So, what have we learned here?

Stay calm. Don't get buck fever. Don't rush your shot.

After you make the shot give the deer plenty of time to expire before the recovery effort.

After you've given the deer ample time to expire never give up until you find it.

If you don't find it then don't come on this forum and ask for help from more experienced hunters unless you want to be gut shot and burned in he!! from certain people.

A new word. (doltish)

There are some hunters that really do want to help although they don't agree with the bad decisions that were made in the heat of the moment.

They will admit that any advice given won't be as good as the lesson you've learned from this experience.

It takes a lot of guts to admit when you're wrong. If something like this were to happen to me, this board would be the last place I'd come for help. Try to stay positive and keep looking.