dave37

I went out today around 2:30 and decided the wind was wrong for one of my stands once i reached it. I decided to trek back another 200-300 yards to my other stand which was risky because anything in the woods wpuld almost certainly wind me (but kinda had no choice at that point) so approx 100 yards from stand (A) i heard a crunch to my right just inside the woods. After a few minutes of standing there i relized there was a buck standing maybe 15 yards upwind of me.I havehad this very deer in range twice in the last 2 days and here he was again on day three.His right side was a mmedium 8 pt. frame hisleft was gone. After meeting with him and even drawing on him yesterday morning idecided if i could get a shot . Ishot him at about 15-18 yards from the groundit was a solid good hit - a bit low just a bit though. He ran out into the field with the doe he was withstill flagging which i usually dont feel great about when i see this. Anyway without writing my next memoir on this post- simply put i feel good about the shot. BUT it then started pooring down rain so i decided after only about 30-40 minutes i had to get on him. I ended up jumping him up about 200 yards from where i shot him and he didnt act like he was terribly hurt there was lots of good blood where he was walking (very dark red with lots of bubbles in it) which im not so sure werent created by all the rain hitting it. After i jumped him i decided to back out and try in the morning. What would i have hit a bit low ? Heart i believe but if that was the case he wouldhave expired regardless in that time IWOULD THINK SO ANYWAY. what would i have hit if the shot was lower than thaty ? the longer i think about it the worse and worse i feel about it (knowing damn well it was a pretty good shot) by the way this is the second deer this year i have been in this situation with and this one especially confirms in my mind that a good shot with my new fangel rage 3 blades is still worthless at 15 yards ~ my muzzys have always blown through deer i think my bow is too slow for em from what ive been gathering from the forums/ my 2 experiences. bowtech tribute 60# gold tip 7595 arrows.. Alright i guess im done venting- any input -GREAT !

GMMAT

What did your arrow look like?

dave37

My arrow looked great sticking out his side as he ran across the field with it sticking in him -

dave37

the damn luminok wasnt even blinking/ lit . I swear god hates me this year nothing but bad luck -

GMMAT

If your windage was right.....and you got penetration like you describe.....

I can't think of any scenario in which that buck isn't a goner. I actually can't fathom how he lived 40 minutes.

Good luck.

bowmanaj

Dont get too discouraged yet.. Go back in the morning to where you jumped him and see if you can find more blood. It sounds to me like the arrow had good blood. This might be one of those situations where he bedded down wounded and would have expired if you hadn't jumped him. I may have done the same thing and only waitedan hour or sothough if I found good blood. Good luck though finding him tomorrow. Take a couple buddies out to help you look!

dave37

yeah thats the gameplan - its only a 40-45 for a high tomorrow hopefully ill have the recovery pics and post tomorrow. I tell ya bowhunting is a ROLLERCOASTER ride.

iamyourhuckleberry

Dave37,

I feel for you. I hate situations like this. I can assure you, however, and I'm sure you know, these beasts are a hardy lot! Do your very best to locate him. Stay postive under all circumstances. A postive attitude is critical-it will keep you looking when things aren't going your way!

Do not blame your bow or broadhead-sounds to me like you have plenty of both to get the job done. Did you shoot low enough to miss his chest cavity? Did the arrow stop after hitting his opposite leg? From 15 yards, I would think your arrow would have blown through his chest had it only hit chest matter.

Keep us posted....

dave37

I think that may be the case ( opposite shoulder) yeah im going through all the riggers tonight of calling adjacent property owners and get permission to recover in the morning. I trailed him into their open fields tonight without permission so i think id rather be safe than sorry

dave37

Well after an exhausting 2nd search today. Nothing. I couldnt find a lick of blood to save my butt - searched everywhere. thats 2 this year - not good