bowhunting shooting question?

bowtech31 · #1 10-08-2009, 09:35 AM

i was driving to my fav spot last nite, when i saw 6x5 mule in (212) but he was laying down below a good size gravel pit. so i took my time and made my way on top of pit, i was about 20 yds from him, but he was still laying down.
i didn't shoot because of this... now i think about it, did i do the right thing? or did i just pass up my biggest buck ever?

Stinky Buffalo · #2 10-08-2009, 09:45 AM

IMO, there's nothing wrong with shooting him while laying down.

Now, that being said, if you didn't feel right about the shot, and if taking the shot in that situation would have diminished the quality of the hunt for you, then you definitely did the right thing.

Here's hoping you get another crack at him! Sounds like a nice one.
Stinky

Rocks · #3 10-08-2009, 09:57 AM

Did you try to get him to stand up?

I have no problem shooting a bedded animal, as long as there is a clear shot at the vitals.

CNP · #4 10-08-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

did i just pass up my biggest buck ever?

Yep

20 yards broadside.....go for it.

BigRackLover · #5 10-08-2009, 10:07 AM

Next time, throw something over top of him out to 30 yards so he stands up and looks away.

bowtech31 · #6 10-08-2009, 10:41 AM

thanks... thats why they call it hunting...

BowhuntAB · #7 10-08-2009, 10:43 AM

At 20 yards.....let it fly! As long as you have a clear shot at the vitals of course. If you were not comfortable with the shot then you made the right call...

BigRackLover · #8 10-08-2009, 11:00 AM

Where do you aim on a bedded deer? From the back? Will you get both lungs?

gonefishin · #9 10-08-2009, 11:39 AM

I am wondering how much (if any) of the vitals will be covered by the shoulder blade on a bedded animal?

BowhuntAB · #10 10-08-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonefishin

I am wondering how much (if any) of the vitals will be covered by the shoulder blade on a bedded animal?

Maybe a good point....

The only shot 2 shots i've taken on bedded animals both worked out really well. One was on a bull elk at 30 yards. The bull was downhill witch may have helpped. However, the arrow passed through and kept going. The bull stood up made it about 5 steps and went back down.

They other was a Mule buck. Only got one lung on this one. When he stood i put another in him.

Lucky both worked out. If not i may have a different opinion on this one.

motox208 · #11 10-08-2009, 06:11 PM

i shot one of my biggest muley bucks bedded down 20 yards uphill of me, the pass through was so good i still have not found my arrow in the dirt anywhere for the last five years. and on top of that he only went ten yards down the trail before he tipped over for good.

rielbowhunter · #12 10-08-2009, 08:16 PM

If you were to look at the 3D targets, of the bedded deer. You could see there is a good size kill zone.
I have put an arrow into a bedded mule deer and the big guy didn't go far. Or big mule deer are always worth the wait,if you want a standing shot.

You did have permission on the land with the gravel right? I don t mean to assume any thing but you did say you are on your way to your hunting spot.

Albertabowhunter · #13 10-08-2009, 08:31 PM

hope you get another chance. I wouldnt have passed it up.

packhuntr · #14 10-08-2009, 08:56 PM

Firstly,,, bedded deer are very tough to work with,, though it can be done. You need to be on your toes just locate them before they locate you, let alone begin to close on them. They have all their sences while bedded. In my opinion, if you closed on him,burn him in his bed if you have a clear shot. If you cant, get comfortable and wait till he stands.

bowtech31 · #15 10-08-2009, 09:13 PM

You did have permission on the land with the gravel right? I don t mean to assume any thing but you did say you are on your way to your hunting spot.[/QUOTE]

yes i did ask the farmer, and he was very cool with me hunting there! would you think that big buck would come back there to bed? its not like there is alot trees around there, to get crack at him again...

rielbowhunter · #16 10-08-2009, 09:40 PM

From my experience's ,Packehunter is right on! throwing stones doesn;t work.
I would think the buck will be back or not very far away. go back early and watch for him from a distance.
Best of luck to you.

Jeromeo · #17 10-08-2009, 10:27 PM

In my opinion it shouldn't matter if he's laying down or standing in one spot. Either way he's stationary and doesn't know you are there. You earned the right to shoot him by stalking him and setting yourself up. Does it make you more of a hunter to shoot an animal that's running?

Not in my opinion. You should have shot it.

Oh well there's always next time.

packhuntr · #18 10-09-2009, 06:12 AM

Sorry for the edit on my post, but cant be givin away too many tricks!! I still enjoy watching bow hunters I have to compete with for the same deer stub their toes. Makes for entertaining watching through the spotting scope!!

Wolverine Boy · #19 10-09-2009, 07:51 AM

A shot on a bedded animal is a lower percentage shot and for that reason a lot of bow hunters will not take it until they stand. That being said though there are still vitals exposed and it can and has been done.

I commend you though for not shooting when you weren't sure. There are already too many people out there taking shots at animals without understanding some basic anatomy and with no care about trying to make an ethical and humane kill.