right place, right time,Wrong yardage

[D12]

I finally figured out I can't hunt my spot without a North wind. Sat. afternoon headed in early and saw a few young bucks and one cull buck(no brow tines), thought about it for a minute but new that was not what I had been waiting for. Sunday morning I got in the stand about 6 and sat real quite until 8:30 when I herd something walking in behind me from the north. I had to turn my whole upper body to see what was coming. I see one young buck from the night before and another deer behind him. I saw the second deer was a shooter, he was mature 5 1/2+, non-typical 135+, and headed my way. By this time the young buck was coming out of the trees and was looking right at me. I could not move,and I mean could not move for 10 or 15 minutes. The young buck walked right up under my stand looking right at me. The big buck stopped at the treeline just watching the youngster. At this point I am in full blown buck fever(never felt it like that before). After what seemed like a life time the young buck turned and went toward the feeder. The big buck just watch and turned to follow. By this time my back felt like it was going to explode. Once we had some trees between us I could turn around. The 2 bucks made a small half circle and turned looking my direction.They stood there for 15 or 20 minutes just waiting. Then something got their attention behind them so when they turned their heads, I drew. I think they heard me draw. I split my 20 and 30 yard pins and let it go. As soon as the arrow left I new it was miss. I watched the deer run for 20 yards stop look around and walk off. When I checked the arrow the only thing on it was dirt. I hunted the same spot that afternoon and saw 2 mature bucks but they were back in the trees. This morning I saw one mature deer before I could see my pins. Before I got down I used a hog arrow and shot the cactus right where the buck was standing. 30 yard pin dead on. Now I just need that buck standing there again. He is there, every time I close my eyes.

[Matman]

That sucks!! Keep trying and hopefully he will give ya another shot!

[D12]

I was disappointed at the time but it has helped me grow as a bowhunter. It was a great hunt, but I did not close the deal. Hope there is a next time.

[Exterminator]

D12, I did the exact same thing Sturday afternoon. Held the thirty yrd pin right on the heart thinking that would give a little margine for error. And like you as soon as I touched off the release I knew it was a miss. Those bucks will be back, lets keep at em.

[Arquero]

If he just walked off, he doesn't know what happened and he'll be back.

[Loneaggie]

Agree with the above, doesn't sound like you spooked him too bad. There's a decent chance he'll be back.

[KHo]

It happens and you learn from it. Get back out there and put 'em down. Keep us posted.

[Tex_Cattleman]

I agree, he'll be back. Good luck when he does, D12!

This brings up an interesting discussion. When you hear something behind you, or some other direction where it is impossible to shoot, do you let curiosity get the best of you and look? I generally do not, focusing instead and being as perfectly still as possible. I have been busted too many times by turning or been stuck there and out of position once I do "look". If I can't shoot it, I do not risk scaring it off by looking.

Anyone else?

[D12]

I learned alot of lessons in 1 morning of hunting. I will not allow myself to get so far out of position and when I get to full draw take my time don't rush it if I don't have to. And don't forget my grunt tube in the truck. The rush(buck fever) I got from that buck was incredible. If I could bottle that emotion and sell it I would be rich. Thanks for all the responces