I just got back from hunting tonight. I was trying to shoot a doe and blew one opportunity when my release got stuck and as i started to let down my arrown went flying nowhere close to the deer. I then had another doe coming in and she got twenty yards away. She was walking so i tried to stop her in a shooting lane. She wouldnt stop and kept walking. As i was still drawn back i looked behind her to see a nice 9 coming. He walked down the same trail and i had to grunt at him with my mouth three times to get him to stop. He stopped a little behind a tree so i had to lean over to get the shot. I incorectly guessed him at 30 yards when he was much closer and made a very bad shot.

To me it looked like it was definately above the spine and far back. He ran off but slowed down and stopped, then went on to trot again. I definatly would have thought that there would be no chance in hell of me recovering this deer, but i am almost certain i heard him crash.

It was about a 20 yard shot and i was way up in the tree (probably 25 feet) When i went to get the arrow it was sticking in the gound at about a 45 degree angle. It had just a little bit of blood on the fletchings and some hair.

Is there some possible way that i hit an artery that runs along the spine in the back? Check the video and tell me what you think. Im going to head out in the morning to look for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGQaY1jXk1k

Still bummed,
Mike

After watching it in both real time and slow motion a dozen times, its a flesh wound.

The deer will live.

The artery you're talking about runs underneith the spine, not above it.

There is always a possibility, and you should follow up. BUt in my honest opinion...you hit that happy place of no mans land. The worst you probably did was put a hurting on his loins...I shot a beautiful 8 3 years ago...same spot...actually shot him again 4 days later...he was fine...well until the second time around.

LOOK ANYWAY THOUGH>>>YOU OWE IT TO THE ANIMAL!

Frankie

Right throught the back strap, no infection it should live no problem.

Looks like you barely knicked him. He will be around next trip.

Exactly, your above the spine, nothing but a flesh wound and a live deer.

ya i dont think he will end up dieing but if he does hopefully you find him.

I agree with the others. You never know what you might have cut though so give it a hard look tomorrow.

I am sorry I fell bad for you.

Yup, looks like you just educated him and gave him a sore back. Next time a hunter bleats at that buck to stop him he'll be heading for the hills. Good luck.