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huntnfish21

New Member
First off, I am new to Iowa and can't believe the size of the deer. Always wanted the chance to hunt here and now I live here isn't that the best.
Ok, tonite I shot a very nice buck at about 10 yards. I shot him through the middle of the shoulders from the top. I have shot several deer from above and have never been able to not find them. This deer however did not bleed and I spent four hours searching for him. Any suggestions other than broadside shot? I will be back out in the morning looking
 
This deer might be hard to find and doubt this deer is dead. If I understood you he was shot between the shoulder from above. This is a very low percentage shot. Very little blood and no vitals. Keep looking. I would recommend trying to hold off until a better shot presented itself. Good luck. P.S. don't tell anyone that our deer are big, we like to keep that a secret.
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Like QDM mentioned, that's a pretty low percentage shot. One lung hits can be extremely tough recoveries. Deer have been known to survive one lung hits. All I can suggest is doing a grid search with as many friends as you can round up. Also check every natural barrier within the area, stream / river banks, fence lines, steep ravines, etc. Deer that are in shock tend to make these places their death beds as they don't have the ambition / energy to cross them. I've found most all of my non blood trail recoveries this way.
 
I agree with all the responders. As others have said a one lung shot isn't a high percentage shot. Next time I'd recommend waiting for a double lung or let him walk.

Thanks for posting. I'm sure this will help others avoid the same situation. Good luck finding him.
 
first off, congrats on getting the oppurtunity to take the shot!! i myself would have never attempted this shot, you should never take a shot straight down at a deer or any steep angle shot that causes you to have to settle your pins on any part of the spine, or even within 3 1/2 inches on either side of the spine(if that makes sense). i have always been told this is a major no no in hunting! my guess is that this deer will make it, i have a buddy who has done this 4 times and none of the bucks was recovered, he has since learned to wait for a better shot! only thing i can tell you is grid, grid, grid!!! once again, congrats on the oppurtunity, good luck
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I needed advice not a lecture about shot percentages or whether to wait for a better shot. I guess that is what I get for becoming involved on this forum. i have heard alot of people making this shot but I guess I am not an expert nor do I claim to be.
Oh by the way I found the buck around noon today. Thanks for the postive replies fellas.
I also think
 
HuntnFish21

Congrats on finding him! Were you able to determine what vitals were hit? (one lung, both, heart etc?). Since there was a poor blood trail I am guessing the broadhead did not exit the chest cavity? When you found him did you eventually find a good blood trail? Were you using mechanicals or fixed blade broadheads. What was the deers orientation to you when shot i.e. broadside, facing away, quartering away? Did the arrow actually impact where you thought it did when you made the shot?

I am not judging (was not there) just curious for my own education. One thing good about this site is you can learn from others experiences, good and bad. You mentioned it was a 10 yard shot I believe lots of people have taken less than 10 yard shots from tree stands with good results.

Sorry you felt you were being judged for making a bad shot and hope it does not discourage you posting in the future.
 
It's a good thing you didn't give up by assuming it was a non-lethal shot - I applaud you for that. To many times on a situation like yours hunters give up.

I'm glad you stuck with it and found your buck. I'm also curious as to how far he went? How you found him? And what vitals were hit? Was the arrow still in him? Fixed or Expandable?

Congrats on your first Iowawhitetail
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Sorry if you thought you were getting a ass chewing but you were'nt...we were just giving you advice that you asked for. I'm glad you found your buck I hope others that thought that would be a for sure kill shot understand it's not. I hope you still use this form but if not good luck!!!!!!!
 
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