I have no idea why the arrow flew like it did??? I want to give it enough time, if I keep pushing her she will go further into the swamp and then it will get ugly! I want to go back now and look for her but when she got up and ran, I'm thinking I need to wait???

After she got up ran I couldn't see the Lumenok any more. I backed out!

How long has it been? I would at least head back out and check out my arrow and see if there's a blood trail. I'm sure you can sneak in there and find the arrow and then go from there.

Before anyone says anything about how long to wait before getting down........If I thought the deer was dead....I'd have gotten down, too. I don't see any fault, there.

If it were ME......I'd go back, tonight (and I have NO IDEA of your circumstances....and if this is feasible). I live close to my hunting grounds (walk, most of the time), though. What time did you shoot her.....and what time is it, now, where you are (the HNI clocks are hard to keep up with)?

I shot her just before 7:00pm, so I would say 3 hours since I shot but maybe 2 hours and some change since she ran!

Rob, How long to wait with a shoulder hit????

I'm 45 minutes from my Hunting spot, in Milwaukee and its 10:42pm!

good luck on finding her,post us on what happens tomorrow

Wow, really depends on what you connected with, if we are in the vitals or not. A shoulder shot could get heart, lungs, tracea or combination all not to mention some blood vessels and ateries or it could simply result in a flesh wound if forward of the body cavity.

Obvioulsy if you connected heart/lungs she's dead now. Some of the blood vessels there are smaller although they can bleed out, in that case I'd push a deer, hard to do in the dark though to keep if flowing. We did that to success one night with 4 guys and ran a deer down, I also did this with one other guy on a rear ham hit...we kept hearing the buck get up and go and we could hear the arrow hit the tree. We finally happened up on the deer trying to get up....first and only "Buck Roar" I ever heard and he swung his head toward us on his front leg only.

I'd give her at least one more hour total 3-4 and go see what kind of blood trail you have. If it's flowing, go after her, if it's partial, take your time and maticulously inch forward and listen intently.

That's a tough deal, BHF. No "easy" answer. I won't judge you either way you go (tonight or tomorrow). I'm just happy I don't have to make the decision you do. I spent one sleepless night already, this year. I don't wish it on anyone.

But if I can't sleep.......I might as well be looking......that's my thought. I don't know what your work situation is......which is a factor, too.

Sorry bro....