In thinking about the angst involved in losing a big one...I will share something that I hope helps someone in the future.
I shot a 160-170 incher some 7 years ago. Similar story. One lung, probably dead, but just not quickly enough.
Searched for days on the ground. Finally did the one thing I could think of that would really make a difference.
I spent $55 on a "flying lesson."
Had the instructor fly me over the farm, got some great aerials, and was sure I had found the buck.
Unfortunately, it was just a calf carcass the farmer had chucked in the woods to decompose.
But I do maintain that if all else fails, it's a relatively cheap way to survey a tremendous amount of territory.