If You Have To Ask, The Answer is “NO!”
This is another tip from Buckmasters that I feel the need to pass on to you all. As I read it I thought of all the times I asked myself that same question. I personally will not take a shot if I have any doubt at all if I can not make it. Yes it is true that I have lost deer in the past, after all who hasn’t. It is unfortunate and inevitable but we as responsible hunters owe it to ourselves and the game we hunt.
By: Rick Kratzke
We’ve all heard horror stories of wounded deer, and bowhunters in particular are prone to be the subject of these sad tales. The real statistics show that wounded deer are far less common than stories indicate, but a common theme of many of these stories is that the shooter took an “iffy” shot — maybe the distance was a little too far or maybe the shooting window wasn’t clear.
It doesn’t matter. There’s one simple way to know if you should hold that shot and let the deer walk: If there is ANY doubt in your mind whatsoever, don’t shoot. It’s that simple.
We all can get caught up in the excitement, so listen to yourself and watch for these key thoughts: “I wonder if it’s too far?”; “I think I can get a shot through there”; “If I don’t shoot now I won’t get another chance”; etc. Unless you’re thinking, “This deer is mine,” let him walk. If you haven’t spooked him, he’ll be back and you’ll have a chance on another day.
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Some great advice from buckmasters. I for one always lean towards not taking the shot. In fact there are sometimes when I think I’m too conservative, but I’ve only lost one deer so I guess that is a good thing.
Great advice and thanks for sharing.
July 18th, 2008 at 9:13 am
This is all too true - sound advice. We owe it to the animal, for sure.
July 18th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Arthur, I tend to agree with you when you said you thought you were too conservative. I have let a lot go by when I probably could have made a decent shot.
Tom, we owe it to the animal - I agree 100%
July 18th, 2008 at 11:53 am