RE: what happened to this deer?
I agree with the other posts but since this is your first buck, stop to think how long after the shot did you pursue him. If you pushed him he will be more than 100 yards. A liver shot may take a little longer for him to expire. If you pushed him just do what was explained in the other post but maybe you may need to expand the size of your search grid. Good luck there is only one first buck. Keep us posted. We are all on your side.