Did I do the right thing

[blackpowder]

So I don’t usually post just troll. Ha. But seriously I was out with the muzzy on state woods and had a quality buck come in. He was one of two that I had been seeing on camera not sure exactly which one because once I saw the horns I stopped looking for fear I would screw up. Ha anyway he was 15 yrds at the closest behind cedars then 30 yrds behind a bunch of scrub oak approximately 3-5 yrds worth.  He was standing in the red circle broadside. Needed a few more steps for a nice opening. He wheeled and left. To the right no shots. Question- should I have shot or would anyone have shot?
 

300grain Hornady with 100 grains powder

[hammer4reel]

Better to wait for another opportunity at a clean harvest than chase one that’s crippled or wounded .

‘you did the right thing not taking a questionable shot

[mazzgolf]

If you have to ask, you probably already know the answer.

If you questioned the shot at the time, it probably wasn't a good shot to take.

Also, it looks like you are in a swampy area - if you take a questionable shot (even if you get a hit) and that thing runs even 100 yards (or more!), that's gonna be one difficult drag, if you can even track/find it. Get a good shot in that wet and swampy environment so you get an easy track and drag.

Still a good hunt though! You had a buck within 15 yards. Sweeeeet... Many guys can't even say that.

[Bojaffa]

You made the right call. Get em next time. 

[BowhunterNJ]

Made the right call.  If you ever feel like you're forcing a shot, you likely are.  Best to wait for a confident shot. 

[Gobblengrunt]

I never shoot at anything unless im 100% sure im going to kill it cleanly

[XtremeHunter]

You did the right thing. If you felt hesitant, it’s better to hold off until you feel you have a clean shot and opportunity to take. Way to do the right thing. Its way better to get a clean shot and clean kill, than force a shot and then realize you might have only wounded the animal and you feel instant regret. Good luck with the rest of the season!

[HuntEmDown505]

From what I can see there's no real shot there. Think of it this way: The feeling of not getting a shot at a buck that's so close is way better than the feeling of wounding one and not knowing if it suffered or died without you retrieving it.

[BillCarson]

You made the right call. Did not have a clean shot. You will get him another day.

[blackpowder]

Thanks. I still wonder how the bullet would have performed. State woods is tough I went out there last afternoon and 4 people were just sitting on the ground 200 yrds away. I hat NJ 6 day. 

[Greybeard]

If I would have found a clear open window looking through the 9x scope, I'd have taken the shot.  Hard to say for sure since I wasn't there watching his every move and shot angle.  It's always best not to force a shot you're not sure of.

[SoxFan]

100% made the right call

[jumpthestring]

If there is any doubt don't take the shot. 

[trapoholic]

There is no worst feeling in hunting than losing a deer that was not hit good. You did great! Hunting is not about the deer but rather the hunter. You are a great hunter!

[bushden]

You did the right thing