I never get down for at least 1 hour, I usually wait 2 unless I saw it crash - all bets are off if it's raining. I find a unique tree, rock, some type of landmark that I can walk to later and wait it out, especially if I think it's an errant shot. I also mark direction of travel with a compass since landmarks change coming down from an elevated position.

Getting down to soon and walking to the POI almost always pushes the deer since they are not far bedded down. Often times a wounded deer will circle back to where they came from since the spot they came from had no danger. Getting down in under an hour spoils this opportunity.

Sounds like the earlier poster had it right - low brisket - since he mule kicked. Most likely survives, good luck going forward Doug.