in ohio buckshot is not allowed to be used. Slugs only i have a friend that uses a youth model 20 gauge with buckhammer slugs made by remington (i dont think they make the ammo anymore) and they make a huge exit wound and make easy tracking if its even needed. if anyone knows where i can get more of those buckhammer slugs let me know cause they are awesome. but as far as not recovering the deer soon enough idk what to say besides it happens to everyone and i know next time you shoot a deer you will search longer. good luck on your search for a buck