Tracking question

[esmith3102]

My buddy hit a buck tonight right at dark and is unsure of his hit. he heard a crack and had a passthrough. He said it was a very slight 1/4 too shot. I looked at his arrows and found some light blood up the shaft feathers and nock. We couldnt find any blood, it is in a back fill area with alot of shale and alittle grass. I just came home for lanterns and some more lights. Do you think we should give that buck some time or go after it. I really upsets me when people cant see or know where they hit...GGRRRR makes things alot easier. What would you do....35* so not worried about the meat unless he got the ponch.

[jerseyhunter]

Go back at first light, why take the chance of pushing it. If it's dead it will still be there.

[Rob/PA Bowyer]

Definately give it some time. The meat will still be good if you wait regardless of the hit. If your truly worried, wait 4 to 6 hours. 8 hours for a "ponch" and hope...meat will be good.

[esmith3102]

One more thing....if it is a marginal hit how long till that critter will expire?

[TeeJay]

Weather permitting I wait.

[Rob/PA Bowyer]

ORIGINAL: esmith3102

One more thing....if it is a marginal hit how long till that critter will expire?

Could be up to 4 hours on a liver hit, could be up to 8 hours and more on a straight gut shot.

[AR Bowhunter]

You may not find blood until about 30 or 40 yds from where the shot was taken, if he left running hard.

[MeanV2]

When in Doubt, WAIT!!

Dan

[mexhuntr]

I think you must wait and go at firts light in morning.

[bhunter50]

wait and go in the morning, you will make your chances much better, you jump him and he's gone!