A Miss and A Test of Resolve

[paleoman]

#5502

Man oh man…I practiced a fair amount this summer and blew a shot at a very large whitetail buck here in Mi. on Fri. Well within my range and I just plain blew it. It sailed over the critters’ back. I have an old “vintage” compound I am sorely tempted to use, because I shoot it better than my recurve. How do you guys deal with a “trad”gedy like that and keep the faith? The old compound is going to my sportsmans club as a donation I think…not the first buck I ever missed by a long shot, but it would have been such a reward for all the effort. WAAH!

[SteveMcD]

#41625

IMO.. Traditional Hunter’s hunt for the hunt’s sake. As said many times, it is about the journey along the way, not the end result.

So what did you learn from your shot? Other than the temptation to drag out the training wheels. :shock::roll:

STICK WITH IT.. IT WILL COME.8)

[wildschwein]

#41840

Know how you feel. Missed a what would have been my first archery Deer from a distance of eight FEET! Man did it hurt. Just forgot to pick a spot. But there will be other chances. Man the look on that Deer’s face when it realised what I was was pricless.

[Mark Turton]

#42173

I think you have the answer in the title to your post ‘A Miss and A Test of Resolve’ it’s a testament to your character that in the face of defeat you resolve to give up the compound a follow the traditional path.

Mark.

[Patrick]

#42374

To me and for me, it’s quite simple. I hunt with traditional equipment and accept the limitations as part of that. I missed a buck (granted, it was a small buck) at 15 yards my first year with a longbow. While I was bummed, I didn’t even consider switching back to a compound because I mentally and physically burned that bridge. It’s not even a thought for me anymore. BTW, I physically burned the bridge by selling my compound when I bought my longbow. You’d be wise to get rid of yours as well. 😉

[blade]

#43509

I belive we hunt with traditional bows because how we hunt is more important than how many animals we kill.When we do kill an animal it is so much more rewarding because we truly hunted and did it the hard way.Stay with it and enjoy the hunt for what it is,an adventure.

[WICanner]

#49249

Dump the old compound. Cut the cord. That’s step one. You won’t regret it.

I started on longbows, when to compounds for a number of years, then back to recurves. I haven’t touched a compound in 15 years or so.

Anyone can miss, even compound shooters. But with compounds, the equipment setup is critical. Wood bows, not so much. The simplicity of wood bows tips the accuracy responsibility to you. That’s actually a good thing. So now it’s a confidence factor within you, not with you and the bow. Keep it simpler, and keep practicing. With repetition, comes concentration, and you’ll find that zone or zen feeling with traditional archery. It’s there, you’ll find it.

[jaytbuzzard]

#49733

I’m 44 years old and this is my first year hunting. I’ve fished my entire life but I’ve never hunted. I’m using a Black Widow that was my Father’s. He passed away a few years ago and I started practicing with it when I got the bow last november. I also got a Bear 48″ super magnum. I’ve been in the woods this season and I’ve seen several deer. I haven’t had a shot yet, but it’s been great so far. I feel like my Father is with me in the woods. As was said earlier, it’s the adventure along the way, not just the end result. Keep the faith brother.

[Larry O. Fischer]

#49880

If I wrote about all of my misses, I could fill a couple of volumes. With that being said, I hunt with traditional equipment to challenge myself. If I miss, then it’s my fault, not the equipment, just me. That’s who, not what, that needs to improve every day. I like the fact that nothing is a given, close to thirty years ago I gave up shooting stuff with a rifle, because it became automatic. Pull the trigger things died. Now, unless I do everything perfect the game animal wins. Enjoy the journey and adventure, and don’t forget you are the reason you are out in the woods.

[Bone]

#50765

Everyone above has said it to the “T” keep faith it will come that’s why they call it Traditional Bow Hunting brother good luck!!!!!!

[strait-aero]

#52728

Donate the compound to the club or whatever you were going to do with it! Quit having it to fall back on. Dedicate yourself to the traditional way fully and you’ll find yourself enjoying it more and working at honing your skills more. Everybody misses and the big ones are probably the hardest ones to take. But when it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. DON’T GIVE UP!

[paleoman]

#52848

Thank you all for the abundant wisdom and kind words. I’m over it and back at it. Nothing got hurt but a bit of pride. I no longer have a front wrap around bar on a climber of mine and that should really help with the shot angle. I’m done with the wheels deal:wink:

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