You hear it on the televisions shows, back at the truck after a hunt and sometimes on your 2-way radio while still on stand.  The saying can be used as an acceptable reason for a missed opportunity by a hunter or a statement of support to a fellow hunter.

There is no script in the woods and even when things look like they are going to happen, often times they don’t.  That is why it is called hunting, not killing!

I re-learned that lesson again Saturday evening and at the same time recognized my maturity as a bow hunter.

I settled in at about 2:45 as the wind started to make the tree tops dance on an overcast Autumn sky.  The wind had me concerned that this hunt might be doomed, and I must admit that a few years ago I probably would have headed home.

I decided to stay though, I had my radio, the WVU/UCONN game and maturity.  A maturity that told me that anything can happen, wind or no wind.

Moments after Noel Devine scored late in the 4^th quarter to lead the Mountaineers to a great come from behind win a spike walked underneath me.  That spike was followed by a second spike a few minutes later. 

When the two young bucks made eye contact it was on.  They both pinned their ears back and started walking sideways at each other.  The posturing led to as good of a fight as two spikes can put on.  The battle lasted a few minutes with the subordinate buck leaving the area in a hurry.

I thought, this hunt might not be doomed after all.  I was correct.

Deer started to filter in and out as the evening progressed and a little after 6 o’clock things got exciting.  A mature doe that was walking off abruptly stopped and started to stare into a patch of woods that was covered to my eyesight.  Two fawns came barreling out of the area followed by a mature doe.

My immediate thought was a coyote or bear had spooked them, I didn’t think a buck would be chasing this early in the season.  I was wrong.

Out of the trees came a good West Virginia buck, nose to the ground and hot in pursuit.  I immediately prepared for a shot and as the buck walked behind a very leafy young oak tree I drew my bow. 

This is where things went south. 

As soon as the buck cleared the bush it angled directly at me and started breaking branches on a small tree at about 10 yards.  I watched at full draw with my sight pin on the deer’s chest.  When the buck finished it changed direction again and left with the doe that brought him to me.  I didn’t take the shot; I just didn’t feel comfortable with it.

That is why it is hunting though, the buck failed to realize that I wanted a broadside shot not a head on opportunity.  I guess he didn’t read the script or I guess that is why they call it hunting, not killing.

I left disappointed Saturday evening, knowing that I had just had a great opportunity at a 130+ inch deer with a bow in West Virginia.  Those chances don’t come every day in this state.

After telling the story to a younger hunting buddy of mine later that evening I felt better though.  I relived the hunt to him and he immediately said “I would have shot it right it the chest.”  At that moment I realized that I have matured as a hunter. Five years ago I would have taken the shot and that shot would have been very risky and probably turned out poorly.

Instead of a probable heartbreak, I have the excitement of getting back in that stand for the rest of the season knowing that at least one good buck is around.  I have hope that another opportunity will present itself and I thank maturity for those senses of hope and excitement, not regret and sickness.

Good luck this week, the rut is close and showed itself for a few hours over the weekend.  It gets better everyday over the next 3-4 weeks so enjoy this great time of the year to be a hunter.

Send your hunting stories, pictures or comments to ernie@wvradio.com.