough to account for it. Chalk it up to bow hunting. It sucks but we all have been there. Keep grinding!
I would have done same thing you did. I had a shot at a big one this yr I aimed extra low thought it would duck but he didn’t. They’re a wild critter in predictable. Keep hunting.
Man you did fine. We've all been there. It depends on the situation, if I can't get em to stop, I will shoot em walking. I do aim a little lower than that at 30 and 40, but that can back fire to if they don't drop. Go with your instinct.Yall are definitely real deal hunters. Love the content and the channel.
I believe I would have done the same. The main thing is that you are looking at what happened. It's not that you did anything wrong. You did everything right in my opinion. But deer are unpredictable. Your arrow f ew true and pierced the spot you aimed at. But an alert deer has quick reflexes. I've had them jump the string several times. 30 yards too. lol! I reacted pretty much like you did. The main thing is you gained more experience. Not that your inexperienced at all. But every hunt has its challenges and we collect experience by being there. Not by critiquing others hunts. Keep going out there and playing the game. He bested you that day. But hopefully you meet him again
Thats a tough one. I would have likely done the same thing. I will only take a walking shot 20 yards or closer.I dont like to stop them when they are really close. Something I do is use my 20 yard pin for 30 and in . Im expecting them to drop a little at 30 and it usually works out. I did graze one low last year at 30 because he didnt move at all. No fail proof solution for every situation. I think your comment about reading the deer is the key. But can be challenging when it happens that quick. Enjoy the channel.
You done what 99% of most hunters would have done, Just one of those huts you just learn something from. Love yalls shows! yall just keep keeping it Real.
Shot my 2nd buck this year walking with my crossbow at 35 yards aimed just behind shoulder a little but at the angle the deer was coming and the speed it was going in hit way back luckily got main artery and it didnt go about 100 yards though
I would have done the same thing you did. Good shot. That deer reacted very fast and that was just an unforseen outcome. I would've shot and stopped him just like you did knowing my wind is going too be hitting him very soon. Great video none the less 👍
I’ve had my bet luck shooting them walking but with that being said it’s very hard to practice that shot. And you can never anticipated a drop. That’s just part of archery.
I would have done the same exact thing, some duck and some don't... I try not to shoot a walking deer so often it ends up liver, guts... great videos!!!
Would of done just like ya did. Have had um drop like that. Arrow has gone rt over um. Feathers and vains make noise as they fly toward animals. They r on edge all the time. U did right. Happens.
I would have done the same thing. That deer was walking to you and was alert. If that deer could jump the string on a modern bow, he was definitely walking too fast for a bow shot in a small opening, without stopping him, at that angle in my opinion. When you shot him he only had 3 legs on the ground. You executed the shot best you could quickly.
I would have done the sane thing. One thing I noticed was the deer had his front leg off of the ground. I'm curious if that had something to do with him dropping faster and farther.
Just gotta do what you feel in your gut. I personally stop every deer unless they stop themselves at a scrape or to browse. One time I aimed low on a doe at 40 becuz I just knew she was gonna drop, & she never flinched & I shot a 1/2" right under her lol.
I probably would’ve taken same shot as you. I have seen nervous deer not react to shot and seen calm deer react to a shot. Anybody can says what they would do as they watch the video but I would’ve done same thing. Just bad luck. Maybe you will another chance
That sucks. I'm a guy that will take a walking shot in a similar situation like that. Because I have had some deer spook instead of stop. But that's just me. I did notice he had his driver's side front leg up leg , don't know if that meant he was ready to peel out of there or ready to stump the ground. We need to remember every deer reacts different. I enjoy the channel because it's real not stagged good or bad ya show. Hopefully ya get another chance at him.
I won’t second guess someone who is there. I probably would not have shot him walking, especially quartering to you like he was. I would have probably waited for him to get in that second hole. Or if I stopped him, I would release the arrow immediately. I have had good luck with that. But I have also waited on a shot that never came waiting on one to get in the perfect spot. I have let quite a few good deer get by my because of hesitation. I don’t fault you at all; that is just how it goes sometimes.
I wouldn't change a thing. I shot at a doe a few years back during late season. She was very alert and I was 40 yards away shooting a xbow from a rest so I was rock solid. I put the 40 yard crisshair on the bottom of her chest assuming she would drop because she was super alert and the Xbow is so loud. This is an older Xbow only 320 fps..... not blazing fast by today's standards so she would have plenty of time to drop. Well she didn't drop.... the bolt sliced her brisket and she was fine. I'd say it's fine to aim at the bottom of the vitals but I'll never aim off the deer again.... some deer are super jumpy and react lightning fast and some deer just don't evenif they are already alert. Yall are hands down best hunting channel on youtube.... don't change a thing!
Shit I missed a 200” deer at 10 yards I was so hyped up and he was on such alert it’s embarrassing but my first deer encounter our bow hunting to see something like that was peer luck kinda glad I missed him that would of ruined the hunt for me lol it’s hard to find something bigger
I would’ve done the exact same thing in that situation. Its hard to determine how the deer is gonna react at that moment you just keep doing what your doing. Love the channel👍🏻
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One of my top 3 hunting channels
Thanks!
Great video, Daniel!
People commenting on what you could have done better but no one talking about how you picked the perfect spot. Perfect. Most people wouldn’t have even set themselves up to even see a deer like that.
True.
While I don't shoot at deer over 20 yards, if I stop one, I aim for the bottom of the body, not as high as your POA was. I wouldn't shoot at a walking deer at that range for sure, especially one quartering to me that much. I really don't like to stop them if I don't have to though. As far as advice, I'd recommend aiming lower if you stop one or even if it is as keyed up as that one appeared. I 100 percent agree with you that it wasn't a lethal shot, probably not even all that harmful. Good luck on the next one!
That deer actually saw that arrow coming! You can see it when you watch it in slow motion….amazing. That’s just bad luck man.
Well, when life gives you Lemmons make Lemmonade.
I like the fact that you’re open and honest about the situation, and you have learned from it. And now I’m not here to tell you what you should, or should not have done, but I do appreciate you sharing this, because I think you nailed it when you said that the deer looked a little nervous, so that means he’s probably more apt to duck an arrow. That’s what I took from it, and learn from it. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for watching1
I think the deer heard the bow go off and actually could hear the arrow in flight. Been bowhunting for 55 years and every deer I have shot at it is a unique experience. I have had some drop like a rock pulling their front legs in to bound away at the sound of the shot. Others I have shot act like they did not have any idea the arrow was on the way. I also think the distance to the deer has some bearing on their reaction to the sound of the bow going off. I don't shoot at walking deer unless he is less than 15 yards or even closer and I still do not like to do that. That said I would really prefer to stop them but sometimes they are too close for all but the softest grunt. That said they won't stop jumping the sound of the string until they can get a bow to shoot faster than the speed of sound.
Hind sight is always 20/20
Yep
You did exactly what I would have done. I don't take walking shots, and, as you mentioned, take the shot right when he stops, but I have to get set after I stop him. You did good bubba. Most instances, the deer would not have ducked like he did. Hate you missed him...he was a stud.
Great shot brother. He just got under it . We can't control that.
That's the problem with making a noise to stop them. Try to avoid that whenever you can.
Look at that deer eyes he looked right at the arrow crazy that was a big buck
Dang nice deer though, damn it.
I missed a buck that was cruising at +-25 yards. I didn’t try to stop him, He ducked and circled around to +-35 yards. Missed again, While he was stopped. He ducked both shots. Both shots I misjudged the distance..
A week later he came out cautiously. He stopped at 40+ yards and I aimed low and he didn’t duck. Went right under him. I used my best judgement .. thats all we can do in the situation
Don’t stop him. Just lead the shot a little. The alternative is stop but aim slightly lower than the knuckle anticipating the duck. In my experience, public deer duck 95% of the time at 30 yards. Nice hunt though!
If quartering to I stop him , if quartering away walking . Great show
Take it from. Somebody I have. Been. Bow hunting. For. 50. Years. That going to happen good job. Young. Man Keep. Hunting
Thank you I’ve only been bow hunting for eight years but I have actually been deer hunting for about 13 but bowhunting is definitely my favorite thing to do
Let him keep coming.
I think had the deer not turned his head at the last moment he'd be on the wall. He turned and the arrow went right into his line of sight. Also those short flechings are loud. Stand by a target and let your buddy shoot it at 30 yards. You'll wonder how they all don't duck the arrow.
I have been hunting these deer for 45 years.....you did the right thing....i all ways want a deer standing.....then it's a crapshoot to see how much they duck....keep doing what your doing!...
I woulda done the same thing. Stop him, aim, shoot. What else you gonna do, next time you aim low then you shoot under him? Big bucks have a sixth sense. Love the channel and showing the reality of what happens out there bow hunting. Thanks for sharing, God Bless
By the way we all learn on every hunt. I do and not ashamed of it. That's why we hunt, fun. learn, make friends.
That's true.
Amen brother
You did it right in my opinion. I would stay away from shooting walking deer. Normally I will stop a deer but I had one this year that was moving and it was coming to a stop in my shooting lane. I didn't stop him and just as I was releasing my arrow, the deer hopped forward a little bit around 1-2 feet and I ended up shooting it in the guts didn't recover it. I rather have a deer jump my string then gut shoot another one. To decrease you chance for the deer jumping the string, I go with a bit of a lighter arrow than most (400 grain) for a little more speed so I don't have as much of an issue with deer dropping. Most deer I shoot are within 25 yards and haven't had an issue with it.
Sounds like if you couldn't let him walk passed with your wind direction as it was you did all you could do. Definitely gotta take the shot. I was in a similar situation in Indiana this year where I knew he was gonna bust my scent. I took a shot I normally wouldn't take before he busted my scent and it was a long drawn out track. Found him the next day. That quarter to shot isn't an ideal shot to begin with.
You done everything the right way! 90% of the time that’s a dead deer, that’s hunting not killing!! That’s why Archery hunting is so addictive.
It is!
He will live to fight another day
I would have done the same thing you did. I prefer if they stop by themselves ,but if needed ,I always try to stop them in a good opening. For me personally with my skill level , I feel like a 32 yard walking shot is taking a big chance. Maybe I would try a close walking shot. But with a bow I feel the best opportunity for a killing shot is a standing still shot. It never ceases to amaze me how fast a whitetail can react to a bow shot. Thanks for taking the time to illustrate that fact on the video. Keep doing what your doing. Good luck on future hunts!
Thanks
You did right thing with going with your decision. Can’t help it that he ducked. If he hadn’t wouldn’t even be having this discussion.
Longer shot at a stopped alert deer. Lucky ya hit him at all. I've seen deer in Texas string jump & do a complete 180 with the arrow hitting on the complete opposite side! Those critters are lightning quick! 🎯🦌💯👍🏻
Yes they are,
The hit made a really loud "pop" sound like you broke the thoracic cavity. First thing I said was...dead deer!
After seeing the slowed down replay, I know the hit looks to be above the spine, but I've had arrows do funky things once they hit the deer. Could have deflected down through one or both lungs. With the high entry and ?exit?, you won't get much blood at all and they can go a long way on one lung (sometimes survive). Probably too late now, but a dog tracker if legal would have been worth a call just to be sure. I would grid search the area in a few weeks again too. Just in case. Really expand the search too.
I have wounded more big bucks than I care to think about in 33 years of bowhunting. The past 10 or so years I started keeping all shots under 20 yards broadside or quartering away on relaxed deer only. I generally don't stop them if they're walking slowly enough. My recovery rate is near 100% now.
Most of the time, big bucks come in fast and leave fast, so you feel rushed to take the first half decent shot. That's what I always struggled with. You work so hard for one or two opportunities on mature bucks each season, you don't want to miss a chance. It's tough.
Hopefully he's alive and well.
Thanks for the comment!
30 yards is the worst distance. They got tons of time to react. Especially if they are on alert. I would've taken the shot the same way you did. Good luck hunting. Keep on slaying brother
It's feet in itself getting a mature deer like that on public land in bow range, sometimes the other things don't work out but in my opinion you won just getting the opportunity
At that distance, I wouldn’t have done anything different than what you did. I wouldn’t shoot a deer walking past 15 yards. Buts that’s one hunter’s opinion. The only time I ever aimed low intentionally, the deer didn’t move and I barely cut the skin underneath him. Never again. I’d rather just aim where I want to hit and give the deer his due if he drops. Great video!
I think you did exactly what you should have done. I think he was just on edge already and was ready to run at any given moment. That’s how public land deer get after they start feeling pressured
Exactly the same!
I try to aim 4” up from the bottom of the deer but hardly ever make it happen because of the excitement of the moment. When they are walking shots I tend to hit back to far. I love the way y’all do it! Keep it coming!!!’
30 yards compared to 20 yards, makes a fairly significant distance in a deers reaction time. If a deer has been alerted to a noise. Movement etc. They are now on instant alert and will react instantly to the sound of your bow when you shoot. They are dropping down to push away as quickly as they can. Which I'm sure you know. Your buck definitely was put into that instant alert mode. When you stopped him, his right hoof was off the ground and that would definitely be a sign that he would most likely react instantly to the sound of your bow. The problem is, we as bow hunters are focused on making a perfect shot, in a short amount of time. That we sometimes don't pick up on everything. That is a mistake I have made myself and will probably make again. You are definitely an educated successful hunter and know exactly what happened after replaying your video. All you can do is keep pushing on and try and make the best decision and shot you can. We are not programed like computers. We are humans. Good luck in your adventures. I really enjoy your videos and the public land hunting you do. Looking forward to more videos in the future.
My OHIO buck this year (10-23) was walking at 21 yards and I DID NOT stop him. Hit him a touch back in a major artery. Maybe I should have stopped him?? He didn’t jump my arrow. Ran 75 yds.
My WEST VIRGINIA buck this year (11-5) was at 33 yds. He was barely walking, DID NOT stop him. Double lung, ran 60 yds.
My giant KANSAS public land buck this year (11-16) was at 20 yards quartering away staring at a button and a doe. I DID NOT stop him. Double lung barely ran 40 yds.
So my theory is that they are already wired this time of year. Adding to it with a bleat or a grunt, especially past 10 yds, only adds to them being on edge. Especially out past 30. Maybe let him come a little further down the trail and get broadside or quartering away?
I feel like you did your very best at that time so that's all you can do with the experience you had at that time. Heck I would have done the same, I hunt in Louisiana and I round down with my bow. Under 50yds- I use my 40yd pin, under 40yds- I use my 30yd pin. Sometimes I still hit them high with this thought in mind. A great quote I have is "wild deer do wild things!"
They do!
U take big chance of bad hit shootin when walkin unless real close. We all have an opinion. We owe respect to animal. Good huntin.
I personally don't know how you missed that deer!!! I would go buy a set of golf clubs. Bow hunting isn't for everyone my friend.
I'm joking obviously. I personally think you did everything correct. I had my biggest bow kill get away from me this year. Lots of blood. No deer. I hunt in the south as well. North Louisiana boy here. Not far from ya and I understand.... you have to take the first opportunity when it presents itself if it is possible. You may can get away waiting in the Midwest. Southern deer can smell what you ate for breakfast before you fart! Not to mention they move like ninjas and some are gonna get away. 30 yards and out are not guaranteed. Love the videos! I watch all these public hunters on TH-cam and ya'll are my favorite. Maybe because ya'll actually know how to say the word acorn. lol!
If quartering to , I stop him , if quartering away walking is ok . Great show
Shooting a walking deer is a bad idea unless it's a really close shot. Definitely don't shoot at a walking deer at 30 plus yards. I think the biggest reason you missed is your very loud setup. Not only is your bow loud (sounded like a crossbow going off) but your arrow flight is loud also. Appears to been a quiet day so combine that with a loud setup and a buck on alert and they'll duck the arrow every time. I'd work on quietening your bow down and arrows down (maybe use less helical in you vanes?).
U did the correct thing buddy. The only thing you can say is the buck was a bit buttered up and nervous by his body language. I myself, I'm still gonna bleat and stop him. All this happens in a matter of seconds, so EVERYBODY can easily tell you what u should've done. I call them the could've, would've and should've crew. So disregard the Dr Phil's and keep hunting hard. That's bow hunting and there's gonna be a truck full of mistakes. Aim for the bend of elbow forearm all the time and you will be fine. Good luck and God Bless.
I’ve been told to aim at where their belly and the back of their front legs meet. That said, I’ve never taken a deer with a bow. *yet!
Good luck this could be your year.
I would have not changed one thing. I learned a long time ago take your first and best shot don't wait. 8 out of 10 times I stop them but every shot is different. That Deer was very alert.
Personally I will only take walking shots if they are within 15 yards. I normally aim a tad bit lower just because our deer drop almost every time. If they do drop you normally hit mid body but if they don't you hit the heart. If I was in your position I wouldve just aimed a tad lower cause that's what I always do. It was a good video though and just goes to show how every deer is different. Love the videos
coulda shoulda wouda..I've learn long time ago never shot a deer with his head down..Thanks for the hunt..
In my opinion distance is everything. 20 yards or less stop him and smoke him. At 32 yards though too much time for the deer to react. Especially when he seemed to be somewhat alert already. That's a shot you should take walking.
I was always told if you stop a deer always aim down his front leg right below his belly. They will be on high alert and can duck 12 inches in a split second. Shooting 30 yards while is deer is moving isn’t as easy as you would think unless it’s in a wide open area. I don’t think you did anything wrong. Keep doing it yourself hunter.
Don't stop em , till he's 20 or under . I usually don't take a shot over 20 . Just me tho , that was a dandy buck for missip !
I think you because you stopped him ,alerted him. That split second. Put the advantage to the deer. We need a video with them walking. Thanks
Great, great subject and example. I am just a novice, but I have been pouring over tactics and shot placement, and just missed a monster on public in East Texas inside 8 yards Tuesday for a number of reasons that I hope I've learned from, but this I think is a really good example of 30 yard or longer shots coming up high from the deer 'jumping the string,' which makes no sense cause they're ducking the dang string - ducking death. Anyways -- I've been convinced by the people I pay a lot of attention to as far as advice - and this is what I've been trying to mentally prepare myself to do - is aiming at the line of the belly like you did the back, so that a deer at distance, that can react, ducks into it. I think 20 yards in, you put it where you want to, but any alert deer at 25 or better - expect a duck and spin. I may shoot under a deer in the same circumstances, but that is what I would've done. But I also woulda let him close more distance on the line he was taking inside 20 yards (to have a closer target and reduce the quartering angle) if possible, but I know you're videoing and that adds to the difficulty. Anyways....I understand that sick feeling. I'm trying to let it go. You should make a video on that. How to get over boogering a hunt that laid itself out perfectly. Lol. I know how, but it's tougher. I had another encounter with that deer Saturday, but he trotted right through a different funnel area at 30 yards. No idea what had him moving like that cause I was tree huggin, listening and trying to stay warm. There is a lot of pressure in that area right now, so....
Anyways, good luck on some redemption.
Thanks. Good luck to you maybe you’ll get another chance at your big deer
@@Southernboy2506 Same to you man. Maybe maybe maybe
If you watch that deer head and eyes he was watching that arrow coming and he saved himself!!! Don’t ever doubt yourself on what you did, you did the right thing, he just reacted like you or I would react at watching something flying at us duck and move!!! Good video buddy…
Thanks
I would have did almost done the same thing far as stopping him and all that but at 30 yards i typically aim low heart because most deer I have shot at 30 or 40 always duck. This way if they duck I have lungs and if they don't I'm taking bottom of the heart out. But either way this all happens to us and that's the beauty of filming we can learn more from mistakes we have in bow hunting. Great work on the channel.
Did you recover the deer? If you did then there is no mistake.He did what is natural for him.
more than 20 yards i aways aim low for that reason but always stop them. great deer tho!!!!
Hindsight 20 20 but I think that was the right decision and shot choice. Some deer duck and some don’t tough to account for it. Chalk it up to bow hunting. It sucks but we all have been there. Keep grinding!
It happens brother! Good spot! They still using that big rub right by ya?
I would have done same thing you did. I had a shot at a big one this yr I aimed extra low thought it would duck but he didn’t. They’re a wild critter in predictable. Keep hunting.
Man you did fine. We've all been there. It depends on the situation, if I can't get em to stop, I will shoot em walking. I do aim a little lower than that at 30 and 40, but that can back fire to if they don't drop. Go with your instinct.Yall are definitely real deal hunters. Love the content and the channel.
Thanks!
Your right that the deer was on high alert. Maybe if you didn’t stop him you might not have had him duck the shot. Anyways it’s just bow hunting!
True
I believe I would have done the same. The main thing is that you are looking at what happened. It's not that you did anything wrong. You did everything right in my opinion. But deer are unpredictable. Your arrow f ew true and pierced the spot you aimed at. But an alert deer has quick reflexes. I've had them jump the string several times. 30 yards too. lol! I reacted pretty much like you did. The main thing is you gained more experience. Not that your inexperienced at all. But every hunt has its challenges and we collect experience by being there. Not by critiquing others hunts. Keep going out there and playing the game. He bested you that day. But hopefully you meet him again
I would've done the samething. There's alot of Monday morning bow hunters with the ifs. It's happens Brother.
I'd have done the same thing. You win some, you loose some...
Thats a tough one. I would have likely done the same thing. I will only take a walking shot 20 yards or closer.I dont like to stop them when they are really close. Something I do is use my 20 yard pin for 30 and in . Im expecting them to drop a little at 30 and it usually works out. I did graze one low last year at 30 because he didnt move at all. No fail proof solution for every situation. I think your comment about reading the deer is the key. But can be challenging when it happens that quick. Enjoy the channel.
Thanks
You done what 99% of most hunters would have done,
Just one of those huts you just learn something from.
Love yalls shows! yall just keep keeping it Real.
No problem
I honestly intentionally place pin lower on the deer when I stop them to shoot. I usually put pin on the white line so they duck into them
Sometimes these things happen. I shoot heavy FOC arrows and wait for 20yds and in haven't had one jump that setup yet.
Ida done the same thing brother. Don’t care much for shooting while they are walking.
You did what you thought was best at the time. Good shot just and unfortunate outcome! Onward!!
Keep doing what your doing brother love the vids!!! Yall need to hunt black warrior national Forrest! Good luck in what yall do!! God bless!!
Thanks!! We will check it out.
Shot my 2nd buck this year walking with my crossbow at 35 yards aimed just behind shoulder a little but at the angle the deer was coming and the speed it was going in hit way back luckily got main artery and it didnt go about 100 yards though
Think i would have done the same thing. That deer was walk a little to fast. That’s hunting! Good channel
good content
Thanks!
I would have done the same thing you did. Good shot. That deer reacted very fast and that was just an unforseen outcome. I would've shot and stopped him just like you did knowing my wind is going too be hitting him very soon. Great video none the less 👍
I’ve had my bet luck shooting them walking but with that being said it’s very hard to practice that shot. And you can never anticipated a drop. That’s just part of archery.
Pretty sure that deer will live
I do too.
I would prob have done the same as you. A walking deer could lunge forward on the shot and then it’s a gut or ham shot
I would have done the same exact thing, some duck and some don't... I try not to shoot a walking deer so often it ends up liver, guts... great videos!!!
Would of done just like ya did. Have had um drop like that. Arrow has gone rt over um. Feathers and vains make noise as they fly toward animals. They r on edge all the time. U did right. Happens.
Great video! It's hunting not killing! How many # You shoot? The deer was alert! Check out the ears!
That’s bow hunting my friend!! That buck saw the arrow and they are just that quick!!
Better luck next time!!
Yes they are.
Man that’s tough call I think I would have done same thing you did. At what yardage would you aim a little lower anticipating the deer to drop?
I would have done the same thing. That deer was walking to you and was alert. If that deer could jump the string on a modern bow, he was definitely walking too fast for a bow shot in a small opening, without stopping him, at that angle in my opinion. When you shot him he only had 3 legs on the ground. You executed the shot best you could quickly.
I would have done the sane thing. One thing I noticed was the deer had his front leg off of the ground. I'm curious if that had something to do with him dropping faster and farther.
Just gotta do what you feel in your gut. I personally stop every deer unless they stop themselves at a scrape or to browse. One time I aimed low on a doe at 40 becuz I just knew she was gonna drop, & she never flinched & I shot a 1/2" right under her lol.
It can be a guessing game sometimes.
I probably would’ve taken same shot as you. I have seen nervous deer not react to shot and seen calm deer react to a shot. Anybody can says what they would do as they watch the video but I would’ve done same thing. Just bad luck. Maybe you will another chance
Hopefully so.
In most cases stopping them and making them lift their head usually makes them drop less.
I wouldn’t do nothing other than what you did.
That sucks. I'm a guy that will take a walking shot in a similar situation like that. Because I have had some deer spook instead of stop. But that's just me. I did notice he had his driver's side front leg up leg , don't know if that meant he was ready to peel out of there or ready to stump the ground. We need to remember every deer reacts different. I enjoy the channel because it's real not stagged good or bad ya show. Hopefully ya get another chance at him.
I won’t second guess someone who is there. I probably would not have shot him walking, especially quartering to you like he was. I would have probably waited for him to get in that second hole. Or if I stopped him, I would release the arrow immediately. I have had good luck with that. But I have also waited on a shot that never came waiting on one to get in the perfect spot. I have let quite a few good deer get by my because of hesitation. I don’t fault you at all; that is just how it goes sometimes.
That’s why it’s called bow hunting.
Man you did everything right, just missed the target
I would NOT have shot that deer walking at that angle. The one time I didn’t stop a buck I gut shot him.. walking at 35 yards.
I wouldn't change a thing. I shot at a doe a few years back during late season. She was very alert and I was 40 yards away shooting a xbow from a rest so I was rock solid. I put the 40 yard crisshair on the bottom of her chest assuming she would drop because she was super alert and the Xbow is so loud. This is an older Xbow only 320 fps..... not blazing fast by today's standards so she would have plenty of time to drop. Well she didn't drop.... the bolt sliced her brisket and she was fine.
I'd say it's fine to aim at the bottom of the vitals but I'll never aim off the deer again.... some deer are super jumpy and react lightning fast and some deer just don't evenif they are already alert.
Yall are hands down best hunting channel on youtube.... don't change a thing!
Did nothing wrong. That's just a slick deer. We're you able to recover the deer?
Nope
Shit I missed a 200” deer at 10 yards I was so hyped up and he was on such alert it’s embarrassing but my first deer encounter our bow hunting to see something like that was peer luck kinda glad I missed him that would of ruined the hunt for me lol it’s hard to find something bigger
That would of been hard to top, but you would have killed a buck of a life time.
I would’ve done the exact same thing in that situation. Its hard to determine how the deer is gonna react at that moment you just keep doing what your doing. Love the channel👍🏻
The deer saw the arrow. I do not use lighted nocks because I am scared of them seeing the arrow
Personally I’d have done the same. Broadside 32 yards, it’s a shooter buck you shoot. He ducked and turned all there is to it.
Yep it’s that simple.