The best part of September is the day archery season opens. Yes, it hurts getting ready to say goodbye for the summer, but at the same time, a new activity starts: hunting!
It is still hot, with bugs everywhere, just as in August, but by now, the fawns are grown enough to support themselves. It is now time to get those yearlings and some older ones out! We need to manage the herd, maintain the buck/dow ratio, and last but not least, fill our freezers.
These deer had already forgotten the late December hunting pressure, had survived the scarce times without fresh green, had ditched coyotes, and had managed to start raising their new family. Their approach to the baited area will be innocent and curious rather than careful. Primarily, their fawns will dart out from the woods, happily hoovering up the freshly spread corn from the field. Corn is not piled but spread to avoid CWD. They must work for every corn piece, keeping them on the cleared area longer.
“There’s more fun in hunting with the handicap of the bow than there is in hunting with the sureness of the gun.”
All that is needed are patience to wait for the doe(s) to arrive, wind to hide our scent from them, and the optimal distance and position to see their vitals from 25-35 yards.
You picture immediately: the slow movement starts with taking the bow off the tree holder, slowly standing up, and double-checking the bits and pieces needed for a great shot. Everything is in slow motion, lifting the bow, and waiting with the draw until none of them see our movement. Draw it with one well-practiced movement, index finger by the nose, rechecking distance, and aiming to the vitals. Will she crunch when I activate the release and the action starts, or will the arrow travel the distance faster than she recognizes the risk? Shall I aim under an inch or two? Or somewhat above since she will jump by then? How fast was my shot during the off-season practice? Was I on target all the time? Wasn’t it a bit right and below? All these corrections are made in a split second, and that arrow flies out. The silent death is on its way; all I see now is an arrow in the ground – well visible from the tree, firing it has activated the small green light. Is there blood on it? You hope there is…
Are you ready for bow season? You owe it to the animal and to yourself to practice, practice, practice.