Fall Bow Hunting Near a Shotgun Range 💥

When you miss your shot, when you miss an opportunity... try again! It's ok!

Early Fall Bow Season in NJ, I slipped into the woods after a couple of warm-up rounds at an outdoor Archery Range. An outdoor Shotgun Range is active (especially to gear up for the upcoming Firearm Season), and joins the Archery range separated by an island of trees (approx. 50 yards apart).

I was headed North with 4 mph winds in my face when I spotted a DOE behind me, initially ranged at 45 yards away. She was eating at the clear cut edges for nearly 45 minutes but I could not get within 30 yards, especially with the wind at my back and chance her picking up my scent.

I managed to get closer but when I took the shot, I missed by 5 yards, and she flinched away but did not know what happened. She continued to feed and did not know I was there.

When I retrieved my arrow, I ranged back to where I shot and it was 30 yards. She was 35 yards away.
So far, this was my favorite bow hunt in New Jersey. I did everything right until the end. I was pumped, and adrenaline surely hit me - wobbling my knees in nerves.

Thanks for Watching!
- The Jersey Texan