MarengoJoe

Hunting from an old barn Friday when a huge 10 point came walking across a wide open field (grown up with about 50 feet wide paths mowed off) used the board on the barn for a rest 70 yard shot quartering away. I shot and he hopped and walked into the tall weeds. After about 15 min I walked down and found small spot of blood and white hair(bad) followed a drip trail for about 50 yards before it quit. Searched the whole area until dark and found nothing else. Went back the next day and looked some more, still no luck. Went back to where I shot from and upon close inspection noticed a branch on a small bush(branch was about the size of my little finger) shot completely in two. I just hope it was minor enough that he isn't coyote bait. By the way a was using a Rem 1100 12 gauge shotgun.

zekeskar

Thanks for telling the story and sorry the deer was lost. This is a story everyone should read - that a small branch can make such a large deflection on a huge slug like a 12 gauge. Everyone should keep this in mind when they hear people talk about a rifle cartridge being "good for brush". Nothing is good for brush, imho. If you hit a stick, you've likely missed your spot (not necessarily missed the animal though).

augmike

I am right there with ya. On last Sat I shot at the nicest buck I have had the chance to shoot at. I found no hair and a short drip trail. He ran into a small stand of pines and then disappeared. I search for hours with my brothers hoping to jump him again. I think he made it across the road to property that I don't have permission to go on. I can't stop replaying it in my head. On the other hand I hit one in the neck with the bow one year and 2 weeks later my father in law shot him with the gun. Maybe we will both meet up those bucks again!

cardeer

Thats whywe are humans,I to had branches I should of cleared mess me up