Hunter: Charlie Dallavalle
Points: 10 (5L, 5R)
County: Cobb
Season: 2024-2025
Hunt Story
I couldn’t shake the memory of missing him back in September during the early hunting season. It had been a shot I’ll never forget—a moment of pure frustration. I had gone into “The Matrix,” my mind racing, and I rushed the shot. The buck, still in full velvet, stood there, and I couldn’t control the rush of buck fever. I saw him dash off, and I could only watch in disbelief, thinking to myself, “That was my one shot.” Behind every massive buck, there is a supporting cast for the shooter. True friends who listen, offer counsel, and pump you up! I had my Dad, wife, Russell, Martin, Kent, and the wizard Roman, all there to support me. I replayed that missed opportunity every day, the scene running through my head over and over. A few weeks later, I realized my bow hadn’t been properly tuned. My arrow trajectory had been off due to improper elevation set up, and no wonder I had missed such an easy shot. I packed up my bow and took it straight to my new Bow Tech Jeff at Second Chance Archery. I explained the situation, and he immediately started inspecting my bow. Sure enough, he found several issues with the setup—my bow’s third axis was off, and so was my peep sight. This was a new bow I had purchased for the season. The tech spent the next couple of hours carefully tuning my bow and adjusting everything to perfection. I left the shop with a renewed sense of confidence. Several weeks later, I spotted the buck on the hoof again, but I couldn’t get an ethical shot. The chase was on. Then came December 28. It was a full-on rainstorm in the woods, but I was back in the stand, hoping for one more chance to get the buck I’d been after for months. It was one of those days I almost decided to stay home, but something told me the evening hunt might be worth it. The rain had been falling steadily for hours, soaking everything around me. Right at sunset, through the heavy rain, I spotted him—my target buck. He appeared from the ridge and stood there for twenty minutes before finally moving into shooting range. My heart raced, but I forced myself to stay still. I had been waiting for this moment for so long, and I couldn’t rush it now. The wind was in my favor, and the rain helped mask my movements. I steadied myself, bow in hand, waiting for him to come into range. I focused on him, mentally preparing for the shot. The buck stepped into the perfect position. I drew my bow, took aim, and released. I watched him drop 20 yards from the shot—there was no doubt. The rush of emotions hit me all at once—relief, excitement, and disbelief. I’d finally redeemed myself. The buck that had eluded me earlier in the season was now mine. That hunt taught me patience and perseverance. Sometimes, you get a second chance, and it’s worth the wait. The memory of that September miss made this victory even sweeter. Never give up. This hunt will be one I remember for the rest of my life.
