My neighbor is just getting into deer hunting this year and got us access to about 8-9 acres of wooded area by a lake with a few houses sprinkled around. A big 10 has been on camera a few times each week, so I know he lives somewhat close to that area. Anyways, Fri morning my neighbor shot his first buck and the 10pt was with him (said he didn't have shot on the 10). I went out there an hour after he shot to help track the buck he shot, and found the bolt from his crossbow with only a tiny piece of meat. Not one drop of blood at feeder or near bolt and it appears it was a high shoulder shot in no mans land. I am confident that buck will live. I did a slow, methodical search for about 20-30 minutes that morning, while he walked quickly around, but nothing.

My neighbor said he went back the next day and searched for 2 hours, walking every inch of the property multiple times. Now my question is, how long does that place need a rest after walking so much in the bedding areas, etc for that 10 to come back. It sprinkled a little bit Sun morning but no other rain in the near forecast.

Hunt now, sounds like those deer are used to human sights, sounds and smells.

Agree, the 10 may be there the next day or never see him again, I have seen both happen. Won't get him unless hunting though.

8-9 acres is too small of a parcel for crossbow. A fatally hit deer could easily run across that little piece of ground and onto property that you can't go onto for a recovery. I would suggest a suppressed rifle or a shotgun with slugs and only take a high shoulder shot or a neck shot so they drop in their tracks.

That all depends on your relation with the neighbors. Get permission to recover one on their land no problem, but without that then a problem could arise.

That is too small of a property to hunt for deer. Especially with houses around. Not going to change my mind.

What about urban hunts? Where the only acreage is a cemetary or etc surrounded by subdivisions and etc.

There are other factors going on here. A brand new hunter on 8 acres with archery equipment.

Urban hunts aren't that popular around here as other states for population control.