Again, sorry to hear about the lost buck Dustin. I know it is a frustrating time for you. The only thing I can think of that might help next time, is do you have a range finder to pinpoint yardages ahead of time? I am always ranging objects around my stands so when a deer does come in I know what the range is for sure. That gives me an extra level of confidence when a shot does present itself.

But it sounds like you did everything you possibly could have to find this buck. Unless it is legal to use a tracking dog for wounded deer. That is an option we have when I hunt in IL. I know a couple of guys that have told me, if I ever loose one to give them a call. Their dogs can really find them, blood or no blood. You can bet i keep their numbers on speed dial.