[Newt]

About 7 or 8 years ago, my friend and I were tooling around on his grandfather's property coming back from a hunting trip when we noticed a very nice buck standing on the horizon. It was almost dark to the point where you see a very dark blue/purple sky. Dark enough that we needed a flashlight so see where we were going, but light enough to clearly see the deer. We were concerned that it was too late to be shooting at game and after gazing at it for a minute or two pondering whether or not to shoot, eventually decided that we'd better not shoot and passed on it. It would've been an easy shot at about 60 yards broad-side, but my theory has always been "better safe than sorry". At the time I had yet to kill a buck of that size and really regretted not shooting it afterward. Upon arriving back to his grandfather's we told the story of what is now known as the "silhouette buck", and his dad and grandfather asked us why we didn't shoot it. Even to this day, after taking some good bucks, I look back and regret not shooting it. What would you do?

Newt

[mtnbkr]

If its dark enough that you need a flashlight, you don't need to be taking shots at game.

Chris

[Kcustom45]

I was always told never to take a shot at a silhouetted animal, because I cannot be sure what was on the other side of the hill.

[Larry Ashcraft]

standing on the horizon
That's enough reason right there. I've passed up several shots because I didn't know where the bullet would go if I missed.

[Dr.Rob]

Yep I'd pass, know your target and what's beyond it.

I passed up a shot on a MONSTER elk for the same reason, gave chase and never had another chance to shoot. Don't regret it.

[Keith]

I looked here earlier and couldn't imagine why you wouldn't shoot it, but the comments enlightened me. Around here, you wouldn't worry about someone on the other side of the hill. It's been a long time since I hunted in a place where such things must be seriously considered.

Anyway, kudo's to you! It's people like you that keep our sport in a favorable light with (most) of the non-hunting public!

Keith

[Newt]

I'd have to say, if I were to miss and hit something on the other side of the hill, (while chances are remote) I would regret shooting at the deer from then on instead of visa versa. I was using a 30-30 which isn't known for it's range, and I was hunting in a very remote part of the state where the population is about 10 people per sq. mile. My friends grandfather owned about 1800 acres at the time. However, that's not to say that someone wasn't on his land that wasn't supposed to be. You've made me think twice about regretting not shooting. Good points. Thanks for the input.

Newt

[5ptdeerhunter]

Are you sure it was a buck and not a doe standing in front of a tree?

[Newt]

Oh it was a buck alright. No trees anywhere near that deer. We were only about 60 yards from it, so we could clearly see the rack on each side of it.

Newt

[Legionnaire]

I'd pass for reasons already given. Legal shooting hours in my neck of the woods end with official sundown, not when it gets too dark to see. And Rule #4: be sure of your target and what's beyond.

[Glamdring]

One point. Even if there are no PEOPLE behind target there might well be other critters you don't want to shoot unitentionally (cattle, horses, other game, non game).

[Delmar]

You should never regret not shooting an animal for any reason, including buck (doe) fever. Sometimes, it's nice to just tip your hat to the majestic animal and wish it a nice day.

[Atticus]

I've only taken one deer at sunset. I had been in the same spot for hours and knew exactly what was on all sides of it, and who was out there (or who was NOT out there in this case). I saw it walk out from the woods, and into the middle of a path, where it was silhouetted by the diminshing light. Another 5 minutes and I would not have taken it. You shouldn't feel bad at all. Responsible decisions have to be made minute by minute. Give yourself some Kudo's for making the right one.