Again, many times, I have seen deer that have been gut shot that had ample opportunity to make their way to nearby ponds, creeks, and/or river and never go to water.

I would never rule out looking there if I was searching for a wounded animal but it is not automatic by any means in my opinion.

As I stated before way more often than not, they didn't head to water. I found one that was alive more than twenty-four hours later and he didn't go to water when all he had to do was continue down hill for about a half mile.