Phade.
This is the only actual study of any wounding/recovery that I have found. Certainley doesn't sound worse (actually better) than what I see in my area during gun season. And I have found no studies or evidence to support this guys assertion that archers are deer wounding machines. Like I said, all he has provided is gossip and coffee shop opinion.

http://www.nbef.org/ripley.html

Bill - your experiance does show wounding of deer by archery equipment. But it might also suggest good recovery rates from non fatal(lungs, heart, liver) shots. Also needs to be weighed against the results of 5 shot volleys at running deer that echo everywhere where I hunt opening week. Deer seen or later recovered with missing limbs and broken jaws. Last year alone I observed 2 different hunters on neighboring property take shots over 100 yards without going to check for a hit since the deer did not drop. Also found 3 carcesses on state land - lung shots that couldn't have traveled 100 yards through thick pines.

I am not not condeming gun hunters - I am one also. Just want this guy to realize that bad hunters shoot both bow and gun - but the overwhelming majority of both are responsible. If he got out of the coffee shop, turned off the hunting videos, and got out in the woods more than opening day, he would see this. And until he gathers more real information, he should not try to effect the archery season - rather lets educate ALL those that need it.

Steve

Steve, good points. I really wasnt paying real close attention to the thing between you and that guy, really. I dont waste the time reasoning with guys like him. Id rather just exchange with more knowledgable guys like you, lol! I simply stated that I see way too many wounded deer. I hate neck shots, and with a bow, this is unacceptable. Heck, next we could talk about how many I cape out with #6 shot in their faces...can you believe THAT crap? Good luck with your research, though.

Bill,

Thanks - I generally ignore the type also.But Have had to listen to him at the last several meetings and it is getting old. You are right - too many wounded from both camps - stuff happens but responsible hunters lower their odds of wounds.

Take care
Steve