2009.11.04
J.R. Mitchell busts a big doe on Halloween
Regular readers know that J.R. is a one of the more enthusiastic bowhunters out there. So they won't be surprised to hear that he was in a tree on Halloween evening in Floyd County in the pouring rain. This big doe was his reward.
He reported that his heart was pounding when three does showed up and this one stepped into a shooting lane at a range of 31 yards.
"I know it seems silly to get so excited over a doe, but I just love bowhunting and to work so hard all summer and move stands the last two weeks to get fine tuned," he wrote. "Its an awesome feeling to know all I have learned and put afield has a reward in the end. The first buck is next I hope but if not, I still love getting a shot at a big doe."
Well put, J.R., and congrats.
It's not silly to get shook up over a doe. That's why we do this is for the rush. When it gets boring, you need to find another hobby. Congrats on a clean kill! Great eater!
Comment by dan smith — November 4, 2009 @ 6:24 am
JR, your dedication speaks for itself. A big buck will follow for sure. A trophy is in the eyes of the hunter, they know and only them, know the thril of that success.Darn nice deer and much good venison. Congrats!
Comment by CRS — November 4, 2009 @ 6:52 am
Way to go J.R.!
What type bow are you shooting a PSE or a Hoyt?
Comment by Static Lines — November 4, 2009 @ 8:39 am
Way to go J.R.!!!
That's a beautiful deer! congratulations on your fine Archery harvest!
And it is Definitely NOT silly to be excited over that Doe! All the animals we harvest are trophies. Some of my finest moments and memories of the hunt revolve around deer that would be unimpressive to everyone else. After 40 years of pursueing game I STILL get excited EVERY time ANY deer walks by my stand. Don't ever lose that enthusiasm J.R.!
Comment by Ralph Barton — November 4, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
Great job......any deer with a bow is a well earned trophy.
Its great to see a young man put in as much time as you do.
Best of luck the rest of the season.
Comment by Sammy Bass — November 4, 2009 @ 5:05 pm
Congratulations J.R. I always look forward to your comments. You always encourage other hunters, especially the younger ones. Anyone reading your posts know how much you enjoy the time you spend hunting. Everyone needs an attitude like yours. Good luck the rest of the season.
Comment by Donna — November 4, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
Its the least silly thing in the world! I shot a fox squirrel from the same distance with my bow and proceeded to call every soul I knew! Congrats on your doe, she's a beauty, best of luck the rest of the season! GO GET THAT BUCK!!!
Comment by Clay Haley — November 4, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
Thanks Guys [and gals]
I absolutely love hunting, matter of fact I think I'm obsessed! But I sure do love getting on here and reading and seeing everyone's harvests. I look forward to it everyday.
Dan, CRS, Sammy, Clay,.....Thank you so much for the comments and the encouragment. Makes the kill even more special.
Static Lines.... Thanks dude and I shoot nothing but a Mathews!
Ralph, my granfather [whom you know] is the reason behind my enthusiasm. I think about him everytime I pick up my bow, and all I want is to make him proud. Appreciate your encouragment as well!
Donna, I am so glad Gary got a doe. I smiled when I seen his photo this afternoon. Thanks for your kind words and thank you for helping young Gary in his outdoor journeys.
Comment by J.R. — November 5, 2009 @ 1:13 am
Mark,
Thank you as well for the write up and all the encouragment you have given me in the last few years! Roanoke Times is very fortunate to have an employee that is dedicated to us and the outdoors as yourself.
Comment by J.R. — November 5, 2009 @ 1:17 am
J.R Congrads on your doe. Im so glad and proud of you for sticking with it. I was getting a little worried after our last conversation at the house the other night... Just remeber all things happen for a reason and we dont all ways no why, but were not supposed too. He will get us threw it and make you a safer and better hunter...Trust me Ive seen and done a lot of things during my 20 some years of hunting and you will learn something with every hunting trip....Great job bro. keep in touch...Moe
Comment by Moe — November 5, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Hey Buddy! Just wanted to say congrats and im so proud of you
I know how hard you have worked this year and how much time you have put in to prepare for this season! Im sure your buck will come soon enough, but the doe was enough to fill up the freezer for right now 
Good Job! Love ya
Comment by Priscilla — November 5, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
JR...
Congrats man! I'm just getting back in the office and catching up on the blog and was excited to see this one more than any (no offense to the others!). Job well done my man!
Those nasty weather days can really pay off!
That big buck will come...
Comment by Freddy McGuire — November 5, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
JR
Before this hunting season ends we ought together with sticks and strings and fling some mechanicals and fixed at some deer.
If time permits.
Comment by Static Lines — November 19, 2009 @ 7:17 pm