Sorry to hear of the deer that you were not able to retrieve. Sounds like you hit high on the back ahead of the lungs?

Wouldn't you be in the best place to watch where it goes up in your tree? I would think by the time you get down you either spook it if it close by, or don't see it if it is far away. Sitting tight for 30 minutes is what I do, unless I am sure it is dead. And I try my best to see/hear where it went. Even a lung shot deer can go a a hundred yards or more if pushed right away, or 30 yds, if you leave it alone. How would this have helped you in your situation you described?