Four blown opportunities this week

[Zdub02]

All a matter of perspective I suppose. My best rut hunt ever I saw 5 shooters and missed on one that would have been my biggest buck. I still remember that week fondly despite the miss as I got to see fighting, hear vocalizations, and got on them consistently, even if I didn't seal the deal. As @TopherDave mentioned I'm not getting as much woods time due to having small kids at home right now. At least you're hunting! Go enjoy it and good luck! You're on them. Only a matter of time till it comes together for you.

 

[Gobihawk]

Could they have seen your shadow when you drew your bow? Turn off all the noise possible. Then go into bathroom and close the door. As you draw your bow back listen for noise. If possible, have another person listen as well.

Use Dead Down Wimd on bottom of boots and up to your knees. When crossing a trail step over the trail.

 

[ILHunter2022]

Been there myself. Had a nice one walk in last week and I drew back, but then he stopped behind some brush and waited so long, I accidentally lost my hold and the arrow moved forward a bit, causing him to pause. I still don't think he knew I was there for sure, but he turned around and went away. So I just kept practicing on how to draw better, the best draw lanes, movement when drawing, and I finally got the chance again yesterday and took advantage of it. It's a damn difficult thing to do! I'm jealous of the people who make it look so easy!

 

[TopherDave]

Did you eventually get a bison?

 

[kfili]

See anything this morning?

 

[Blind Squirrel]

View attachment 962551

And with a bow!

 

[AZc]

Sounds like you used up all of your bad luck, only wins going forward.

 

[Eship]

Could they have seen your shadow when you drew your bow? Turn off all the noise possible. Then go into bathroom and close the door. As you draw your bow back listen for noise. If possible, have another person listen as well.

Use Dead Down Wimd on bottom of boots and up to your knees. When crossing a trail step over the trail.

I had my bow drawn for quite a bit of time before they noticed anything. It made me appreciate 90% let off.

 

[Eship]

See anything this morning?

Nope, first day all week I didn’t see a buck. Bumped a doe when I moved places around 1, but no buck with her.

 

[Yoder]

This is my first year using a saddle and I've had two does pick me out really quick. I think hanging off the side of the tree is more obvious than leaning against the tree in a stand. I also have a hard time keeping still in that thing.

 

[Eship]

This is my first year using a saddle and I've had two does pick me out really quick. I think hanging off the side of the tree is more obvious than leaning against the tree in a stand. I also have a hard time keeping still in that thing.

Yeah I tend to agree. I think sitting with your knees against the tree makes it less obvious, but that gets uncomfortable. It works great when you know the direction they’re coming from… but I’ve gotten that wrong every time this week

 

[CMF]

My son missed a nice buck yesterday with the crossbow; he actually took some belly hair off with the fletching. I called it back in, and he missed it again, sinking the broadhead into a tree. He did get the doe yesterday.

 

[Fowl Play]

Always situation dependent but I don’t draw my bow early unless there is a physical barrier blocking me when I draw — large diameter tree, multiple trees, etc. I have had several times drawing my bow early has cost me a shot opportunity when I had broken or scattered cover.

Even at close range, if I have broken cover, I will draw my bow AS their vitals enter my shooting lane. Even if they see you, you usually get a shot opportunity when they startle and stare at you for a couple seconds before they run. On a whitetail just be prepared for a fast shot opportunity and hold low (heart) as they will jump at the shot. Not so much a problem with elk.

I don’t claim to be an expert, but that has worked for me multiple times. I would actually draw later in your situation. Works better if you have something to break up your outline behind you so it takes them a little while to figure out exactly what you are. They will spin and run immediately if you are skylined.

 

[Eship]

Always situation dependent but I don’t draw my bow early unless there is a physical barrier blocking me when I draw — large diameter tree, multiple trees, etc. I have had several times drawing my bow early has cost me a shot opportunity when I had broken or scattered cover.

Even at close range, if I have broken cover, I will draw my bow AS their vitals enter my shooting lane. Even if they see you, you usually get a shot opportunity when they startle and stare at you for a couple seconds before they run. On a whitetail just be prepared for a fast shot opportunity and hold low (heart) as they will jump at the shot. Not so much a problem with elk.

I don’t claim to be an expert, but that has worked for me multiple times. I would actually draw later in your situation. Works better if you have something to break up your outline behind you so it takes them a little while to figure out exactly what you are. They will spin and run immediately if you are skylined.

Thanks, this is great advice and exactly what I need to change in my process. I was starting to conclude that me getting excited and drawing early clearly was making me stand out in the environment. And, you’re totally right about being able to draw when the vitals are actually exposed. I’ve never had them jump on the draw itself, they usually do just like you described.

 

[TopherDave]

And with a bow!

Was either sex and any weapon. I wanted a bull with the bow.

 

[3855WIN]

They’re seeing you draw.