Will a buck return to a stand if I shot over it with a crossbow?
Filed under: Hunting Tactics
I am hunting in Surry County, in the tidewater region of Virginia. I shot at a nice buck on the second weekend of bow season last sunday (October 11) and unfortunately pulled up on my crossbow when I shot. The deer was not hit at all, nor did he see me. What would be your thoughts on hunting that stand for the rest of the season? Will a bucks behavior and pattern change from a crossbow shot like that?
Dylan,
Deer tend to be much more alerted by smell than sound. If the buck didn’t smell you then I doubt he’ll avoid the area very long. Daniel (works for me) shot over a doe last week and was able to grab another arrow and shoot again. Prime bows are very quiet, but I was still amazed when I watched the video. It will air next week.
Mature bucks rarely leave their home range. They may change to using a different portion of their range based on changes in food supplies, being alerted, etc. If the food resources haven’t changed and the buck didn’t smell you, I suspect he’s still using the same area.
Enjoy creation,
grant
October 14, 2015
