Over the last 40+ years, I've killed a few good whitetail bucks, two bear, and a bull moose, along with a bunch of turkey. Of course, the game I've killed with my trad bows have been memorable. However, I have to say, the MOST memorable "highlight" moments while hunting have not been the animals I've taken. Today is a great example of a "no kill" highlight.
I went out for a quick turkey hunt before work. I like to run and gun, even with my longbow, so I was sitting on the ground. I had a bird working his way to me, gobbling pretty frequently. I really thought I might get a shot. He was probably less than 40 yards, but I couldn't see him due to the thick understory. He had been gobbling about every two or three minutes from the time he flew off the roost, then nothing. I was in position to shoot, but time dragged on. Still nothing. Then I saw movement directly in front of me. It was a bobcat walking directly at me. At about 8 yards it started angling to my left. It ended up walking by me at 4 steps, and it never saw me! I have to say, it was a great "no-kill" highlight!!
Anyone else care to share a memorable, no-kill moment?