The One I have been waiting for!!!

[whodey1966]

You never know! I say get back out there and see! Good Luck!!

[PREDATOR]

I would say he spooked because he either heard something, or smelled something he didnt like. did you have some estrous scent out?
Did he smell well you had walked in? Some people would disagree with me, but I have tried a lot of the estrous stuff over the years and many of them have spooked more deer than brought them in. Especially if a doe is with him. Just my observances over the years. I still use them occasionally with a drag rag, but only when I know the area I am hunting is on. As far as coming back I am sure he will. I have shot at deer, miss and come back a few minutes later.

[teej89]

This year I actually missed one, he jumped the string when I shot and I grazed his back, just had some blood and hair. Then in the same area, probably 50 yds from the first tree, 7 days and about 2 hours later in the day than the first encounter there he was again at 40 yds but he never gave me an opportunity to shoot.

[Cheif]

I still have some of those white hangers that you spray the estrous hanging in the area. He actually walked right past one of them coming in. I have not put anything on those in a few days though. Would that spook him. If would have had two more seconds I would let the release go. Went back out Sunday night. I heard some snorting in the area but whatever it was never came in?? Really hoping I see him Tuesday night???

[Cheif]

I have to say I was in awe by the shear mass of his body. I can not stop replaying this in my head??? I will post more If i see him. Help me out guys, I really want this buck, and he will be my first bow kill. Any advice, anything at all. let me know.

[Big_Holla]

Just found your post Cheif....Something spooked him whether it was a slight noise, maybe some movement or perhaps he got a quick whiff of you it's hard to say. My thought is if he spooked and wouldn't return to the call that brought him in then I would put that call away for a while as I am sure he may associate that with what ever alerted him now. If that was him that returned but you couldn't see my thoughts are that he was trying to circle downwind of you and maybe now he does have confirmation of what you were. Hard to say how long but I would guess he won't put himself in the same position twice this season.

[Cheif]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Its makes alot of sense. I am basically learning everything by myself and with the help of everyone on this site for advice. I have put in a ton of time in the woods this year so far and have learned a tremendous amount about what this all about. As I told my wife, I have to learn this so that I can take my boys in a few years and be able to teach them all of the things that I have learned through experience. I wish I would have been doing this along time ago. But its definately something to pass on to my 3 boys.

[PlayTheWindMike]

You just never know. My guess is he heard your draw, the slightest noise but it sounds like he was unsure of you. That is good for you. If he knew you were there he more than likely would have been snorting and yelling. Even if they do or don't I always in that case put out a couple of grunts or so just hoping it does make him unsure of what you were. He should be back. Nobody can tell you when but be ready next time and try to have your draw before he gets there.