dont beat yourself up over this one, you've already gone above and beyondwhat 99% ofother hunters would have done in regards to tracking.Hopefully he's still alive and you'll see him again.

Buster was 9/11 before coming here, today. He's a good little dog....and a tenacious sniffer. He was a joy to watch....and I was optimistic.

It sounds very much like we're "rationalizing".....but Ed thinks the deer isn't dead (for several reasons). I'm not saying one way or another. Whatever happens from now until....I gotta live with it. I'll do that better if I continue to exhaust all efforts, though. I'll be back at it tomorrow.

I can't believe how understanding the hunters are on this property, either. I wouldn't stand for letting people trapse ALL over the area I was currently hunting. Or....I wouldn't have, previously. NONE of the land I've been searching on....do I have permission to hunt on. They've been absolutely wonderful.

While I'm out tomorrow....I'm gonna put up a trail cam ont eh two rubs and the scrape I saw the buck working. He may never come there again (if he's alive)....but it's not much effort to do so.

Man that is tough Jeff. I know how hard it can be to get a shot on a good deer, and when you do, you want to find the deer so bad. I am sorry this happened but you have done more than most people would do to find your deer. I had a scenario much like yours on my first buck kill, a small 7 point. He actually was only 50 or so yards from my POI. I had a blood trail that ran for almost 200 yards, then nothing, zip. I looked for 4 hours on day by myself, then another 4 or 5 the next day til I found him. He was literally underneath an old tree that was next to the creek. I could not even see him except for his antlers sticking out, that is how camoflauge he was in the woods. GOOD luck. If you don't find him, please get back on the saddle so to speak and enjoy your time in the woods, you have earned it.

Brett

Brett thanks....and believe me I'm not done. I've got tomorrow and any other day I need to help ease my mind. I'm gonna put up a stand on the edge of the clearcut probably tuesday and wednesday.....and see if I see buzzards. The trailcam might pick up something, too. Who knows?

I appreciate the words of encouragement....more than you guys know. When it's over...I'll know there wasn't anything else I could do.....and I'll live with it.

Jeff proud of you bro you gave it your best.


T

+1

See what you can find tomorrow but if the dog couldn't find him I'd be surprised if you can. No offense but I know from bird hunting (Quail & Pheasant) that it's simply amazing what their noses can pick up and locate like little Quail in deep cover. It will be tough to do better, but you never know.

Good luck tomorrow but if the blood trail abruptly stopped and the dog couldn't pick it up again it might be a disappointing day tomorrow as well. I wish I was closer I'd help you look....Doc said I can walk all I want.

Keep your chin up Jeff.

I would come and helpyou, but like many i'm not in your state. I would come and help anyone for that matter if they where close enough to me. GL man I hope you find him.

PM sent. Stay positive.

Nice to see someone take the time and effort to try to recover an animal. My hat is off to you and the tracker.

All you can do is what you are doing now, keep at it and remember, this stuff happens to everyone, even the most seasoned hunters, but you know this already, just thought I would remind you.. you have already done more than most people would do Jeff, speaks volumes for your character.