I am an ethics hound...known in camp as "The Preacher". I hate to see suffering of any animal, but I also know it is in part and parcel part of the spot. To me the only question I had was "Legal" 2 does, same day. But it appears that is not a problem so negate that thought. Personally I always check the site of a shot, even if clean, also if i see a deer drop I go right over to it. (many reasons: nicked nerve can cause temp. paralysis and a lost animal is one) As far as A gut shot, you did the text book right thing, let it freeze up and die...not push it all over the country side. Not only does that increase your odds of finding it, but relates to better table fare for sure. Mistakes happen we learn from them, it makes us better hunters. If we continue to do them and not learn...that is where ethics comes into the mix. Being young, I hardly think anybody can fault you for your actions...I think you did the best thing and that was relax and get in the right frame of mind. Ajitterbug won't produce a good result, but time to relax and reflect will calm the nerves and provide a fresh prespective.

I am betting you learned something from the first shot..be it reaction to the gut shot or maybe don't assume...this is what we all need to do when hunting, KEEP Learning. I really didn't see where people where all over you, they just indicated that you may need some practice with the shooting and nerve thing...which comes and is required of all of us. I have been hunting deer for over 20 years and I still practice a lot at the range to hone my skills..in fact my season is done and I was at the range on sunday to start honing for next year. I am a damn good shot and always have been but I know that I ain't perfect and the more I practice the better I will be prepared to put the crosshairs on that buck or whatever next time the opp is presented. Also if you can't take some tips or pointers...than no your better off not to post. However I would hardly stop visiting here, their are a great number of individuals and opinions that will help you be a better hunter. Just remember it is the internet and we can't see your face, so it will always be different than talking with your pals. However if my pals just said "I did everything right all the time and I rocked", I would question their honesty and value. I am lucky that our group is very frank and we all have the same ethical standards..we are also not affraid of stepping on toes and SUGAR is never present in our camp.

Life is hard you either buck up or get out of the way!

BTW, congrats on your deer and you did do the right thing IMO. Stick around I bet you can get and give some great advice here. I know I have.