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The Scenario: It is pouring down rain and your soaking wet but the season is about to end and you have had few pass by but nothing like what is standing 20 yards in front of you. From the wind and steady rain the monster buck has no clue that your 20 foot up in the air and have been for him all season long. You have stalked this monster, even though you have seen him a few times, he has yet to present you with a shot. Time is running out! The end of the shooting light is still about 30 minutes away but the pouring rain makes sitting in the rain-much less shooting your bow questionable. You have caught pictures of him on your scouting camera many times and he is finally out in the daylight hours….Even though the buck is within 20 years it is not a guaranteed kill. You know if you shoot him the droplets of blood will be quickly washed away by the steady rain. You stand, grip you bow and think as the magic moments presents itself….but in will only last a few moments and you know you may never get this opportunity again….
Question: Obvisously this is not a shot that should be made….1) your arrow will fly diffeently and I would guess you haven’t practiced shooting in the rain….2) he probably won’t drop in his tracks…..but, are there any factors that would make it an ethical shot? If so, what are they? What would make you release any arrow?
BHA Webmaster
You answered it perfectly and in a way that should help a lot of people…..clearly the answer is based on your skill level.like any shot you have to make…you addressed issues that you really need to be “expert or master” level in and have thoroughly know of hunting area in order to make this an ethical shot. For instance, you referred to having many to help you find the deer…If I were alone and close to dark, rainly, cold, etc. then I would not have taken the shot particularly if I could not return the next day with help.. But if you have adequate help in searching with everyone having great knowledge of the area and a long history of hunting and killing deer in that area then you could ethically take the shot given your expertise in all other areas of hunting. Shooting the deer is not that easy anyway due to the soaked bow string/arrows…..Like I said, based upon my abilities and level of expertise I would not shoot but, with that said, I can agree that a Master level hunter with history and very good knowledge of hunting in that area could ethically take the shot….although, his wisdom would probably tell him to come back another day. The message: Think about all the things you brought up before you shoot…We all have limitations in our shooting and hunting abilities….knowing and properly applying that knowledge will make you an ethical hunter.
Thanks for your response….I welcome others to post their comments to this hunting situations.
BHA Webmaster
4:30 pm
Life Member
October 24, 2012
Offline
As usual, buddy Jim gives all the stats and reasoning that should go through your head before taking any kind of shot on a deer, no matter if it is a trophy or a doe. Of course these lightning fast thoughts will only go through a hunters head that is an ethical hunter, a person that places ethics before the shot.
Both of you guys gave ample thoughts and reasoning that every bowhunter should consider.
Most of us that post on this website have shot 3-D in the pouring rain and wet strings, arrows, bulky and wet clothes make shots “iffy” at best. Personally, after reading the situation, I would have to let the big guy walk. I am not a “trophy hunter”. I hunt for the shear experience and feelings I get by just being in the woods. I do like taking a good shot and I (and family) love venison, but I realize that my respect for the animal must include the posibility that I may not recover the deer after the shot…and that is a waste…and a memory that I would rather not have in the years to come.
I still remember taking a shot after an hour stalk on the ground, at a large doe. Just as it was getting dark, I decided to take the shot. I felt it was a good hit and waited about twenty minutes. By then I needed a flashlight…and didn’t have one. Had to go to my truck to get the light. Came back to the spot of the hit and found a good bit of blood on the sagegrass…and then it began to rain. Lost all trail and decided to return the next day, The next morning I searched the area and found my arrow on the other side of a swampy area. Arrow still in tact and covered in blood (even after the rain), but no tracks, no blood…no deer. Hopefully, she went to CVS for a bandaid.
The point is, that I STILL remember every detail that ended in an unrecovered deer.
Hindsight is 20/20…I should not have taken the shot.
5:00 pm
Life Member
October 24, 2012
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This scenario is why.I dont bow hunt in the rain.
9:30 am
Member
March 21, 2013
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keeping your bow dry, string waxed.and nowing you arrow foc, and shootin g nap foc broadhead if you hit the deer with that huge broadhead it won’t go far with a three inch hole in it.pouring out buckets of blood.as lonas my arrows F.O.C. WAS 12% OR BETTERI would take the shot. all things considered.
MIKE CRENSHAW RETIRED oif veteran Bear Attitude r t h MY CHAIN OF COMMAND1GOD/2 FAMILY/3 HUNTING IN THAT ORDER.my cell phone is 256-698-1606
9:32 am
Member
March 21, 2013
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knowing your arrow front of center is very importantand it being in a good range mean you should be very accurate.
MIKE CRENSHAW RETIRED oif veteran Bear Attitude r t h MY CHAIN OF COMMAND1GOD/2 FAMILY/3 HUNTING IN THAT ORDER.my cell phone is 256-698-1606
11:25 am
Member
March 21, 2013
Offline
i am like the rest i would not be hunting in the rain i have and did not make a kill. i too did not like that much wet. bu in your case if i knew i could make a humane clean kill i would try it a spine shot they don’t run just drop like a rock. but other than wounding letting the coyotes have the meat no i would not shoot.
MIKE CRENSHAW RETIRED oif veteran Bear Attitude r t h MY CHAIN OF COMMAND1GOD/2 FAMILY/3 HUNTING IN THAT ORDER.my cell phone is 256-698-1606
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