Jimmy S

This happened a few yrs. back. Two friends were hunting from pine trees (in Maine), not tree stands, but physically sitting in hugh pine trees. There were about 125 yds away from each other and nowhere within sight. There was no question or concern for safety. At 9:30am one fired one shot and saw the deer continue to run. The other called over and finally met the one who fired. The one who fired said he thought he hit the deer, it felt like a good shot but hopes he would find it. The other hunter (who never did see the deer in all the excitement) said "you're deer is over that ridge 60 yds away dead"....They both walked over and there was an 8 pointer lying dead on the ground....What was his explanation for being so sure? Not meant to be a test...just thought I would get you thinking, 'cause it's that "thinking time" of the year.

8mm/06

Either he heard it go down, or saw a blood or other trial. Maybe he knew of an escape route........Maybe the hunter that DIDN't fire figured the deer would have run into the wind..I don't know just guessing......
How many guesses will it take before you come back and give the "answer"?
Looking forward to the explanation.

Jimmy S

8mm...You are right, he not only heard it, but heard it go DOWN. After the shot, he heard the buck running near him (still never saw it) but he said it was running like a hurt deer, crashing into everything in it's path. Suddenly the woods went quiet. From that he knew where the deer went down.....Good Job.

8mm/06

Well, I got one right for a change.
I learned a while ago (after my young and impetuous days) to stay still and as quiet as possible after the shot (gun or bow) watching (if possible) but always listening and trying to mark an "auditory trail" for getting a general direction. Also always listening for the crashing of a desparate and hurt deer. And, Sometimes...yes...I get lucky and think I hear it go down.
That's always a nice sound...if it turns out to be true anyway.

Stump_MN_Hunter

Another one is to wait quiet and still after your shot and try to hear for the deer to wheeze. Might be a good indication of a fairly descent lung shot, but not instantly fatal. One of 10,000 reasons to leave the deer you shot a good half an hour to an hour(when possible) before you go searching. Even if you think the shot you made was a good one. Good topic!!