Reasons for missing

[bowhunter73]

Ok it happens, so let us learn something from it!

A few years back I was hurting for $ really bad, but that was not going to stop me from hunting. I shot all summer long with the few arrows I had then at the last minute I got some cheap a$$ arrows shot a few to confirm and went hunting. Now trust me I know better than this. However, yes I did it anyhow. I bring three arrows with me every time, no more no less.

 A doe came in at about 22-25 yards out in front of me (dead deer right) NOT. I normally did a 2-inch group at 40 back then. First shot was a total miss; second shot went far left in front of her hit a tree and busted up. So after, she ran in a circle still in range and I was done trying to make scene of this. The third shot cut open the front of her leg.

 As I sat there out of ammo watching her lick her wound I learned something DON’T BUY CHEAP ARROWS!!

 The rest went to the kids for backyard targets and worked for there slower bows . I however had to dig up the cash to get new arrows anyway. And yes the new arrows killed in one shot

 I hope this helps at least one hunter

[MNBucKKiller]

Miss judging yardage.  The higher in the tree I am the harder it is to judge how far away a deer is, which is why I tend to stay lower.

[Grute Man]

I had an arrow break while taking a shot.  I know I used my arrows for both practice and hunting so I think I must have hit it once during practice and weakened it.

When an arrow breaks during a shot, there's a chance you can get the back portion of that arrow in your hand that you're holding the bow with.  So I decided it's not worth the chance.  My hunting arrows are used strictly for that now.

[Mayfly]

Trying to hurry the shot. I'd rather not get a shot then get a sloppy shot off. I have been guilty of this. Quick, shoot before they move or bust me. Take your time and go through all the motions you go through at the range.

[kenhuntin]

I had an arrow break while taking a shot.  I know I used my arrows for both practice and hunting so I think I must have hit it once during practice and weakened it.

When an arrow breaks during a shot, there's a chance you can get the back portion of that arrow in your hand that you're holding the bow with.  So I decided it's not worth the chance.  My hunting arrows are used strictly for that now.

That is exactly why you cannot get a fiberglass arrow anywhere anymore. Not the fish arrows but the hollow hunting arrows. They weighed a little more than aluminum but had more drive for penetration which is what we all like. All the companies that produced the fiberglass arrows were sued out of production because people kept shooting damaged shafts. A carbon can also do the same damage to a hand but is more stable. Ultimately NEVER SHOOT A FIBERGLASS OR CARBON BLANK THAT IS FRAYED OR DAMAGED.

[BiggA]

I made the mistake my first year bowhunting of listening to the broadhead manufacurer's suggestion that there head flies like a field tip. I practiced all summer with field tips and never shot the broadhead for fear of dulling it. Needless to say good buck walks in about 20 yards broadside i mouth a grunt he stops I let fly and watch my arrow graze the front of his chest. I went to the range the next day and shot the broadheads and they were way off.

Also my opinion on using arrows only for hunting. I believe you should take a practice shot with every arrow. I have 2 brand new arrows at home that will not group with the rest no matter what head is on them.

[JohnWester]

Miss judging yardage.  The higher in the tree I am the harder it is to judge how far away a deer is, which is why I tend to stay lower.

this is my biggest problem.
last friday evening i went out, had a nice doe come in, decided to take the shoot...  right over her back.  sad thing is, i had the range finder but didn't trust it.  i lined up with the 30 yard pin right about lower mid, cause i figured her to be about 25-27 yards...  after i missed over, i dug out the range finder and marked the tree next to where she was.... 21 yards.

can't tell you how many times i shoot over or under. Fortunately they have all been clean misses.

would it be wrong to duct tape the trees around my stand and write the yardage on it with a magic marker?

[Mayfly]

Miss judging yardage.  The higher in the tree I am the harder it is to judge how far away a deer is, which is why I tend to stay lower.

would it be wrong to duct tape the trees around my stand and write the yardage on it with a magic marker?

No.. That would be a good idea. OR, just make a mental note. Pick your shooting lanes and pace 20 and 30 yards off....

[JohnWester]

i do range certain distinctive trees when i get up in my stand... my problem is that i just don't trust the rangefinder.  I look at it and think, there is no way that tree is only 35 yards away... it's got to be further.

I guess i learned my lesson friday,  TRUST THE RANGE FINDER!

[BiggA]

Instead of tape and marker use different color tapes. Red=20 Yellow=30 

[larrycarlson33]

Oct. 10th i missed a nice eight pointer, i think i was drawn too long and as i pulled the trigger i dropped my bow a little instead of keeping a strong arm until the shot is done. 30 yrds behind the 8pointer there was a 10pointer a defenite wall mounter.

[deadeye]

Then there is always the banging off the deers massive antlers. 

[22lex]

My reason for missing in the past was....nerves. For some damned reason I would get all worked up, buck or doe and hurry the shot (long time ago). Now I just mentally prepare for it to happen, before it happens so I am not surprised.

Kind of like mentally preparing for my wife to be waiting for me in bed wearing......well, you get the picture. 

[HD]

My reason for missing in the past was....nerves. For some damned reason I would get all worked up, buck or doe and hurry the shot (long time ago). Now I just mentally prepare for it to happen, before it happens so I am not surprised.

Kind of like mentally preparing for my wife to be waiting for me in bed wearing......well, you get the picture. 

no....lex.....we NEED a picture (but, that's a whole nother thread) 

When I first started bow hunting, I put out those orange reflector markers at different yardages. (ones you see at some folks driveways) and this was before range finders.....

Now, it seems that the only time I miss, is if the deer jump or drop on the arrow shot. Had more than one deer, just drop to their belly...and it goes over their back. They get a little smarter every year as they get older. I wonder why people arn't like that..... 

[beeker]

the first time I ever missed I was aiming shifted my foot a bit caught the edge of the stand shot as I was loosing my balance. I that little buck was laughing at me

[Grute Man]

Miss judging yardage.  The higher in the tree I am the harder it is to judge how far away a deer is, which is why I tend to stay lower.

would it be wrong to duct tape the trees around my stand and write the yardage on it with a magic marker?

No.. That would be a good idea. OR, just make a mental note. Pick your shooting lanes and pace 20 and 30 yards off....

I have the old school range finder.  It's a long piece of string with duct tape at certain yardages.  I tied one end to the front edge of my tree stand and then walk out with the other end of the string.  I then mark a few different trees/landmarks at 15, 20, 25, and 30 yards.

This is pre season work otherwise, you'll make a ton of noise on a hunting day.

[bowhunter73]

Ok this thread went so well now we don’t have any excuses we can use this year. Maybe this was a bad idea..

[HD]

I had a doe come in....easy 15 yard shot.
No trees, open shooting lane.
I drew back, got my anchor point and put my site on the sweet spot.
I pulled my finger on the release and let the arrow fly.

As soon as I released, the arrow made a funny noise....one, I've never heard before.
The doe trotted off 20 yards and kept looking back to where she ran from. I tried to knock another arrow, but she turned and walked away.

I waited for 20 minutes before I got down to see what happened.
And here is what I found, no blood and a broken arrow.

Near as I can tell, the arrow broke on release just below the fletching.....this was a brand new arrow that was only shot one time before to make sure it was tuned with the broad head I use.

[deadeye]

Just another "new" reason for missing.  Man the number of reasons must be in the thousands.  It's a wonder it ever all comes together.   Real Bad luck there Hunterdown.  I know you said not trees and clear shooting lane but this same thing happened to me two years ago.  I was struggling to draw back on a deer (about 15 feet from my ladder stand) and some how I triggered the release when I was at partial draw.  Well, the arrow contacted a limb (inches beyond the broadhead), the cable came of a cam, and the arrow broke in two with both pieces landing about a foot from the deer.  Good news it it didn't even bother the deer but my bow was disabled.   

[HD]

I checked the Carbon Express web site, and did a little asking around.
And, found out, that my my arrows are boarder line for spine strength for my poundage of bow.
The chart said, (in the fine print) to go up an arrow size if you are between arrows.
This I didn't find out till after the fact. I will be buying new arrows.

Live and learn, eh?


Hunter