B.O.

Blown Opportunity.  Big Time.

I lost my composure when I rattled in what could've been the biggest buck of my life last night.  Could've being the most important word in that sentence.  I had him at 10 yards, and he saw me, shaking.  If he wouldn't have heard me breathing/shaking, he would've taken one final step, but he never came completely out, just his head.  He looked up at me, wondering what this this was that was so shook up, and he slowly sneaked his way back into the thicket I drew him out of.  I could've taken a head shot, a neck shot, even a shoulder shot, but that worried me bad.  That and I was shaking.  Worse then EVER before.  If I would've let the arrow fly, it would have been a marginal shot at best.  It was so close to dark. 

I brought him in on high alert anyway, so I should've been better prepared.  He never blew, or ran away, he just kind of sneaked off.  So the question is.....

Is Friday too soon to hunt him again?  And if I do, do you think I should try a different stand location on the same farm? And why the hell did I get it so bad this time?  I've killed many-a-bucks, and I never had it this bad.  What do you guys do to calm yourself down?  I tried my normal go to move, (close my eyes, make a mean face, grit the teeth-what most people would do if they were storming a beach)  but it didn't work.  I opened my eyes up and I think I was worse off then before.

Friday should be fine but move your stand. You seldom get a second chance at an older buck from the same location once he has made you.

Man that's the worst.

Let me ask you this, have you been consistently seeing deer? My past 4/5 trips have been squirrel fests, and when I finally saw a small 8pt. I got all antsy. Even though I decided to pass.
I think we get lulled during the "Lull" of the season, and get sloppy. I know I do. Stop doing little things, and quite frankly I got scared when I saw that Buck after a while of nothing, almost surprised.

Either way, Maybe move your stand 10 or 15 yards away? Other side of thicket maybe?

db, I think you might have it right.  I haven't been seeing many deer, and this was defiantly my first shooter.

I was thinking about moving to the other side of the thicket, in fact, it is a nice morning spot because it is between 2 thickets.  I was hoping to save it for the rut though, because historically, it is a great travel corridor.

I hate to pressure him too much, that is all.

I agree with these guys, just go out there and hunt and have fun. It sounds to me like the buck just lost interest. If you decide to rattle again just change it up a little bit.......

every time that deer walks by the tree he will look up there.

I had somewhat of the same thing happen to me last year tippe.I was setup on a oak flat leading to a corn field.I was rattling and grunting.I rattle a little 6 point in early in the evening.Then i was about ready to get down at dark i thought i saw a giant rack coming through the trees.I waited here he came looking at my decoy at 23 yards.I waited for him to turn for a better shot.The light was fading fast i was sweeting bullets.He finally turnt i drew could barely see through my peep but tell you the truth i really don't remember aiming.I shot right under him and never saw him again.