Do all gutshot deer die?

Finch · 11-09-2007, 08:06 AM

As some of you may know, I gut shot a decent buck last Saturday. I looked for days and came up with nothing. Next time I hunt that property I'm going to take another look or still hunt and hope to happen upon the carcass.

Anyway, back to my question. Have you guys ever seen a gutshot deer survive? I have a few reasons for asking. In John Trout's, Trailing Whitetails, there is the following quote. "The paunch shot deer is most likely a dead one...." Also, I was watching Deer and Deer Hunting the other night and heard a similar quote. A guy at work also said he has seen a gutshot deer live. Now, whether that's true or not, I can't say. Maybe he thought that because he didn't find him, I'm thinking thats the case.

Does anyone know for a fact that they have seen a gutshot deer survive? Theories?

BTW: I'm by no means saying my buck survived to "get off the hook." I think he is dead...somewhere.

Arthur P · 11-09-2007, 08:19 AM

If the stomach or intestines were cut, then the deer will die. If a sharp broadhead went through the paunch and didn't tear something up it'd be a miracle, and miracles do sometimes happen.

popeandyoungchaser · 11-09-2007, 08:20 AM

I have been on the trail of a lot of wounded deer(not all mine)and can't say that i have ever seen a gut shot deer live. I have trailed one for three days and did eventually dind it dead. If the initial shot doesn't kill it the bacteria that is released from the stomach/intestines will. Just my .02.

YooperMike · 11-09-2007, 08:23 AM

I agree that any gut shot deer is a dead deer eventually. So much infection comes from that wound, they just can't make it.

Groodman · 11-09-2007, 08:25 AM

Every gut shot deer will die.

Vabowman · 11-09-2007, 08:25 AM

A truely gut shot deer will die, it may take a few days max, but they will expire.

BrentH243 · 11-09-2007, 08:51 AM

Every deer dies eventually man...

But seriously, it would be VERY rare for one to survive after that type of wound. It may take a few days, but they will eventually suffer to their death.

todd a smith · 11-09-2007, 09:05 AM

yes the deer will die..esp if it has a hole in and out..dead deer...could take hrs
but that deer is dead

GR8atta2d · 11-09-2007, 09:12 AM

Anytime "ALL" and "EVERY" is used there is a doubt in my mind. I'm sure most do. But I'd rather see a statistic like 98% ..rather than the finite words of "EVERY" and "ALL".

Schultzy · 11-09-2007, 09:20 AM

They will all die!