Shot a small buck, haven't found him, how long will the meat be good???

[deerhunter_98520]

After that much effort the hunting gods will be looking out for you with your elk

[JLS]

Thumbs up to you, you did the right thing all the way around.

[runamuk]

FOUND HIM!!!

The emotional rollercoaster has been crazy.  Tonight hasn't been any different.

First off, as I was driving in, I found some guys driver's license, credit cards and fishing license in one of those plastic license holders you get from a sporting goods store in the middle of the road.  Then, as I'm sharpening my machete (was still planning on cutting through the heavy brush), I cut my finger to the bone.  As I'm standing there bleeding all over the place, only having one little napkin to try to stop it, I was debating whether to go to the hospital to get stitches or search for my buck.  I finally decided I would just walk the spur road in and see if I could smell anything since it was so hot today.

I got in there, finger &*^$ing killing me, and didn't smell anything.  I was getting ready to head out and go to the hospital when I noticed a vulture on the far timber edge.  I spooked him, he took off but returned back to the same spot again.  I thought that's got to be it. 

I crashed through the reprod and piled slash that was up to my shoulders in places and finally found him.  The smell was horrible, the flies and maggots disgusting, but I found my buck.  As best I could tell and as long as I could stand to be there, the entrance wound did look high but not 4" back as I thought.  The shot was at an angle so the exit wound was lower.  I took the head, got my antlers (he was a smaller spike than I thought also - funny how what you see in a split second is not accurate when you recount it later) and tagged out.

Guess I can move on now and focus on elk.  Well, maybe after I get my finger stitched up and contact the guy who lost his licenses and credit cards.

You are the bomb  sorry you lost the meat but glad you found him

[Bob33]

You earned yourself a great trophy that you should be proud of because of how you did it. You also set a wonderful example of a true sportsman. Congratulations.

[h20hunter]

Hell of an effort. Dont know if i would have stayed in the game as long as you did. True spotsman is what you are. Sorry it is a loss of meat but now you know. Again.....hell of a job.

[Huntbear]

FOUND HIM!!!

The emotional rollercoaster has been crazy.  Tonight hasn't been any different.

First off, as I was driving in, I found some guys driver's license, credit cards and fishing license in one of those plastic license holders you get from a sporting goods store in the middle of the road.  Then, as I'm sharpening my machete (was still planning on cutting through the heavy brush), I cut my finger to the bone.  As I'm standing there bleeding all over the place, only having one little napkin to try to stop it, I was debating whether to go to the hospital to get stitches or search for my buck.  I finally decided I would just walk the spur road in and see if I could smell anything since it was so hot today.

I got in there, finger &*^$ing killing me, and didn't smell anything.  I was getting ready to head out and go to the hospital when I noticed a vulture on the far timber edge.  I spooked him, he took off but returned back to the same spot again.  I thought that's got to be it. 

I crashed through the reprod and piled slash that was up to my shoulders in places and finally found him.  The smell was horrible, the flies and maggots disgusting, but I found my buck.  As best I could tell and as long as I could stand to be there, the entrance wound did look high but not 4" back as I thought.  The shot was at an angle so the exit wound was lower.  I took the head, got my antlers (he was a smaller spike than I thought also - funny how what you see in a split second is not accurate when you recount it later) and tagged out.

Guess I can move on now and focus on elk.  Well, maybe after I get my finger stitched up and contact the guy who lost his licenses and credit cards.

You just built a crap load of Karma points... The hunting gods will be good to you......   

You sir, just proved you are a very ethical person.  You would be welcome in my camp anytime.

[N7XW]

Thank you everyone.  I appreciate the kind words.  I certainly feel better about the whole situation. 

[ShaneTyTrey]

After all these posts and great grit shown to retrieve the buck.....how about a picture?

[Curly]

You earned yourself a great trophy that you should be proud of because of how you did it. You also set a wonderful example of a true sportsman. Congratulations.

 

[CedarPants]

After all these posts and great grit shown to retrieve the buck.....how about a picture?

I'm not sure a pic of flies and maggots would do the animal justice.  Tact is a good thing on a forum viewed by the public.  He said he took the head, not mere hours ago.

[6x6in6]

Good stuff N7.
You are welcome at my campfire anytime, anyplace!!!

Just curious, how close by had you passed him in your previous searches?

[3dsheetmetal]

Good job way to stay with it. You deserve a lot of credit for pursuing the animal you shot and not giving up. Need more hunters like you in the woods.

[N7XW]

I don't think it would be a good idea to post a picture of the deer in the condition it was in. 

He ended up 75 yards from the last blood spot and about 30 yards from where I passed closest to him when previously searching.  That stuff was so thick though that it was hard to see the ground 10' in front of you.

[sebek556]

  congrats on finding him, I really have to give you credit for sticking with it. On a side note, SUPER GLUE. Always keep some in a aid kit in your pack or vehicle. Makes excellent "field stiches"  did you get your hand looked at yet?

[grundy53]

You earned yourself a great trophy that you should be proud of because of how you did it. You also set a wonderful example of a true sportsman. Congratulations.

  Kudos to you!