These kind of shots while hunting are,unfortunately, a fact of life. It just proves the fact that this is not target archery. I was a successful target archer for many years, hunting is a whole new game. Knowing what to do after the shot is a skill learned from experience. While learning, I've made the mistake of trailing too soon. It usually turns out for the worst. By waiting over night before tracking, I have leaned toward the extreme side of caution. Hopefully he'll be right where I think he is. I'm leaving in a few minutes to go look. Either way, I'll report back with the results later today.

I posted my situation in hopes that others could use it as a learning experience. For both shot placement and tracking techniques. Nobody wants to come on here and say,"Darn it!, I wounded a deer. Now what?" The difference is that I know what to do. It is a continuing process of honing your skills as a hunter. Even after hunting for over 40 years, I learn something new every season. Hence my signature.

Thanks to all for your encouragement.

GregH