I took my mask off, had an apple, texted Jesse and Milo, and just took a little breather. I kept sitting and honestly brothers it was so relaxing. At the beginning of the sit I closed my eyes and said "Dear Lord, please give me a safe and successful season. Help me use this time to unwind and enjoy your creation. Please let me and all the TOO guys shoot big deer this year, amen"
Around 6 I was bored and getting cold. Milo had asked me about six times if I was cold, and I finally was - which, btw, is using your piss bottle as a handwarmer unethical? Around 6:20 I heard something behind me - that doe was back. I stood and turned and she worked her way about 35-40 yards out behind my stand, slightly getting closer. I picked my lane at 20 yards and sure enough she walked right to it...how am I getting this lucky?!?! She is still coming, so I let 'er cum boys!
This doe walks UNDER my stand. UNDER IT. I heard Jackalope screaming in my year - blow out her spine! She stops at 7 yards, angled in front of me, my sight pins are all BROWN, I draw and release.
My Muzzy zips and she walks into the field. Walks. I'm looking at the arrow - white fletching, white wraps...and I'm looking at this deer, comfortably back at 30 yards just nom nom noming in the cut corn. I thought to myself - so this is what Jesse means by "I wanted to yell, cry, throw my bow at it..." I was so pissed, yet thankful for a clean miss, and inside was laughing at myself...yes folks, I missed my first deer at a mere 7 yards from my tree.
So this doe is out in the field broadside and I put another arrow on. She starts to get further out and then works her way down the field and woodsline. I still can see her, probably 60-70 yards...and then there's another deer...and another deer. The small, medium, big 3 deer combine starts working its way down the field - in that order, 15 yards, 30 yards, 35 yards.... and I don't get a shot off. I did watch them until 7:20, which by then they had filed out the far corner of the field. Thanks for being polite girls.
The deer one today, but I learned some huge lessons. My nerves were off the wall at the beginning but each time I was given the chance to steady myself and calm down before (trying to, or) shooting. Of the 5.25 hours that I was out, there were deer from 70 yards to 7 feet for over an hour. That's a great hunt!
Capt