Doesn't Anyone Have Anything To Report?

[Haris122]

I came across one today. Buck, at least 4 points and pretty tall. Could've been more, but he didn't give me the chance to find out. I saw him in full run while I was waiting at a spot. Sounded like a running horse at first, and next thing I know, I'm trying to lead on him as he's running like crazy in front of me. Didn't lead him enough, cause neither of my 2 shots showed to have any effects on him. Just to make sure I checked if there was any blood, and couldn't find any. I followed him up over the hill a bit to make sure he didn't get shot and just collapsed up the hill somewhere, and I didn't find him either. At least I finally saw one while actually out hunting for them.

[Jeff Olson]

I was blessed with a nice 7 pointer at 8:30 opening morning.fun hunt as this was my first season here in mo. he was passing through about 80 to 100 yrds out,to thick to shoot, but after 3 different sets of grunts,he turned and came right at me.ended with a 18 yrd shot! fresh venny in the freezer! on a side note,how does the deer population seem to be this year? are you guys seeing alot of deer? did the blue toung hit the Branson- hollister area? thanks.

[Greasy B]

I only saw one small buck and the doe he was chasing. I could have taken a shot at the doe but didn't because it was not a sure clean kill. Our family farm is in an area of the ozarks where road hunting, dog hunting, poaching and general all around poor hunting ethics are excepted practice. Deer numbers have always been poor and any deer more than two years old is rare. It a shame because the habatat is quite good and this year food is plentiful.

[ciRe]

Shot this one opening day of rifle season in the neck while running threw the woods. Only shitty part was I thought he was bigger (I would have passed) and the property owner's son got mad at me getting one before him (first time hunting on this property) and already kicked me off from hunting deer.

[Haris122]

Sweet. I took 2 shots at one on the run, but I think both of mine missed. It's pretty childish to kick someone off just cause he got a deer before you. Kind of makes you wonder how they got convinced to let someone else to hunt to begin with, if they would act like that.

[Harps]

Shot this one opening day of rifle season in the neck while running threw the woods. Only shitty part was I thought he was bigger (I would have passed) and the property owner's son got mad at me getting one before him (first time hunting on this property) and already kicked me off from hunting deer.

Yeah, that's pathetic that the guy would act that way.

They usually hit the ground smaller than they were standing up, but that's a nice deer though.

I finally found one this past Sunday. Not a giant by any means, kind of average size for me but he had a lot of points. 11 over an inch, 13 you can hang a ring on, depending on how you like to count. I'll be doing a European mount of him and adding him to the den (that's old school for man cave). Freezer's full and now I can focus on one of the monsters I have on camera with the bow. Or just go fishing.

[Justin Spencer]

Now I know why I hear shots followed by shots all the time. When did it become common practice to shoot at running deer. I'm teaching my son that a good broadside shot (or close to it) is the only ethical shot to take to ensure a clean kill. He has passed several chest shots this year, and understands that a successful hunt isn't always about getting to shoot.

I hate to judge but I think as hunters we owe it to the animal to do everything we can to make it's death as quick and clean as possible. I for one don't feel good about a running shot, and the only time I had to shoot twice was because I got doe fever and cleanly missed a doe standing at 30 yards, she was dumb enough to not move and the next shot dropped her. Think about the shots you take and remember karma can be a beeeaaatch.

[Harps]

When did it become common practice to shoot at running deer. I............ I think as hunters we owe it to the animal to do everything we can to make it's death as quick and clean as possible.

X2. It has always been done, ever since the rifle was invented. Kudos to you and your son for considering the animal before shooting. I've only taken one shot at running deer an that was completely in the open and less than 40 yards. I would never consider it in the woods.

Just today I had a guy look at a pic of my deer and say "Why did you shoot it in the guts?" I had to explain that the shot took out the top of the heart and the bottom of the lungs. I don't know where he thought you should shoot one.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

X3-for me. As I'm reading through, I can't help but wonder who taught some hunters (or failed to teach) about ethics, and quick clean kills.

For the non hunters, that is and should be taught and practiced at all times.

[Greasy B]

Now I know why I hear shots followed by shots all the time. When did it become common practice to shoot at running deer. I'm teaching my son that a good broadside shot (or close to it) is the only ethical shot to take to ensure a clean kill. He has passed several chest shots this year, and understands that a successful hunt isn't always about getting to shoot.

I hate to judge but I think as hunters we owe it to the animal to do everything we can to make it's death as quick and clean as possible. I for one don't feel good about a running shot, and the only time I had to shoot twice was because I got doe fever and cleanly missed a doe standing at 30 yards, she was dumb enough to not move and the next shot dropped her. Think about the shots you take and remember karma can be a beeeaaatch.

I haven't pulled the trigger in two years for that very reason. Few things are more gut wrenching that wounding a deer then following blood drops for miles.