The reason I started this thread is I have been told this all my hunting life. I personally have had mixed results. I was interested what others have seen. I gut shot a buck that crossed thru a lot of knee deep water and died on a piece of high ground. He didnt die quick so he had options. I had one go in a stream he was still alive but unable to get out on his own. So did he want to be there? was he just crossing and got stuck? I shot another buck a little far back and let him go over night. it rained. we searched the swamps for 1/2 day. everyone gave up but me. I ended up finding him in one of the dryest parts of the woods. I guess my answer is they seem to have a tendency to go to water but why I still dont know. I think it might be part medical and part the cover that wet areas tend to offer. maybe it has something to do with the cooling effects of water. thanks for all the input. I never expected so many replies.