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quick Advice please

Robinhood

Robinhood

Heart Striker
I hit a buck too far back tonight. It was on the bucks left side, not a pass through. After I hit him he ran then trotted to about 65 yards to where I watched him for 10 min. Tail was between legs, somewhat hunched over. Then he slowly walked off. Give me some advice. What are my chances of recovery? Leave him overnight & try in the morning? It appeared to be a gut shot...
 
I'd wait till mid morning, 0900 or 1000 before going at it. 12 hours minimum.
 
I would definitely back out. Lesson learned the hard way. But there are exceptions.

Other things to consider.... How many coyotes are in your area? How big is the property you hunt..Would he wonder off to another property? Have you found any blood, hair, guts at all? Color of blood? What is the temp supposed to get down to tonight? How long has it been since you hit him?

Conventional wisdom always says when in doubt back out. But I believe there are exceptions as well. I have talked with several people the last week to see if I should have done some thing differently. Lots of members here gave me great advice as well as others experienced bow hunters. I think I did all the right things and searched for days but still did not find him (or what is left of him yet if he didn't make it)

Hang in there. I know exactly what you are going though...and it is not fun. Just do everything you can to recover the animal. Good Luck!
 
Back out and wait until mid morning for the frost to be off the ground if there is any. And as said have your bow in hand and go slow.
 
take your bow and look around the nearest water source in the morning if you can put the wind in your face. Good chance you will get a crack at him if he is not dead or pushed by coyotes tonight
 
I would definately wait till morning.I dont really see exceptions.If he is not dead all you will do is push it.I would rather find a deer that is tore up by coyotes than not find it at all.
 
That's what I did, backed out. I waited until dark and left. Dang tough but I agree its for the best. I know the exact point I last saw him and its near a small creek with deep ditches. I'm hoping that's where I find him. He's a nice mainframe 10 and I'd sure be disappointed...thanks for the quick responses!
 
Robinhood said:
That's what I did, backed out. I waited until dark and left. Dang tough but I agree its for the best. I know the exact point I last saw him and its near a small creek with deep ditches. I'm hoping that's where I find him. He's a nice mainframe 10 and I'd sure be disappointed...thanks for the quick responses!
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I think he'll be there based on how you explained how he reacted after the shot. He was a hurting unit and will likely be in the first bed you find. Luck to you.
 
I wouldn't go looking for him at least until noon. Look near water & he more than likely will still be alive but not feeling very well. Hope you see him before he sees you. Good luck
 
Deer

I've been there and seen that...sounds like he should be dead in the morning, coyotes may find him though.
 
I agree with jclaws and only one option here. Even if pouring rain You should wait. That type of hit, If not pushed, likely dead with 200 yards. You'll get him and pushing one hit here is a disaster 99/100 times.
 
When in doubt, back the F*** out!! At least that is what we always do. You might take a chance on the coyotes but if you bump him now you most likely wont find him and they will get him regardless.
 
Well guys...no good news to share. I spent 8 plus hours in the timber today looking for him. I found the arrow completely covered in bright red blood, no gut smell. Followed a blood trail only 30 yards long. I bet I walked 10 miles worth today with two guys helping. No dice. I could just duke I'm so frustrated with myself and the bad shot. Then what happens? I had my bow along looking for the buck and at last light I spot a group of does feeding in the picked cornfield. I put my rangefinder on the closest one and drilled her at 52 yards according to the old Nikon, dropped within 30 yards later. I put the bottom pin on the vitals and hit vitals with a pass through. It is so Frustrating how a good buck gets away with a 10 yard drilling. I just can't believe he's dead. I feel like I covered every square foot of the property.
 
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