This has probly already been done but since ima newbe, imagonna do it again.

I shot my first deer in upstate, western NY. I used a Rem 870 with a Hastings Barrel. It was the last day of the season andI am the only person who hasnt gotten a deer yet. (no doe tag) So my buddies put on a drive for me and about 15 min into it I saw a nice 8 point come out of the hedgerow. Sent a slug into its shoulder and down it went. By the time everybody got over to me I was so proud, my first deer. When I rolled it over to field dress it, we saw it was all gangreen from the belly down to the scrotum. We figured it had been gutshot during bow season and never found. The meat was no good but I kept the antlers. DFG came out and gave me a new tag but it was the last day so........At least I put the poor deer out of its misery.

Not necessarily was there any evidence of a bow wound? That type hit should kill before it could get to that state. I had a very sick deer on my place and I was worried about the different illnesses that deer can get. I called the conservation people and they got a crew from state to check it out, what they determined was that a car had hit it and damaged some intestines and cause peritonitis. Lee

That's a shame that the deer was no good. BUT you probably did that deer a favor. So consider that. Also you had a good hunt. Which is worth a lot in my book.

I agree. Its a shame that you harvested a deer that was inedible, but you also relieved him of a long agonizing death, probably from infection and starvation.
At least you got to keep the antlers. Some states do not allow you to take or use any part of the animal.

Congrats on your first deer.
My first of the season was sick and had to be turned over the the game commision.
it was a six point,I got the rack but was unsure about the meat so I turned it in.