RE: trailing deer after they are shot
Back in 96 I shot a small 8 pointer through both lungs with a 30/30. I tried to immediately follow up and had to leave and get lights and come back for a 1/2 mile track. Finally located the deer. It was my first buck ever. Another time hit a nice 8 pt right on the shoulder with an 30/06. knocked it slick off its feet. I did not even reload. I watched in horror as it "came back to life" and ran for over 100 yds. I shot a 7 pointer three times with a .300 win mag. It was still moving.
I have shot a few including a 12 pointer this year that died in its tracks and there was a doe that was directly beneath my stand that I shot through the spine into heart that didn't even flinch after I squeezed the trigger.