You guys seemed to cover a good part of what and what not to do. Let me start by saying that we all must do everything in our power to be prepared prior to taking a shot at an animal. Be keenly familiar with your equipment, lots of practice, only take high percentage shots, etc. With that said, and here is the not so good part, if you have spent any considerable time bow hunting deer then you have made a bad hit or two. Either that or you are a liar. I also agree that we tend to take up the chase much too soon. Wait, wait, wait! Here is something that I have always done, that at times will pay off for you. On an iffy blood trail, periodically mark the direction of travel with a little piece toilet paper hung on some branches or brush. This allows you to circle back to the last place you found blood should you happen to lose the trail. This also gives you a great reference as to the exact direction of travel. If the trail completely peters out, you can then make a much more educated decision as to how and where to proceed in your search for the deer. Please use toilet paper though. The stuff is biodegradeble should you happen to leave some behind. No plastic marking tape please.