Why didn't you keep tracking when you went back out there? 2.5 hours is not that much time really. I've searched so long for a hit deer that I was TOTALLY exhausted both mentally and physically. Usually a gut shot deer dies anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. It's also a well known fact that deer that are hit in the guts like that head to water. I suggest the next time you go out there, you check the water sources. Since your profile doesn't say where you are from, I have not a clue on your conditions or weather, so I will assume it's warm and your deer is spoiling bad at this point.

Get out there out there real early.

Good luck. Be persistent and if the mood strikes you, offer up a Prayer. It couldn't hurt. I wish you the best of luck and sincerely hope you find him.

iSnipe