Scar955

I picked up my first (and only bow) about 3 years ago. I didn' t hunt the first year because I wasn' t confident in my skills. Last year was my first year on stand with a bow. (I haven' t picked up my rifle since!!!) To date, I have yet to even draw my bow on a deer. I am in decent set-ups (for not owning my own land). My question is: How long did you hunt with a bow before taking you first deer?

MmmmElk

I' ve been bowhunting for about 7 years now, and I still haven' t taken one. Of course, this is in Arizona where all we do is spot and stalk, for the most part (Muleys at that).

Tazman

Well I hunted a partial season years ago and then seriously bow hunted 2 seasons before my first bow kill. Hang in there, it is a learning process, I gun hunted for over 35 years succesfully and learned that I had to take everything I learned gun hunting to the nth degree to kill my first with a bow.

PABowhntr

Considering the fact that I started bowhunting when I was 12 years old I think it was probably at least 10 years before I harvested my first whitetail with a bow. I am sure others have taken longer and other shorter so I would not be frustrated if it takes a bit before you get your first. You learn a little bit from each encounter and eventually you put yourself in a situation that leads that first kill.

GR8atta2d

Started bow hunting last year. Actually it was the first time I ever shot a bow when I tested it out at the shop. Got an 8 point last year and in my first season indoors placed 3rd in bowhunting division.

Now granted my hunting skills have been honed for some 2o years but always with a gun.

No kills to date this year but have let 3 legal bucks walk without drawing because they were not of wall hanger status.

Does any of this make you feel better?

badshotbob

Started when I was 12. Shot my first deer when I was 18. I didn' t know anything about bow hunting between 12 & 18, plus I was in my own rut at that age chasing the " does" if you know what I mean.

Don' t get frustrated though. It takes time. There is always a bit of luck needed in the mix as well. This board is a great place to learn about bowhunting, and learn from others, including their mistakes. I could write a series about all mine.

tbonecpa

Nothing the first year but a doe and P&Y 11 point the second. I don' t think most new hunters spend enough time scouting. Scouting before, during, and after season will put you on deer faster. Be very careful scouting during the season. Try to do it midday right before or during a rain to wash your scent away. If you aren' t seeing deer look for new areas. Also, read everything you can about the sport. Bill Winke and Greg Miller taught me a lot and they hunt the upper midwest like I do. Bowhunting is so different than gun hunting and takes time to figure out all the little details. Good luck.

Five Minute Willie

Not taking a deer the first few years has nothing to do with your ability to shoot a bow. Don' t lose confidence in your abilities! Here' s why it takes so long: the deer. Keep in mind that this is life and death for them. They are doing everything in their power to avoid you. And, with a bow you have to learn how to get them " REAL CLOSE." That' s what takes so long. It' s a long learning process. It takes the " Three P' s" - Persistence, Patience and Perseverence. Keep at it - it will happen for you!

By the way, I took my first deer (4-pointer) when I was 24. I started getting serious about bowhunting when I was 17.

philbert8

Took me five years.

adams

Mt first year I spent only 3 evenings in the wood with an antiquated 1973 bear compound. I got it from my dad and needless to say I wasn' t confident at all with it. Next spring I bought a new PSE Thunder Flight Express and shot religiously all year. I quit the football team and was dedicated to bagging my first with a bow.
Opening day of 1995 bow season I got home from school and in my stand about 3:30and within half an hour 3 deer passed behing my stand about 40 yards behind me heading for my fathers stand who was on the field with that 1973 bear. With in 15 minutes I had an average 120lbs doe walking right down the run that lead to my stand. At 23 yards she must have scenced something wasn' t right because she veered off the run and turned broadside. She only went 40 yards after a double lung pass thru and with that my season ended.
When the shot presents itself you' ll be ready.