My First Bow Hunt

When I first decided to hunt I thought all there was to it was a few practice shots and throw on some camo and you're ready to go! I couldn't have been more wrong. TnT Archery sized me up for my first bow, a Hoyt. I spent endless hours getting help, tips, practicing shooting. After days of practice I was grouping arrows and feeling like a pro, but then came the hunt.

My first day out I concealed myself behind a bush on a beaten path to a watering hold. After nearly two hours I heard something behind me. I had no idea what it was and couldn't see so I slowly stood and turned around. Behold I was staring into the big brow eyes of a small buck. I was so close to him I could count his individual eyelashes! I screamed, he snorted, and we both jolted in opposite directions. The first thing I learned that day was to sit and not move no matter what happens. The second thing: camo and scent products REALLY DO WORK!

The next ten days of the hunt were an emotional roller coaster ride. I even found myself crying at times exclaiming that I was not cut out for this type of thing. I would get made after missing a shot and come up with every excuse possible for why I missed. I even told my husband that I was through and we should just sell the bow. He laughed and said, "What ya going to do, throw rocks at them? You'll be back tomorrow because it's already in your blood." This was not what I wanted to hear.

After a few more nights of tips, advice, frustration, and exhaustion I sat hidden when I looked up and saw a 3 point walking right into pins-eye about 25 yards away. Surprisingly I wasn't shaking and breaking down already from the emotions so I drew the bow, waited for the buck to pause, took a deep breath and released. The shot felt perfect. There was no doubt I connected. I started jumping up and down and then began the shaking and stuttering. After I had calmed down I found the buck laying about 100 yards away with the arrow placed perfectly through both lungs.

Not every hunt was as exciting or intense as my first but there is something about the way it makes me feel that keeps me coming back. I have learned patience, respect for nature, and how to stop panic attacks by controlling my breathing! Every year now I look forward to nature's lessons and the adrenaline rush!

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