First Crossbow Deer!!

wesome · Post by **wesome** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:36 am

Wanted you guys/gals to know (after all the assists you've given me) that I've finally drawn blood! Due to committments, I was only able to hunt this past Friday and Saturday evening of Maryland's early 2 week crossbow season.
Hunting on the ground Saturday, I sat for no more then 15 minutes when I heard brush shaking. Thinking "squirrel" I leaned forward slightly from the tree I was leaning against, and saw antler tips. I eased my black vixen into position, noting that if the deer stepped forward, I'd have a 6" by 8" gap to shoot through. The small 8 point thrashed the brush some more, and cooperated. I lifted my head to ensure the bolt would fly unimpeded, and he looked right at me from 10 yards away. I aimed low, just in case he jumped the string ( although I thought it a small chance from so close), and squeezing off the shot, heard the satisfying "whack."
I waited 5 minutes and crept over to the arrow (that had passed through him and still buried itself several inches in the ground), and saw it covered w/ blood. I returned to my hide to wait another 30 minutes. If I'd but glanced in the direction he'd travelled, I could have saved the wait as he didn't even make it 35 yards!
I like this crossbow hunting, and Excalibur rules!!!

A.W · Post by **A.W** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:38 am

Congrats!!!

spitfire125 · Post by **spitfire125** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:41 am

Congrats

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:06 am

congrats! Btw, no need to aim low for them jumping the string at anything under 25 yards

ecoaster · Post by **ecoaster** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:47 am

Congratulations. I like to aim a bit low too. If they don't jump the string you still get a heart shot.

wesome · Post by **wesome** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:27 pm

Yes- I didn't think it would be a problem that up close and personal, but I like the low shot. Had to anyway to get under a branch a couple of feet in front of me. Also had a doe duck under one last year so don't want to take a chance when a heart shot suits me real fine!

tkstae · Post by **tkstae** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:43 pm

Congrats!!! It's really a thrill to have one get that close to you when your in a blind. Turns the screws on your nerves up even more then normal. Great story.

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:51 pm

Congratulations!!!!!!!!

curmudgeon · Post by **curmudgeon** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:46 pm

CONGRATS

Golden Eagle · Post by **Golden Eagle** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:15 pm

Congrats.!!!!!!!

kendo kid · Post by **kendo kid** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:34 pm

Great Hunt. Congratulations. The steaks smell good already.

wesome · Post by **wesome** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:26 am

Thanks all! Steaks and sausage- mouth's a watering! Not a ground blind this time though I did get one last year for when the grandbabies are ready to start! Just hunkered down in front of a tree. Older I get, the less I like climbing trees!

pphoenix · Post by **pphoenix** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:52 am

gotta love those close encounters, Congrats

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:21 am

Congrats to you~!

RLCI

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:03 pm

Congrats!!!!!!