anybody near shelton want to help track a deer before the rain washes my blood

[724wd]

First ever unrecovered animal.  When does this feeling go away?

doesn't.  it'll stick with you

[bradslam]

I lost my one and only animal back in 1990.  Massive white-tail that was legitimately close to state-record size.  I had a running shot and hit him low, but wasn't able to get a follow-up shot.  We tracked him for a couple of miles, with blood the whole way, until the tracks went into Lake Roosevelt.  Went up and down the lake the next day looking in the snow for tracks leaving the lake...none found.  I'd give anything to find out what happened to that buck.  All we can figure is he swam the lake.  Still makes me sick to my stomach.

No you don't really get over it, but it sounds like you did what you could to recover the animal.  I like what you said about notching your tag, too.  Sounds like you have some ethics.

[chukar58]

I am sure that you and the people gave the search 100% effort and not recovering and animal is the risk every hunter takes when going afield period.   I believe that your deer is still alive and will fully recover.   If by chance it did slip away and expire I do know that nature does not waste and it will be consumed by all kinds of hungry creatures in the woods.   Yes it is a tough situation to process but if it did die it is not a waste.  I respect the cut tag,  that is awesome and I wish you success on future hunts!

[deltaops]

I do not get on the forums much on the weekends! You should have texted me. I could have taken my dog for a walk. He needs to get out anyways. 

Seriously though, I could have brought my 9yo son with me, he is pretty good at tracking.

[DoubleJ]

Thanks delta.  There's so much people traffic on the area now that there's no useable sign left.  Not that there was any after the last spot of blood anyway.  That dog though, need some exercise does he???

[deltaops]

Yes he could use some exercise with birds and what not. I need to get him out.

[sirmissalot]

My dog could use a good walk as well, spent the weekend stuck inside. Wouldn't mind taking him for a stroll after work, I get off at 3 and work in Shelton

[boneaddict]

Thread locked due to OPs request.