Last day of the season, last 15 mins. Had 5 deer coming for me. I got set as best I could and drew when the lead deer went behind a tree. My damn face mask pulled infront of my eyes and as I was trying to shift my head to move it she saw me. She was not where I wanted her, but she was in an opening 15 yds away so I released. It all happened so fast and I moved my head slightly when I released so the mask went back in my eyes. Never actually saw the arrow hit but I heard click of the blades opening. The deer all scattered but only ran about 40 yds away and then just meandered away. I only saw 4 though. Where was the 5th?

I thought I missed. I packed up and went to look to see if I could find my arrow. Never thought I'd find it in the snow. But when I got there I saw just the vanes sticking out of the snow. I pulled it out. The blades closed back up (i shoot steelheads) but I saw hair in the blades and rubber band was 3/4 up the shaft. I started following the trail where they took off and it only took 3 yds before I spotted blood. The trail was clear. I followed it until the edge of the woods. One spot it actually looked like she went down. I got to the edge of the bean field and saw deer scattering. It had only been like 15 mins and it was getting dark. We have permission to go on the west neighbors farm to look for deer, but I have never been over there and didnt want to push her any further, esp in the dark. Its plenty cold and no snow in the forecast. Winds suppose to die down too so blowing snow shouldnt cover the trail.

With all the blood I felt pretty good about it until I got home and inspected the arrow in the light. There's hardly any blood on it. Just some specks on the shaft and the cock vane. Thats it. The blades smell like deer but very little blood. The arrow was coverd with snow, so it might have washed off, but it doesnt make feel all that good. If I was only able to see where the *&!%#@^ arrow hit! God D@mn facemask!

My father is meeting me at 6:30am tomorrow to go track her down. This is going to be a sleepless night. If I lose this doe Im gonna be sick. She was a really nice one. I'll report what happens.