interesting...infection/starvation is very possible..exspecially with the penetration and damage that slug had to do.

maybe try posting this on the gun forum as well. someone should beable to ID the slug...its a bit deformed..but not much it doesnt look like. good luck...be nice to show the owner the pics and give him the rack..but im like you...id want him to somehow kinda show it was the buck he shot..

also gota give you credit...even coming close to that thing had to be foul..let alone cutting out a slug and cutting the head off!! wheeeew i bet that was nasty