At the LSBA Banquet I bid on a doe and spike in Central Texas. I called the outfitter and arrange the weekend for my hunt. I called a couple of local friends to see if they wanted to go with me. They all could not go so I called a very good friend of mine Josh in Winters Texas to join me. He is a big time recurve shooter and competitor. We compete against each other in ASA trad class. I was after my first trad deer so no compound bow would be traveling with me on this hunt.

Josh and I meet the outfitter's friend at the ranch early in the morning. After some small talk we make plans on which stands we wanted to hunt. I picked a ladder stand and Josh picked a ground blind. We dropped Josh off first and then me. I climbed the ladder and attached my safety harness tether to the big oak. Settled in and waited. Well that wait was short. The clear skies and bright moon allowed me to see this deer standing in front of me.

The deer stood around for a few minutes and walked off. Then I heard some movement right behind me and there was another critter walking by, but I could not see it. The sun was waking up and the feeder was about to go off. As soon as the feeder went off this small bodied fork horn came running in and took over. This brave raccoon decided it was okay to come in and feed. The two danced around each other for a good hour.

It was nice to see them, but I was after a doe or a spike. Well that prayer was answered when I spotted a couple of doe walking towards the feeder. The fork horn would not let them get near him so they walked around him and closer to me. About ten minutes later one doe presented a nice shot, but I did not do a perfect shot. Let's be honest here, I was a mess! I did not bend at the waist or get to full anchor. I never picked a spot and I just let go of the string. I flat missed. The deer scatter, but not more than 30 yards. I get another arrow nocked and wait.

Soon the same doe came back to the exact same spot and stood next to my arrow. Well I was ready this time and picked my spot and anchored. Release the string and watched the purple and white feathers to the spot. It was awesome!!!!!!!! I watched the doe run about 50 yards and stop and turn around. I could see my shot was a little high, but through the lungs.

Honesty, time again. I did not wait 30 minutes. I did not wait 15 minutes. I got down right away. Slowly walked over to my arrow and the white feather and arrow wrap confirmed my hit.
I followed the blood trail to where I saw the doe stop. Then I lost the blood sign. I backed up and did it again. Nope could not find it. Stopped again and pictured a double lung hit and then found the trail again.

Sixty yards later was my first traditional deer. I was so thankful.

Way to go

Looking good

Well done Timm!

Nicely done Timm! Congrats!!!!

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It was awesome!

Thanks for sharing! I just got a longbow and will be practicing lots in hopes of getting my own first traditional-bow deer next season.

Saawweeet! Im am going to have to try some traditional hunting next year

You will love.

I know I am