My First Archery Deer

[whitetailchaser22]

The morning started out like any other morning. I got myself up in my stand, and my dad (whitetail1) headed for his stand about 200 yards away. Once it got light the only thing to be seen was squirrels, I briefly saw the butt of a deer heading down a trail to my dad (he later told me it was a button buck). Then at about 9:30, I look to my left and see movement in the brush. I could tell it was a deer, so I pick up my bow and clip on my release. I stand up and she doesn’t seem to notice me. She takes a step out of the brush and I pull back my bow. I was hoping she wouldn't turn away and take the trail away from me, lucky enough she turns my way. She takes a couple of steps then goes to step off the trail, but when she did she stopped. That’s when I let the arrow fly, she jumped as if I had hit her. She bolted the other way back into the brush making as much noise as possible. Then a loud noise, that’s when I thought she fell. So I get my dad on the walky talky, and tell him I had just shot at a doe. He asked me if I had hit her, I told him I didn't know. My dad then just told me to wait, and let her die if I did hit her. Then the doubt started to set in. I wondered if it was really a 20 yard shot, but I just told myself to stay positive. About 30-45 minutes later my dad told me he was on the way. When he got to my stand I started packing up while he looked for my arrow. I got down from my stand, we hadn't found my arrow yet or any blood. Then my dad spotted some blood, I picked up my bow and we started on the trail. The blood started looking like she was pouring it out. It led us into the brush after about 20-30 yards on the trail. The blood got even thicker and now had bubbles in it. My dad told me this meant I probably hit a lung. We followed the trail another 20 or so yards, I look up to see what at first looked like a stump. I then saw blood all over this stump, and realized it was my doe! I was so happy! Well I ended up hitting both of her lungs, and she only ran about 70 yards. I shot her at around 18 yards.

I will post some more pictures later on tonight, these are just the ones from my phone.

[inrecordbookbuck]

congrats on your first!!

I can remember my first bow kill. It can turn into a real addiction. Archery is about all I hunt with anymore.

I am going to try muzzleloader this year though.

[HuntMeister]

Congrats!

[raporter]

Congratulations. Nice doe.

[scrub-buster]

Great job.

[jordanffemt]

Thumbs up

[larryhagmansliver]

I loved that story. It brought memories to my first and many after.

[evolutionsthunder]

congrats may it be the first of many

[whitetail1]

From a dad's point of view......I am VERY proud of you! I know you have worked very hard for this and put in a ton of time. You made it happen and decided when to get ready, when to draw, and waited for a good shot.....then MADE IT!

Guys, I've got to tell you, this morning was a little bitter-sweet for me. The sweet part....I couldn't have been happier that Whitetailchaser22 connected on his first archery deer. He took his time, stayed relaxed, and made a GREAT shot. He was a little concerned after shooting because he started doubting himself, but the shot was right on the money and she only traveled about 70 yards. The look on his face and the excitement in his voice when he looked up from the blood trail and saw her was PRICELESS.

The bitter part....I didn't get to see it happen. I was at his stand about 45 minutes after the shot and was there to help blood trail (although he didn't need it), but wasn't there with him at the time of the shot. This probably sounds selfish, but he has now taken a total of 6 deer, and I have been sitting right next to him on the first 5. He now sits alone during archery season. I walk to his stand with him and stay with him until he gets his safety strap secured and he gets settled. After that, I make my way to my stand. I'm telling you, there is nothing in the world like sitting right next to your child when he takes a deer. I'll still sit with him during gun season this year, but that too will end too soon as he eventually will sit by himself all of the time (he is already lobbying for that now).

Regardless, it was a great day and a new beginning of sorts. Plus, his little brother will start carrying a gun next year and I get to start the process all over again.

[Sasquatch]

Way to go Jr, You will always remember this one. Congrats to Dad, as well. Looks like you spread the addiction!

[duff]

Awsome job!!!

[trophyhunter1]

congrats, the first ones are always the best!!!

[10point]

Congrats on your first archery deer.

[HighCotton]

Memo to Whitetailchaser22, my favorite huntin' partner in the world (ok, well next to your Dad): AWESOME, AWESOME JOB TODAY! I sooo wish I could have been with you and your Dad today. The "video" of your hunt has been playing in my mind all day. The memories of how you've grown into a man have also played out. From popping squirrels to initiating your face with the blood of your first deer kill to above all---watching you learn the hunting skill and passion from your Dad, I just simply have to say, CONGRATULATIONS. A double lung on your first bow kill - WOW, that is fantastic. All that time you practiced in the yard - what a payoff.
Memo to whitetail1: You knew this day would come. You've tried to prepare for the moment. The moment arrived today...and, well, you lived the rest. Here's my simple thought brother-JUST LET IT SOAK IN.
...and by the way, have a good night's sleep tonight guys!

[Woody Williams]

My sincerest congratulations on your first.

May there be many, many more.

It is bitter sweet, but you have to turn loose sometimes..

I've been on may recoveries (mine and my son's) with my son and it is glad times for sure.

[dbd870]

Nice looking doe - way to go!

[DEERTRACKS]

Congrats! You will always remember this one.....

[powderfinger]

I really like this! Great job and congrats to you both!

[whitetailchaser22]

Sorry i took so long to post some more pictures.....caution they get a little bloody lol .

Here is some blood we found close to where she went down.


This is how we found her.

[racktracker]

Good job, young man.

The first is the toughest.