Leupold BX-4 Rangefinding Binoculars

Almost Filled my Tag

WoodsQuest

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2017
Messages
43
Location
New York
I've been trying to teach myself how to hunt and seem to be making progress. This morning I decided to tough out high winds and snow to see what I could find. Well, when I was walking out I hear a rustling that sounds like running coming from my 3 o'clock. I know it has to be a deer so I unsling my rifle, rip the scope covers off and push the safety forward. As I complete that I see a doe run by about 40-50 yards in front of me from my right to left. I can still hear rustling so I kept my rifle trained on the opening, which was only about 20 feet wide. Sure enough, Bambi's Dad comes crashing through the opening. He was in full stride. I had my crosshairs on his vitals for 1/4 second and decided not to take the shot. Too risky, thought I'd gut shoot him. Kept trained on him but I never could get a clear shot (we were in the woods). I tried to rattle him back in for 30 mins but he was long gone and I heard gunshots come from the direction they both ran. Oh well, would have been my first deer. Just didn't think it was a safe and ethical shot. Would anyone have taken that shot?
 
I would not. I never take a shot unless I am confident in its placement, its backstop, and my ability. I would rather (and have done so many times) passed on shots others said I should have taken. I don't regret not taking any. The only shot I regret is one on a bear that was a reaction shot when I looked to my left and it was 25 yards and bearing down on me. Never found the bear.
 
You did just fine. All sorts of things can happen on a hurried shot like you described, probably 95% bad. GJ
 
Yeah. You made the right decision, at the time, under the circumstances. Don't fret, reward will come in multitude !
 
Thanks. My heart was pumping, it was great. Do any of you think I could have stopped him with a doe bleat call or a grunt? He seemed pretty fixated on chasing the doe. It was a cool experience to be right on top of the rut.
 
You did fine. Might sound a bit strange, but a running deer can sometimes be stopped by a loud noise. I've just yelled, "Hey!" before to get one to stop. Barking like a dog can work too.

That said, if they are on a hot doe I doubt much would get them to stop except her. Then again, the loud noise my get her to stop.
 
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