For any bowhunter, the thrill of closing the distance between themselves and a deer is unmatched. But for veteran hunter Ryan Lewis, a hunting trip in Pennsylvania would turn into the most intense and rewarding experience of his life, with two bucks down at incredibly close range—a feat that would redefine his understanding of what’s possible in the world of bowhunting.
Ryan had set up his stand in a thick patch of timber, a known hotspot for deer activity. The area was a mix of open fields and dense woods, with plenty of food sources and travel corridors for deer. Pennsylvania’s whitetail population was healthy, and Ryan had been scouting the area for weeks, tracking the movements of several mature bucks in the region. However, he didn’t expect the day’s events to unfold in such an adrenaline-pumping way.
The morning started like any other hunt. The early hours were filled with the usual sounds of the woods: rustling leaves, birds chirping, and the distant snap of twigs underfoot. Ryan waited patiently, knowing that the deer would eventually move through his area. As the morning wore on, he spotted the first buck—a solid 8-point—moving cautiously through the timber. Ryan stayed as still as possible, knowing that the buck would likely pass through a small gap in the trees just 20 yards away.
As the buck came into range, Ryan slowly drew his bow, trying not to alert the deer. Just as he was about to release the arrow, the buck paused, presenting an almost perfect broadside shot. The shot was true, and the buck dropped on the spot—his first of the day.
But the action didn’t stop there. Less than 15 minutes later, another buck appeared—this time, a 10-point with a massive rack. The second buck came in even closer, stopping at just 12 yards from Ryan’s stand. With barely any time to react, Ryan drew his bow again. The buck was so close he could hear its heavy breathing and see the fine details of its antlers. Without hesitation, he released the arrow, landing another perfect shot. The buck ran a short distance before collapsing, adding another trophy to his haul.
Both bucks were down in under 30 minutes—one at 20 yards and the other at an astonishing 12 yards. Ryan’s heart raced as he climbed down from his stand to recover the animals. The close-range shots, combined with the excitement of taking two bucks in such a short time, made it one of the most memorable hunts of his career.
For Ryan, the hunt was a reminder of just how close and intimate bowhunting can be. The proximity of the shots made this hunt a true test of his skill, patience, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Two bucks down, one of the closest shots he’d ever taken—this hunt would be one for the books.
