In short, I work in a pro shop and hear a lot of stories. This year has has been terrible for lost deer. I can't figure it out. I have heard 10x the stories of lost deer this than I normally do. Three of these people were my friends who have killed many deer, have hunted many years, and are great shots. Two of the three have never lost a deer and the other had only lost one. I witnessed one blood trail and from his description and the looks of the blood, I thought we'd find it. I have yet to get a shot, and hopfully I have better luck. Has anyone else noticed this trend or is it just me. I heard 15 Bad stories in the first week alone. I have long lost count now. Is this just all coincidence. [&:][&:]

This is not meant to rip on anyone who has had an unfortunate experience this year, just and observation and curiosity if this is happening anywhere else.

I think the Deer started carrying off their Dead!!![8D]

I've heard several stories of people losing deer this year as well. And like you said, it's been people who normally don't lose deer. My father shot one about 2 weeks ago and got what appeared to be a good hit. We had an awesome blood trail for about 100 yards, where we kicked the deer up. We heard him run about 50 yards and stop, so we quietly backed out for the night and came back the next day. The blood trail went another 100 yards or so, then just stopped dead in the middle of a plowed corn field. Not a trace of anything after that point. 4 of us spent almost an entire day scouring the entire woods, fencerows, and fields in the area and didn't come up with a single thing.

I doubt that there is some sort of mass conspiracy going on, but who knows - maybe aliens are taking our deer. [:-]

It's too bad and may be part of bowhunting, or hunting in general, that some animals will be lost. But, do we need this post on our bulletin board for the world to see?[>:]
[>:]

I can testify to this problem. I just got back after spending my third day of looking for a buck I hit Saturday.

?????????????????????

This is not a good thread at all.

In return to your bad luck it has happened here in northwest iowa as well. My dad has shot two 130+ class bucks this year and we have not found either...My friend also has shot a buck this year with no luck finding it...And these guys are not bad shots we will not even go deer hunting untill we can put four out of five arrows in a beer can at 40 yards, granted there is the adrenaline factor to figure in but that has never been a problem before. ..with a combined hunting experience of 40+ years...I don't know what it is but i hope it is about to end...

i would agree even though we all know this sort of thing happens the last thing we as hunters need is this sort of post on the boards,, LETS NOT GIVE THE ANTIS ANY MORE AMMO

My conspiracy theory........
They are like roaches and have become imune to our poison........

I have yet to loose a deer this year if that helps any.