RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

Well guys, I thank you for all the help. I searched for the better part of a day. I went down into the ravine and followed all the trails in and out. I searched the thickets high and low, and got the scars to prove it. I went to the only source of water around but nothing there. I searched and searched for more blood but nothing found. I don't know who owns the neighboring property, so I was reluctant to go there, but I did follow the main trail from where he was headed into that property for about 200 yds and also searched the fence rows all around it. I did everything I could to find more blood or anything, but nothing. I even looked at some deer anatomy diagrams to get a better idea of what I might have hit. It is possible that I got right around the liver but was deflected back slightly into the stomach. When he ran by at 10 yds, I could see where the arrow hit, and it looked like like a liver and even extreme back lung hit. Like I said, it was definitely in the mid-slight back rib cage, and one blade showed that evidence of hitting a rib.
In all my years of shooting deer, I've made a few less than perfect shots, stomach, liver, etc, but this is the first that I've not been able to track and find. I've been sick over it. I woke up in the night thinking about that deer. I don't know if a deer shot in the stomach can survive or not, but I hope so.
I even watched for buzzards for a while, and when I return to the area, I'll do that again.
Thanks again, but sorry no good news.

RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

Sorry to hear that and thanks for the update. I'd get a few buddies together and grid search the area. Maybe a dog as well if that is legal in your area. From all of your descriptions, the deer should have been dead by morning and unless bumped, he shouldn't have gone far.

RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

That isa bummer.SorryPastor..This might be a good time to get to know your neighbor and see if they would be able to let you search the property line thoroughly, and show them you are a responsible hunter by asking for their permission. What have you got to lose in this case now, can't hurt to be on good terms with a neighbor..
Better luck with the rest of the season!

RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

ah that is crappy news. I was holding out for some good news. Best of luck the rest of the season sir.

RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

If the stomach was punctured it will not survive. It will hurt like hell for up to a couple of days, turn septic, and die from the infection. Worst possible way to go. Of course, I guess it could get worse. He could be found by coyotes first and die one inch at a time as they eat him from the hams up.

This is why we must practice as much as we can and if we cannot practice enough, then we should have the wherewithall to not go hunting.

RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

Wow, way to kick a guy when he's down........

Actually, if the deer was hit as mentioned, I believe the deer's system will poison itself before any infection seeps in.

RE: Recovery help asap - UPDATED
 

Pastor find someone with a birddog or a coonhound and run the dog through there. I found a gut shot deer like that once.