Headed out to the ranch on Thursday with my dad and two BIL's. The plan was to get some work done, filling feeders, hang a swing, clear some brush, set new Duke traps for coons.... In between was beer drinking and a hunt or two. So Friday evening after we got most of the work complete myself and the 2 BIL's headed out to the bow stands for a little afternoon sit. My first encounter was a big coon at the protein feeder. Seeing as how are main intentions were to kill all coons I decided to go ahead and fling one at him. I shot a little high at him as he was 25 yards away. SO, I grabbed another arrow and this one hit the target. He did scurry a little bit into the woods so I jumped down and hurried over to finish him with the pistol. I also needed to grab my arrows because now I was down to only one left in the quiver. As the evening went on I had several blackbuck come feed but they were off limits. I also had 3 whitetail does and finally an axis doe made her way to the feeder. I let her get good and calm. She fed for about 15 minutes. I also had another axis back in the brush that I was watching so not to get busted while I tried to get my bow in upright positions for the shot. I had it laying across my lap. It took a little while but I finally got into positions and was ready to draw. As I drew back, I'm assuming the blackbuck caught a glimpse of movement or heard me because he spooked like crazy and all the other deer too. The axis doe however, only took a few steps away and stopped. She was behind the feeder at this point and I was fully drawn. I told myself I was not letting down, I'd just wait until she got back in site. She took a few steps forward and I knew she was in the 30 yard range. Holding steady, I let the arrow fly. I made a perfect shot. Saw the arrow hit great and also saw the blood fly out when it hit. She ended up running up the ridge with the other axis that never came out. I was pumped. Haven't shot at a deer with my bow in about 8 years. I decide to let her lay for a bit so I went and picked up my BIL's and we headed to camp to unload some gear and a few dead coons. One BIL shot two with his bow also. After about 45 mintues or so we headed back to my stand. I found my arrow and good blood. We followed the blood about 60 yards up the ridge and there she lay. Gotta admit, I forgot how that felt. It surely reminded me of why I love bowhunting so much. I took the rangefinder the next day and shot the tripod from where she was standing when I shot her. Ended up being 34 yards. I was pretty impressed with myself.... Anyhow, here is a cell phone pic. Sorry about the quality but its all I had.
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Good eats, congrats! -
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That right there is what it is all about. Congratulations to you on getting to kill a critter that is arguably better eating than deer. It's funny just how quick we want to get back in the woods after deer season is over.Comment
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Its like riding a bike. You never forget
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Axis with a bow is not an easy task. Congrats and enjoy the great table fare.Comment
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First Bowkill in a while....
Yea, thanks guys. My lull in bow hunting has mainly been due to having my little boy hunting with me over the last several years. Definitely not a bad thing!! Now he has a bow too so I'm thinking I may get more time in the bow stand. I just felt awesome after shooting that doe. Nothing like the gun kills I've had in the last few years. I forgot what I was missing. Still doesn't compare to watching my little buddy pull the trigger but wow, I was pumped. Can't wait until he gets to shoot an animal with his bow!!Comment
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Great meat and I would salt dry that hide....Comment
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Congrats. Good eatinComment
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Yea, I actually let my brother in law have the meat. I still have axis, oryx, and a pile of elk in the freezer. I'm not hurting for meat.Comment
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Nice. CongratsComment
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CongratsComment
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Great job. CongratsComment
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Congrats. I took up bow hunting last year. No kill yet but like you. My son goes on every trip with me. I got meat with rifle kill. He doesn't shoot yet. Well said, wouldn't have it any other way. Time well spent with my little buddyComment
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Congrats man! I guess the bow is shooting good after getting it all straightened out?
Next time you have some axis meat to give away you have my number.
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Good Shooting
CongratsComment
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