Must be losing it

[wvmntnhick]

So, this is going to sound a bit boring to some but I've been kicking myself big time for the past week. A week ago Saturday I had a really nice buck come by me. It was bigger than anything I've ever shot by far. It was probably about 130" and I'd gotten tunnel vision so bad that the tree limb hanging between us that was so obviously there wasn't so obvious at the time. Needless to say, I blew it. Fast forward to this past Saturday (two days ago), my buddy and I were hunting a rather large field when he alerts me that there's a couple young deer behind him that appeared to be running from something. I turn to look only to find a great 8 point chasing their mother. When all was said and done, they crossed by me at 35 yards, wide open, and I didn't even try to stop him in the clearing. Part of me believed that she'd run him down along the fence as they do 80% of the time when they get up there. This would've put him at 10-15 yards. Still, 35 was quite doable and I let him slip by me. ARRRGH! Just needed to vent some.

[renegade19]

Happens to all of us.  I flat blew a chance at my biggest buck ever about 10 days ago.  Keep putting in the stand hours and you'll get another whack at one. 

[Gooserbat]

If it makes you feel better I whiffed a 22 yard shot last Friday on a 130 class 10 pt.  It happens.

[jed clampett]

If I could only count how many times...when you hunt long enough all kinds of would of and could of...it happens to everyone!!

[chadly]

Keep at it.  The best hunting is still ahead of us.  At least here in Iowa. 

[captpete]

Don't feel to bad...I was picked off by a button buck yesterday afternoon.

[Tail Feathers]

Three days into our season and I already don't want to talk about missed opportunities.

[renegade19]

Had a decent shooter coming across a pasture tonight after I rattled.  Doe ran up behind him and it looked like she goosed him and then ran off.  He turned and ran after her.  Just another in a long line of missed chances..........

[wvmntnhick]

Glad to hear that others are sharing in similar "misfortune." 

Nah, sorry y'all have dealt with similar situations. It'd be nice if everyone connected on the big deer. Of course, they'd not mean as much if it happened all the time. I'm leaving here in about 10 minutes to try it again. I'd convinced myself that I was going to head into thicker cover to hunt near the bedding but I'm still uncertain as I've not really scouted that spot yet due to leaving it as a sanctuary. However, the timing is right so I may just play it by ear. Good luck to all.

[wvmntnhick]

Watched the big buck for 5 hours today. Not consistently but off and on as he'd follow a doe in and out of the brush. He came close to eating a broad head this evening. After watching him with the doe at 2-300 yards most of the day, she brought him close to the stand. Two more steps and he'd at least know I was in his world. Young buck came in after the doe and chased her the wrong direction. Oh well. Still have another crack at it this weekend.