With all the above said, I think it was just one of those expriences. Considering that this deer was able to travel the distances it did and bed several times, IF you waited even 2 hours before tracking it would have turned out about the same. The shot must have been somewhat the equivilant of nicking the human eatlobe with your razor. It will bleed all day if you mess with it. You would have to assume the deer died eventually due to the loss if blood but you made an honest and nobal effort to recover the animal/carcas and that is honorable. The feeling sucks but next time you will be that much wiser.