My First Trad Bow Kill

By: Kytle Cochran

Originally published in the November 2024 issue of TBG Magazine.

I have been shooting a bow since I could pull back the string at the age of 4. Last year was my first year

trying to hunt with my bow having my Dad within eyesight of me. This year I have been able to hunt out

of a climbing stand all on my own. I noticed the deer crossing as I would come in and out for school, so I

chose a spot for my stand close to where they were traveling.

On the evening of September 14th I went to my stand and was there for about an hour when I spotted a

deer coming through the trees in front of me. I patiently watched it move closer for the next twenty minutes.

I waited as it moved to allow me a broadside view, then another deer entered the area becoming broadside

first. As it became broadside I pulled back making sure the deer was in good view for a good shot and

released. At first I was unsure that I had made the kill. About ten minutes later I climbed down and noticed

blood on the ground and didn’t see my arrow. That was the moment I knew I had hit it. I called my dad to let

him know that I had shot one and I waited for him to get to me before looking for the deer. Once he got to

me we started looking for it, it took a little while to find it because she ran in circles. Finally we found her not

40 yards from where I shot her. I was so happy to have harvested my first deer with a traditional bow.

I have loved being a part of the Traditional Bowhunters of Georgia the past six years. The friends that

I have made I will remember throughout my life. I am looking forward to the group hunts scheduled for this

year, the state shoot next spring, and the memories that will continue to make.