A guy on my lease "shot" a doe Sunday evening. Although we both had to be at work early this morning, we were willing to search throughout the night for this deer.

We gave the animal a few hours and headed out to search. As you know, there are common questions asked when a hunter tells you (especially a novice hunter) that he/she has shot at a deer. In the instance Sunday evening, the shooter made a few silly mistakes that made tracking his animal extremely difficult.

We eventually determined he missed the deer, but it brought to my attention how vital your post shot actions are to recovering your kill, especially on a poor shot.

The hunter in this story wasn't sure exactly where the animal was when he shot, or exactly which direction she ran. With no blood this makes tracking the deer extremely difficult and increases your chance of having to revert to paying someone with a good deer dog to find your animal.

The hunt doesn't end with the shot. You are still on task to know where the animal was when you shot, the exact route the animal flees in, and other details that are useful to someone helping you track. I was very frustrated with my fellow hunter for not paying attention to these things. Had he hit the deer, the chances of us recovering it without having to take Monday off were slim to none. Remember how important making a good shot is, but be prepared for the instance when you make a bad shot and have to track your animal. Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Man sorry to hear that. I guess it's just part of becoming a good, experienced bow hunter. Live and learn.

Man that sucks to spend all that time for nothing. Got to always remember to keep focusing after the shot is made.

this is where video becomes priceless

ac

you bring up a really good point.

Video IS priceless! Hopefully he will get a second chance!

I was frustrated because it was such a let down. I come into camp and this guy is stoked! After questioning him, his confidence in his shot began to wane, as did mine. Sign of a hit was non-existent, and as a result, I was extremely late getting home and was tired as all get out this morning. That is beginner bow hunting, though. He will learn from his mistake, and I will be there congratulating him when he does!

This might sound bad, but, I always ask for the arrow. If there's no blood or any kid of fluids on it, I'm not spending hours trying to track a animal that shows no blood anywhere.

I've done this for a few people in the past, but today, If you can't show me you hit it, I'm not going to help find something that was clearly missed.

(Now if you show me a arrow with blood on it, or you tell me you shot the deer and it ran off with your arrow, I'll go help.).

Another important thing to remind new hunters (escpecially) bow hunters is don't just jump out of the stand after the shot. Wait 30 minutes making mental notes of where the deer headed after the shot. If the shot is a marginal one this will stop from pushing the deer.

I feel your pain, my kid brother did not take a deer until he was about 25. From the age of 12 until then I am not sure how many "hit deer" we tracked. We finally stopped letting him sit alone and when he'd shoot I swear that boy had the worst case of buck fever I'd ever seen. Talking 2-3 inch shakes of the rifle.

Sorry for the bad luck but it happens. I always replay the scene over and over in my mind. Get a small spray bottle of peroxide and keep it with you. If you dont see any signs of a hit on your arrow then spray it.However regardless of this result I give every effort possible whether hit or miss to ensure I have done all I can to make a decision of the shot.