I had to sleep most of the day due to the fact that I got about 15 minutes sleep while keeping the fire going. I got out about 3 this afternoon and couldnt find anything but where he bedded down and a pool of blood. Not sure if the coyotes drug him off or he got a second wind.

I am still thinking the Lord that I had a lighter in my pocket and a ton of friends that cared. My wife called my best friend about 9pm last night and he and two others looked until about midnight and then called the authorites.

I couldnt believe the resources that they put in. 3 tracking dogs, about 2 dozen men on foot, 2 helicopters with FLIR and had a staging station set up at my truck. I kept my cool, knew I had no chance on getting back last night so I hunkered down and built a fire waiting for the sun to come up so I could tell where East was. Once the sun came up I got my gear on and headed back to where I last saw the trail. On the way I ran into two K9 officers and asked if I was trespassing....they laughed and gave me a hug and warned me of the crowd waiting at my truck.

As embarassed as I was, it was good to see that our county has those kind ofresources and I had that many friends that cared. Each one had searched all 6 of my stands and searched since late last evening and didnt give up until I was back at my truck.

Lesson I learned is, no matter if you get a signal or not they can use GPS and track a cell phone. I also learned to bring a backup light, and even a flare. To be honest with you, it was quite interesting sitting there all night listening to all the action in the woods. I actually had an arrow nocked waiting for the sun to come up and anxious to get a shot at all the deer I heard moving at night.

Just dont take everything for granted! Im happy, lucky, and glad to be sleeping in my bed tonight!