BIG MOUNTAIN BUCK at 6 YARDS | PENNSYLVANIA

I headed to a ridge where I thought this buck was traveling and my game plan worked out 100% perfectly... almost.
Dan's Hunting Setup:
48# "Bedford" longbow by Penn Archery Works
Gold Tip Traditional Carbon Arrows
100 grain brass insert
125 grain 2 blade broached (Ace, Zwickey, Bear Razorhead)
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[@USMC-vp4rr]

Your channel is going to blow up. Your videos are refreshing from what is currently being produced by others. No high end gear and camouflage just simply getting it done!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Really appreciate that thank you!

[@lestroyer2415]

that is why its the Hard way! Rock On!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

@@lestroyer2415 thanks man 🤘

[@wallacedarbous5493]

I've been bow hunting trad for over 40 years you make great videos you're what trad is all about keep up the good work 🏹

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it thank you!

[@davidredford3111]

Yep he's not baiting sitting in a shack😊 hunting big woods way to go most Pennsylvania guys bait deer

[@bobcrawford8713]

What are ya gonna do? Your gonna keep on trying just like you did.I know guys that have been hunting here in nepa for over 50 years and don't have any clue about thermals and funnels and things like that,you are wise beyond your years young man,rifle season starts tomorrow if you didn't punch that buck tag in archery good luck!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks Bob! Appreciate it!

[@whitetailsdeerhunting7159]

I watched your first video 2 days ago. Then today hunting some public land in NY I ran into a buddy of yours, Chris. Great guy! We talked for a while and shared stories. I just started my own KZbin channel last year and keep learning every day. I shot a doe stalking with my 12 gauge Mossberg just before meeting Chris. I videotaped him telling the story of his opening weekend buck. Chris will now be a part of this doe harvest video when I post it. I truly believe things happen for a reason meeting him. Awesome videos. They are real and I can’t wait to watch more. Curt WhiteTALES Deer Hunting

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Small world! Thanks for watching the video! Looking forward to watching your doe hunt video with Chris!

[@toddh6102]

Happens to anybody who has ever bow hunted. Nice video.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@YarpISay]

I had the same issue last year with a deflected arrow - comments that came back were "clear the shooting lane" which I now do every time:) Great job getting situated for that!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Hopefully both of our luck is better this year! Thanks for watching!

[@chattahoocheeoutdoorsman4865]

Man, I know exactly how you feel. Keep at it! Just a matter of time before it all comes together, at least that's what I keep telling myself. Great hunt!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@samueljones6021]

I’m very new here but agree 1000% about the coyote reference. Good call

[@haroldconner2645]

I appreciate your videos. They, in my opinion, are the best on KZbin. Thank you.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Really appreciate that! Thank you!

[@haroldconner2645]

@@HardwayOutdoors You’re welcome.

[@BackMountainOutdoors1848]

Nice congratulations. I tagged out myself on November 12th 2023 here in Pa also. It was a good week alot of buck shot this year

[@thomasdoheny8096]

We've all missed sometimes it's a mature buck, sometimes it's when you're trying to fill the freezer but 3 mature bucks in 1 season! It's good to have confidence but I think you may need to start practicing the scenario when you are about to execute a shot. Replay the basics in your mind as you draw back and release over and over and over until it becomes muscle memory. I have found this the only way to get over buck fever is to keep your mind out of it. Enjoy your video keep up the good work

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@barrystricklin2230]

Hang tough brother l have been hunting traditional for 35 years that's part of it that's what keeps us going great video

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@rootjr.3658]

Shooting at targets is nothing compared to shooting at game. Anyone that has hunted much, let alone with traditional archery equipment, has been there. Keep at it. It’ll all fall into place eventually, and it will all be worth it.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@randallnafus3291]

We all get those Trainwreck seasons. Last year was one for me. Same deal 3 opportunities missed. Well actually 2. One my fault 2nd neighbor drove side by side up and accidently spooked him. "3rd" was the night the season closed. Heard something in back yard qhile cutting up my dow walked out with rifle. Coyotes were active few hours prior. Turned on my lights and saw a fair mid size 7pt. Told him good job bud. You made it through the season

[@rogerramjet7567]

Great hunt and super great video!!! Lessons and lessons. Patients and persistence pays. You’ll getter done. Thanks again for sharing your experience. 👍👍👍👍 very well done.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate the nice comment! It really means a lot!

[@theodoreirwin2912]

Great video, true to life. Thanks again!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@md37346]

Love your Videos ,, thanks for taking us along, 🏹🦌

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@tuckbecky1]

Good idea on dropping bow weight. I found that learning how to gap shoot helped me a lot with target panic and improved my hunting. Good luck with rest of season.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@silverback802]

Great video, everyone misses, don't worry about it. A clean miss is better than a wounded deer.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Agreed. Thanks for watching!

[@AK-qu6rw]

Still a great hunt. That's the heart of a sportsman. Keep working at it, the victory will be sweet when it comes.

[@PennsylvaniaSasquatch]

Dan, You may have missed that buck because of that stupid branch, but your self filming end product is better than any on KZbin. I'm learning a lot about self filming while enjoying obscenely gorgeous shots of nature and big PA whitetails. Thank you!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate that! Thank you!

[@nateinthefield7714]

Always staying positive! Keep the grind up Dan, perseverance pays off

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks Nathan! Never give up

[@rickpokorski1397]

Thanks for the videos. The only thing better than being in the woods myself is watching video like yours! It’s good for the soul. Maybe see you in ANF tomorrow!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@robertflint4115]

Love the TRUE primitive hunting. Lesson learned: Clear shooting lanes and get deer to stop before releasing. Good luck 😎🤘

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@flatlanderoutdoors2549]

That’s why they call it the struggle stick, keep grinding Dan you’ll get one 🤙🏻

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@bronzbowhunting6925]

I am trad only. 2021 I was clearing a shooting lane and couldn't reach one limb. I said to myself, "that won't be a big deal". November, I clobbered that limb with an arrow from my recurve on its way to a really nice Kansas buck! So, I feel your pain. I also wouldn't change hunting with a stick bow! Good luck! Really enjoyed the video

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate that! Thanks!

[@richardyonker1964]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing the whole story. I missed a HUGE buck this year at 25 yards. Shot right over his back. Not sure if I aimed to high or he just dropped (or maybe both). Still love hunting with the struggle stick. Take care!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Hope you catch back up to that buck! Thanks for watching!

[@eddiefirst9410]

Your hunt was a success! You saw deer and most of all you got a shot with the greatest high in the world, the good ole adrenaline rush!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@davidredford3111]

So far I like this guy seems like a good hunter

[@crookedwillar]

Great video guy I've been shooting traditional an primitive for almost 30 years I've missed several deer I just laugh it off just getting to have the experience hunting with traditional hunting methods makes it hard to explain to others the time an effort to shoot an hunt is an experience an joy so many miss out on you can learn so much about hunting an just about life taking the traditional path will make you truly humble keep up the great videos one day it will all fall into place

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Very well stated. Thanks for watching!

[@johnkendall6962]

When I first started bow hunting compounds were not legal in PA. My family didn't bow hunt so I was mostly on my own learning. I never killed a buck those years. When compounds became legal I had more experience and also started killing some deer. By then I had a family to feed so usually shot the first deer buck or doe. Years later for some reason I got out my old recurve and shot it a few times and was surprised at the groups I could hold. I had shot over 20 deer by then but always with the compound never the recurve so I decided to use it that year. Squirrel season had started before I could get out so I knew deer would be on edge. A small 8 point came in with 2 does. I leaned out of my tree stand, aimed behind the shoulder and released. Like OP I hit a limb and watched my arrow veer off course. Unlike OP I hit the deer in the head right behind the antler. The Bear rasorhead stuck in so far it didn't move when the buck ran off. I could watch them go 50 yards up an old logging road where they enter some brush. Three deer went in and only two came out. When I went to see the buck lay dead the broad head still buried in the skull. It was my most strange kill.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Crazy story! Thanks for sharing and watching the video!

[@theodoreirwin2912]

Great video, true to life. Thanks!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@shareTNT]

Fine job on the hunt and on the video!!! This is the reality that the sugar sweet world likes to hide. You are a true bowhunter and the wins will carry you far beyond the losses. Best of luck on your future hunts brother!!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Really appreciate that. Thank you!

[@bradbishop-atfulldraw7491]

Your arrow really Moved that branch so you hit it pretty good. Lord, if I can’t have a clean kill, please give me a clean miss.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Agree! Thanks for watching!

[@graphguy]

Great episode!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@wish2fish37]

Great footage. You do your homework for sure and find the right spots. Keep ‘‘em coming. Filled my Pa. tag on a small mountain buck 2nd day of season. The kind you pass but rarely get into mature bucks for some reason.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Congrats on the buck! Thanks for watching!

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

Great explanation

[@Droptineful]

Great video! That’s the Trad Life! Hang in there Dan.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@zackhorner9979]

Love this stuff! Very descriptive well set up beautiful video. Quality!!!!!!! Stay hard outdoors.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it Zack!! Hope all is well man!

[@gotchaexpeditions735]

Awesome, honest and real, thanks for sharing!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate that, thank you!

[@Hopeknives13]

I to missed the biggest buck of my life because of a branch. Few days later I got a good buck. I’m in it for the experience. You’ll get him good luck 🍀👍🏼

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it! Thank you!

[@jaybennett7242]

Been there done that Brother, that’s bow hunting. You just shake it off and keep goin.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonysobina8390]

Nice video, really smart setup with the wind. One thing I would do is maybe clear a shooting lane there for next year...

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@Legendary_Pursuits]

Man I wish you would have connected on that one man! Bowhunting is literally a game of inches…. Really enjoyed the strategy part and how you explain them in your videos! You’ll get another chance before this season is over!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it Aaron! Thanks!

[@mountainmanmilitia3806]

I’m a log truck driver. Jake brakes are a thing so we don’t plow through 14 vehicles with 100k pounds worth of steel and wood cause you know….momentum and shit. Takes a lot to stop that much weight. Nice hunt.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

It was obviously a joke on my part. Thanks for watching

[@danieldigiuseppe7912]

Great video man. Awesome.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@SlowEarl1]

Outstanding footage and great plan. Really enjoyed how you explained why you picked the spot. I have been focusing more on trimming my shooting lanes for my recurve. Subscribed!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@EW-gv5ov]

. Missed Chip shots are tough to get over …. Been there . Subscribed

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@brob-zy8zi]

The last buck I missed during archery turned into the biggest buck I've ever shot still to this day come the first day of rifle season that year. I'm looking at him right now hanging above my entry door still happy I missed that little basket rack. That's been 20 years ago now. If you rifle hunt hopefully the same will happen for you!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it! Thank you!

[@yourmomma2995]

you are in better spirits than i am when i miss a deer. on the very positive note it was a clean miss... no wounded deer there.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@tizzyty7915]

Replayed your replay quite a few times, I feel like I see the arrow go below the neck not high and front of his front leg. Great video, I would have tried to stop him with a quick "murp", when I was at full drawl. Even at that short yardage and just walking I'm just not comfortable shooting a bow at a moving target.

[@larrysayre824]

Can't miss if you don't shoot, I once cutt the hair off a nice 8 point because I don't have a range finder. Great video and perfect outlook the bad hunter's are the one's who don't put in the effort to track wounded game. I once took a spike that died on opening day because hunter never looked for it, some day's you can get lucky and never fire a shot. Also before anyone asks how fresh the deer could be steam released during field dressing.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@lzimmerman908]

Kudos man, you’re in the woods no better place,

[@outdoorman808]

Great video, set up, your bowhunting knowledge is ahead of your years speaking as a senior bowhunter. You did many things right no criticism here as I said your ahead in deer knowledge. You said you missed a couple deer so now you must Analize you're shooting and shot sequence on live deer. I'm a lifelong traditional bowhunter / archer I know what you're experiencing because I been there. I love your attitude to keep moving forward. Now you really want to focus on your shooting between now and next season. My guess why you missed that buck was because it happens fast the buck was walking never stopped and your shot concentration level was not where you needed it to be at the time of release. You were probably looking at the whole deer. Again, this is in no way Criticism of you it is just a step in your bowhunting journey. If you ever want to talk about bow/animal shooting, we can talk. Like your video and your enthusiasm for bowhunting. Keep moving forward.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it Bill thank you!

[@jasonkovach7213]

A clean miss is always better than a bad hit. It happens to all of us, what your doing is not easy.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielmastin3606]

Beautiful Buck, at least you didn't wound him 👍. Things happen.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@seanjorgenson8064]

Bow was noisy but he was close. Congrats trad Guy.

[@sierraridgereaper]

Man, those little branches suck... I had a nice 5x6 bull at 18 yds some years back right before dusk and had perfect broadside clear lane (so I thought) and let my arrow loose. I could see the arrow had a perfect path but couldnt see a 2" diameter dead branch sticken up and center punched that stick. That bull ran to 40 yds and turned to look at me full broadside again but way out of my comfort range. He finally drifted off never to be seen again. I went down to pull my arrow but it was stuck good in that branch (I have no idea how I couldnt see the shovel handle size stick) so I pulled out my buck 110 and tried to pry out my bear razorhead and broke the blade on my knife. I was not a happy camper and left the arrow and broadhead and hiked the 2 miles back to camp in the pitch black and rain sulking the whole way...

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing your story. Thanks for watching!

[@FB-pk9ob]

Great Video!!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@crosskantz]

Great video man! Next year these mountain bucks are going down!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks Cross! Means a lot!

[@ericbaumgartner5742]

Missed a Blacktailed deer today at 20 yrds. Grazed his back a bit. Great video !!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Hope you get another chance! Thanks for watching!

[@djkilpatrick5256]

Pennsylvania is tough to hunt! I’ve got a camp in Cameron co. Been trying to get one with a longbow. It’s tough, but keep pushing!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Good luck! If you get one let me know! Love to see a picture!

[@rickflock2581]

Super hunt, obviously you love the woods. Keep it up.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@darrenbowers3267]

You had some very good days it may still happen. Hey remember I hit that buck with a bow I got him first morning of gun season I sent pics to your dad. Darren

[@HardwayOutdoors]

I’ll have to have him show me the pictures. Congrats!

[@soonerfrac4611]

Been on both sides of those Jake brakes. When I’m hunting they sure do suck. But when you are going down a steep slope you had better be using that engine brake! I’ve seen too many guys catch their brakes on fire or run out of air for them by trying to only use standard brakes. Better luck next time though.

[@blairfritz3798]

Another great video, real as it gets dude. We are human and missed opportunities happen . Good luck tommor

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@joedrt0013]

Happens to ery1... Do wat u luv👍🏹💯🍻

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@dougeldredge]

thats why its called hunting, not harvesting , good luck

[@markpack1111]

Good work: stay safe out there: Jack From the high country of Colorado:

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@calhiser8265]

Even when we have done our part with practice and creating a solid platform with our bodies for the shot. "Tricky business in a tree saddle" We still have an intangible factor called destiny, one way or luck the other. just saying i have missed as many with a compound as with my longbow.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Great way to put it. Thanks for watching and good luck this fall

[@Michael-um7uu]

Been checking out your other hunting videos! Amazing stuff! Love it! Keep up the good work!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Really appreciate that! Thank you!

[@twizzle1112]

Happens to the best of us and at least it was a clean miss. I hunt with a recurve , I know the struggle. It's definitely worth it when all the hard work pays off.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@nkillen]

Good stuff brother, hate it didn't work out though. That's my kind of setup! 👍

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks Nathan! Looking forward to watching your Ohio hunt!

[@glorialafollette3994]

You can hear buck grunts during your intro

[@stan5062]

I hunt those big woods in central PA, and I think you found the spot. I luv what you said about coyotes and big bucks. I observed the same. They are the toughest animals to hunt in the day time.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@PAWilds60]

Great video. Love your positive attitude.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@danielcolon4195]

Hey Dan, Just found your channel. Love the video. I have also been pursuing a deer harvest on public land for a few years now. It is heartbreaking to see you miss such a good one! I can only sympathize with you. Glad you missed cleanly, at least. Keep up the awesome hunts, man! Maybe one day I will place in an arrow in one on public myself.. godspeed man!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it! Good luck out there and thanks for watching!

[@danielcolon4195]

@HardwayOutdoors absolutely... I subscribe as well..we, hunters of like minds need to stick together!

[@rockyweeks9081]

Arrows tend to go exactly where they are pointed UNTIL something gets in their way. Pencil sized limbs & twigs can be frustrating. Hang in there, it’ll happen. 👍👍

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@markzirkel9244]

Love the attitude! I have a couple spots just like that, I think in my spots anyway that the wind hitting the hill accelerates and creates a vacuum drawing air from the other side, either way it’s pretty cool!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-ct4im4nd6r]

Hey it happens Shooting at an animal that reacts is different Shooting at 3D is great practice great for confidence and the best practice we have except for live situations I have been lucky in the bad shots I have made mostly on does either I missed clean or a back shot something like that A few spikes I made a back shot on Luckily the bucks I missed were clean I just learn from that and reflect on the good ones I have been blessed with

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesbarnes7689]

All part of bowhunting. You had spot picked and never saw branch, been there! Hunting with trad bow can be humbling, been doing it for 27 years. Keep after them, seems like you got them figured out.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate it thank you!

[@backinthewoods2022]

17:03 dude that sucks I tried stuck bow for one season when I felt I was god enough shot a doe at ten yards just too far forward hit the shoulder didn’t penetrate she lived I’m sure but I was pissed. Like you said I felt good to go and hunt because I practiced a lot that year. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to practice since haven’t gone out again with traditional. Also screwed up a shot on the biggest Buck of my life rushed the shot because he was going to be behind cover hit him in the elbow he also lived because the next day I tracked him to his bed too thick to shoot but he was good. Those sting I’ll never get over that big one I have waited my whole life and put countless time thought and money into that moment and blew it. That’s why I rarely think about it😂 we live in Wisconsin but my parents have lived in Bellefonte PA and that’s what my dad said that Buck is a giant there for sure. Cool to see someone with the stick instead of the cross gun👍subscribed

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment! Appreciate it!

[@mattmccormick511]

Good content man! I feel your pain about having a season like that. That was me last year, and early archery I shot a buck on the ground at 15/20 yards decent 8 and never recovered him. Couple weeks after that I shot a buck on the ground in a creek bottom had a rough time recovering him but end up finding him. Hit him a little high above lungs. But hey man all about experience! Good luck late season!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@stankfaust814]

Great video I never eat or drink in stand. In fact, I dont open my mouth and instead breath through my less foul smelling nose holes.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

It’s not Vietnam bro 😂

[@TheMichiganShow]

Heartbreaking…I did the same in October here…stay on em

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@justpassinthrough7]

Heart breaking!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Way she goes! Thanks for watching!

[@justpassinthrough7]

@@HardwayOutdoors Not kidding, the only horns saw were laid down already but I did crack a doezilla

[@markcrawford2896]

Very cool brother… really enjoy your style of hunting… keep it up 👍

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@tsr_outdoors]

new sub here, great job bud ... keep it up

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@outdoortechpa]

Just saw your channel. Absolutely love your style and your videos! New Sub outta me

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Appreciate that, thank you!

[@fredsalay720]

Better to clean miss than have a bad hit and not find the deer. Don't give up. Nice video.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@itsobvious5835]

Get out the boom stick tomorrow and get him.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

I’m trying! Hahaha

[@duke2043]

You will be replaying that in your mind for quite awhile!Hope you get another shot atleast he wasn't to spooked started walking again like nothing happened!Lol I was waiting for him to fall over!Better luck next time!

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@plexuswoodworks1771]

I think your content is super.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@kellypeterson5771]

Great video, great location. Do you practice out of the harness? If not, that could be what is throwing off your shot.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Yes I practice a lot from it. Thanks for watching!

[@Arkie_Outdoors]

As a newer trad Bowhunter, I enjoy the content, regardless of what you did/didn’t kill. Are you using a platform or ROS with your saddle?

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Platform

[@benproctor8734]

I’m from pa and we got really big hills at best. Mountain my ass!!

[@northeastwildernesswalker]

Dude I missed 3 big bucks this year also in Pennsylvania. It's been a super tough one. Seems like we're battling the same demons this year.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

They have force fields I swear! Haha keep your head up and good luck!

[@charlesleblanc6638]

That had to be discouraging, but if you would of wounded him that would of really hurt ! The big positive is you planned it right.

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Agreed! Thanks!

[@bkauffman0390]

Dan I'll be sure to use my jake if I get up around your area 😁

[@HardwayOutdoors]

Hahahaha 😂