If you had to guess, which caliber is responsible for the most wounded deer per year? I wonder if anyone could find some documentation on this?

I hate to say this. but probably the 30-30. Many reasons other than just its power. Some I bet cause alot of young hunters start out with em. Some cause too far a shot.

Personal observation, .243. I have seen more deer shot and lost with a .243 than any other caliber. Stats, 10-15 deer lost over 5 years. It was a buddy of mine's favorite rifle.

For what it's worth, I have shot many deer, and have seen many shot with a .30/30 and not a single one of them was lost. These stats are based on a total of 30-40 deer over a 10 year period. None were attempted at over 100 yds. Just not that many really long shots where I hunted then.

My guess would be any caliber consistently choosen by irresponsible shooters. Could be a 300 Wby Mag, could be a .223, poor shot placement wounds deer. Hunters not doing their part by going out and firing their rifle on a regular basis, no 10 shots a year from the picnic table just before hunting season does not count, that causes wonded deer. If you practice shooting from the kneeling, sitting, and standing positions at least, and do it as often as possible (at least once per month anyway) and study the antimony of a deer I promise you will not wound a deer. Just my opinion after observation.

Probably the 30-30 because it has been used for so long by so many people.

If I had to guess it would be a more powerful flatshooting round with a lot of outdoor writer push on it rather then an underpowered or average powered cartridge.

Not to discredit anyone's opinion but it is worth taking a look at the link below to the infamous formal deer kill study. Generally finds no differance in killing power for deer from the .243 to the 30-06.
[link]http://www.scilowcountry.org/cedar_knoll_deer_study.htm[/link]

That honor would go to the 30-06? The fact that more 30-06 rifles & ammo are sold to hunters every year than any other rifle, is the only reason I choose my answer.

From What I have seen that dishoner go's to the 243

A 12 Ga. shotgun shooting buckshot, followed by a 12 ga. shotgun shooting Foster-type slugs!