RE: Shot an 8...need some help
The first place I would check is the closest water hole.When i had deer run farther then they should have I have always found them heading or near some water.A wounded deer will go there regardless in most cases.I had the same problem once.I shoit a nice 9 pointer and was sure I made a good shot and listened.Well my head played tricks on me and I thought he stayed on my side of the fence.It rained that night so I the next morning I was sure of where i heard him go and only looked there for 2 days ALL day and never found him.I was so rejected.I went back there on the other side of the fence and found him at the pond while I was shed hunting.I never thought to look on the other side of the fence knowing there was a 10 acre pond there just 70 yards away.If I had found him that day after shooting him he would be mounted and with my other trophies.But I could not do that because I didnt deserve the respect of that fine buck hanging on my walls with my others.I gve the antlers to my daughters which they want new ones every year from me.I learned a valuable lesson.When you cant find your deer they always remeber the shortest route between where you shot them and water and you may find it.
Good luck when you go back out looking for him.If you can recruit some friends and do a grid search you will cover more ground and do a better search.