Originally Posted by DougE

None of the gut shot deer I've ever recovered,and there's been dozens of them ever went to water.

From my experience,the whole water theory is over rated.Deer run to where they feel safe and in many cases,there's no figuring that out.I've seen mortaly wounded deer go up steep ravines and pass right through or over water.
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I agree with your method of waiting, but I have to wonder how it is you never found a deer near water. I too have tracked many deer and if there was any significant water anywhere within the vicinity many times it was in that direction or right at the water where we found the deer the next day. Maybe my experiences are the exception but I would definitely not overlook the water if I was searching for a deer.