Just shouldered a doe...will she live??
09-15-2009, 11:53 AM
#31
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Virginia / West Virginia
Posts: 4,906
Sorry to hear it Lyncher. That is the exact reason I don't shoot mechs. If you happen to make a poor hit, you have a higher percentage of success with a quality fixed broadhead, in my opinion. I know there is always the exception on both sides, however I like to play percentages. Dead is dead...and a good shot with pretty much any head will kill them. Its on the errant shots that I am worried about and want the percentage on my side. You hunt long enough, you'll shoulder one - that's a fact. Keep your chin up...
Mike
Mike
09-16-2009, 04:27 AM
#32
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Dover, Ohio.
Posts: 1,434
Last season I shot a nice non-typical buck. When the arrow hit him it cracked very loud. He took off running and the arrow was hanging out of the side I hit him on and fell back out about 20 yards after he started running. I retrieved the arrow and noticed it only penetrated about 2 inches. I have heard of this happening to other hunters but it was the first time it happened to me. I knew then I hit him on the thickest part of his shoulder bone. My son and I gave him some time then searched all day and did not find him. There was very little blood. I know he lived to see another day.
09-16-2009, 06:22 AM
#35
Fork Horn
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Dark Side of the Moon
Posts: 406
Based off the arrow location and the lack of penetration, I would say she will live. Deer are tough and if that arrow did not penetrate the shoulder bone then I think she will make it. Was she limping badly as she ran away, or was she running on all 4 legs? If you were elevated, I am not surprised with the lack of blood as there was no pass-through. I have seen the pictures from processors showing broadheads embedded in shoulder bones. Always and area I try and miss when shooting.
I have shot both fixed and mech's. I believe shot location is the key. I am not going to say if you would have a fixed blade the deer would be dead or vice verca. You said you would take the shot again. Good! Then Chalk this one up to buck fever, Murphy's law, etc... Stay confident in your equipment and your shooting ability.
You did everything you could to find the animal and I think she lived. Go get her later in the season. Good Luck!
I have shot both fixed and mech's. I believe shot location is the key. I am not going to say if you would have a fixed blade the deer would be dead or vice verca. You said you would take the shot again. Good! Then Chalk this one up to buck fever, Murphy's law, etc... Stay confident in your equipment and your shooting ability.
You did everything you could to find the animal and I think she lived. Go get her later in the season. Good Luck!
