The lows of bow hunting...

[muddyfuzzy]

It's tough, that's why it's so cool. There can be some hard lessons in the field, treat these as invaluable learning experiences and learn what you can when you can.

[acearrow]

keep after it. I know that I have questioned my 'skills' as a bow hunter after loosing a deer. It was a bad shot and the next time I had an opportunity, I questioned myself as to whether I should draw. Missed a chance because I kept waiting for the "Perfect" shot. Get back after it and practice. Learn from what you have done and remember to bend at the waist when shooting from an elevated position or it will shoot high every time.

[DuckDogTrainer]

Hang in there!

[Shake N' Bake]

Don't give up! Try to learn from this and figure out what went wrong. Animals hit in the chest shouldn't go too far. Think about where the arrow hit and what could of happened. Study anatomy and shot angles. No matter how good you think the shot is, give them time unless you see them fall. I always give them an hour even on good shots. Get back in the game. Shoot does and pigs until you are convinced a bow is a lethal weapon. Practice shooting a bunch. I have killed tons of stuff with a bow but it took my almost 10 years to kill my first deer with a bow. I don't care what anyone says, Bowhunting is not easy and if you don't miss or lose an animal then I guarantee you haven't Bowhunted much. Keep your head up and get back out there!

^^^this

Bow hunting can take you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and back again all in a 24 hour period!!

[Pullersboy]

This is my 3rd season bow hunting. I've recovered 2 of the 3 deer that I've shot. Yes, bow hunting is both challenging and humbling. I need to get at least one more deer, probably 2 to get my freezer stocked for ghe year. Not sure I'm going to make it. But I'm going to try lkmd heck to make it hapoen. The challenge is the part of bow hunting that makes it so attractive to me. Stay in there and keep trying. It'll pan out.

[bucknbass21]

Bad shots happen. Shoot, I made a bad one with a rifle before Thanksgiving. Luckily, he has survived and came around and got his picture taken on 12/22, so I know he's still out there. As others have said, don't give up!

[Jayt22]

Ya don't give up! It is a challenge but after you harvest an animal it is so much more of a trophy then takin it with a gun! Practice, practice and practice! Best of luck to ya!

[44mAG]

I feel you man! I have been bow hunting for around 7 years now. I have hit four deer and recovered one. I have shot some other critters though. I had the same feeling after wounding a buck this year. My biggest issue is my respect for the deer. I feel like if I'm going to harvest an animal, it is my responsibility to make it the quickest kill possible. I love the challenge that bow hunting brings, but I too sometimes ask myself if I am being selfish by bow hunting...

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

^^ this is exactly what I'm going through. But like others said more practice is what i need. I'll be back at.

[MQ32Shooter]

Don't give up, don't ever give up. I have been bow hunting for 5 years now, and haven't "harvested" an animal yet. Things happen, that's why it's called hunting not shopping.

This. I hunted with my bow for 6 years before ever killing a deer. Just learn from every experience and make the best of the next opportunity.

[Rat]

Get a good, seasoned tracking dog on that trail! I'll bet she is dead somewhere from what you described. Finding her will be a huge boost in confidence.

Even if you don't, keep at it; hunt long enough and you loose an animal. Coyotes gotta eat too.

[Dynamic1]

Good advice here. I've made about every mistake possible. I did a few things that I think helped me turn the corner.

I studied and practiced proper form, number one thing that helped me.
I started practicing like I hunted and did a lot of shooting not at a target. Judo points and small game heads. Small game hunting helped me a ton as I would get excited just like on a deer or pig, I was able to talk myself through and remember proper form, if I missed oh well go look for another rabbit, etc.

Became more patient and slow at tracking, look for more sign then just blood.

I am not a handy man kinda guy but I have tried hard to learn my equipment and do things myself vs the bow shop thing. This has made bow hunting for me a year around activity.

Hang in there!