yjbates,
Well...chalk one up to experience. That deer probably died it is unfortunate that you could not recover it. As far as the losing sleep goes, you may for some time with this. My advice to you is to get back out there and learn from your mistakes:

Put the pin behind the shoulder. It's better to hit a little back(liver)than slam the shoulder blade.

If you're not sure of the hit, wait at least 1 hr. before trying to track a wounded animal. I know it's hard especially when you see blood.

You may want to try a different color fletching. Perhaps one that will show up against the brown hide.


Anyway...just my $.02 A lot of us know how you feel. It's part of the sport sometimes.


You'll have another shot.
Good luck
Jack