I got back into archery deer hunting this year with an Ibex, using Firebolts and Marden Vortex mini max steel 125 gr expandables with a 2” cut. I have a Leupold 1.5X-5X VXIII with heavy duplex as a scope. I was sitting in my Doghouse ground blind with my Ibex set up on a tripod, but of course the doe showed up through the other window to my left so I ranged her at 31 yards and moved the Ibex into position out the left window. After about 10 minutes she looked broadside so I slipped off the super quiet safety ( the main reason I bought an Excalibur) aimed just behind the leg , 1/3 up and squeezed off the shot. The Lumenok lit up really bright but I was unable to tell if I made a good shot.I walked down and easily found my arrow under the grass as the Lumenok was really visible. The arrow was covered in blood from stem to stern. I tried using a High intensity flashlight but it wasn’t good enough so I went and fired up my 2 mantle Coleman lantern and found blood near the arrow and then at 10 yards (missing the blood at 5yards) which sent me the wrong way for about 15 minutes. I started over and found the blood at 5 yards and then 10 yards which was curving the other way. I have to go really slow because my 62 year old eyes aren't what they used to be. I was confident because I was still following blood and then there she was. She only went 45 yards. My arrow hit half way up but a little back. It seems as though she must have been quartering towards me as the arrow went through on an angle.
My first experience firing a crossbow at a deer was very very good. The next day I butchered her and am already eating my fresh venison.
Good luck to you all,
Fran
First deer with Ibex
Moderator: Excalibur Marketing Dude
First deer with Ibex
Ibex, 3X-32 Vortex crossbow scope, GT Laser II, 125 gr. Marden Mini Mag Steel broadheads, 4 deer so far
