I did that at one time but now I clean it, spin it, shoot it and sharpen the ole Montec and put back in the quiver.

If it isn't broken or otherwise damaged it gets new blades and 're-tuned' and back in the quiver. It may or may not be my primary, but it'll be ready to kill again if/when I need it.

The only arrows that I have ever purposely retired after killing a deer were in 2 pieces.
I subscribed to the "Lucky Arrow" theory too.......In fact I had one lucky A/C/C 3-49 that made it through 7 animals before an accidental spine shot rolled on it.[]

Aye!

Clean it and reuse it until it bends. I figure since it has already killed a deer it know where to hit when I shoot it

$hooter - read your post and laughed. I'd like to here that story sometime. Post it, I'm sure we'll all get a laugh.

Unless I noticed some damage to the arrow I cannot think of a time when I "retired" it after using it on an animal. I could see the potential cause for concern in some cases but with most pass-throughs I am not sure if it would be an issue.

I have always retired the arrow and broadhead after it has done it's job. So far 32 arrow / brodheads are resting comfortably. I wright on the vane the date, bow, animal & size, draw weight and location on each one.

If it's good, clean it and let it fly again. If not, mount it wih the rack.