I hate going hunting without my dad, which is why I've missed the last few seasons. I go fishing every year with him on the ice and water. Best part about hunting is, no one to bug you while you catch some Z's 14' up in a stand. Even though I freeze my rear off, I get much better sleep in my stand, than I do in a camper...go figure.
I've only had one deer. Was maybe 40 yards from my stand, only needed one shot. The day before, there were two doe in front of my stand. Now until after this, I never have a round in the chamber, just the magazine. So the two deer were about 30 yards, I pull the bolt back on my dad's Remington 740 and squeeze the trigger...nothing. in my own stupidity and lack of readiness, plus being excited, I didn't pull it back far enough to strip the round from the mag, into the chamber. I did have time to do it, because I didn't scare them off...but I just didn't do it.
24 hours later, one of the same doe came into the area. I was already locked and loaded. I flipped the safety off, lined her up in my scope and got her. I knocked her over a bit, since it was a chest/lung shot. She stumbled back up and got maybe 10 yards and collasped. I had contemplated a second shot, but I felt it was a waste of ammo, once she dropped for the last time.
The last thing I learned that day was, I have a weak stomach when it comes to field dressing a deer. Almost lost my breakfast while my dad and I were pulling organs out.
I'm still like that too this day. But doesn't stop me from enjoying the sport. Really tempted to get a bow for hunting close to home, just in case I can't make to rifle season. But I'd prefer a crossbow, but some stupid organization up here, doesn't want everyone to have one, only people 65 or disabled. Bunch of bs.
A designer knows he has achieved perfection, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.