He may even be back this season! If he was not hit, all he knows is that a loud noise happened close by. I have seen deer not even run because they are unsure of where the noise came from. I've seen them come back the next day! Loud noises happen all the time. For all the deer knows, it may have been lightning!
You've got a better chance of seeing him today than by next season! After all, him and a bullet could meet up before then. All kinds of things could happen between now and next year!