Same boat here Big D, I was hoping to score a big one on the federal hunt, but didn't get a chance.

Been seeing some good bucks around home and now that gun season is upon MI tomorrow my standards will have fallen. I didn't see any sign of a rut in my area- no grunting, chasing, or tailing. I usually have a great rut with it busting loose all around me, but not this year. Oh well, I still have the late season.

My moment of shame, I did put an arrow into the shoulder of a nice 120" deer. The shot was alot more quartering away than I had origionally thought and I hit right where I wanted to (tight behind the shoulder), but I think with the angle it tucked into the leg without penetrating the chest. After the shot, I knew I hit bone seeing the arrow running straight along side him. I was hoping that it went into the chest and his leg snapped it off while running, but he was holding the leg up and running on three. Tracked for about 400yds and he stopped bleeding, while circling for blood I get a call from the neighbor (land that I hunt), she asks if I shot a huge buck? I say yes, why? She says, it is standing in my driveway with an arrow sticking out of it which is about 70yds from where we are looking for blood. Kept looking and nothing. Three days later I did follow a stink smell to a dead spike 12inch tines with a 11 1/2 inch spread. I thought for a moment when I seen the deer laying there I could have some peace of mind, but I don't so I am still kicking myself for this. It was a 11yd shot that just happened too quick for me. If I only could do it all over again.

I get sick every time I think about this, I really need to get over it. This is the first deer I've lost in over 10yrs which is probably 30 or more deer. That last sentence wasn't meant to brag or make it seem better I was just trying to show that I know how to track and make good shooting decisions. I really feel that if he doesn't get an infection that he will make it and we can battle again. I would really like to get him on the cam for a little peace of mind. Thatis it, thissorry sucker is done rambling.

Chris