Possibly wounded a buck today

[N7XW]

I wouldn't expect birds just yet.  Also, you probably already know this, but a lack of a blood trail doesn't necessarily  mean he didn't go a  certain way.  I learned that the hard way a few years back, thought for sure there would be blood all the way based on how much there was to start with.  LONG story short, I finally found him weeks later because of the birds, and smell as I got closer.  Good luck, don't give up.

[DaveMonti]

You didn't do anything wrong.  I've recovered several deer that I left overnight after I was unsure of the hit.
The biggest issue will be finding sign in the AM.  You saw where he dropped into a draw, so look for sign between where you shot him and where you last saw him.  If he's bleeding little, he may be gut shot, but will probably be dead.  I doubt that coyotes will find him unless the place is overrun with them.  If he spurted blood, you have a good hit and he's probably right where you last saw him.

Deer behavior is tough to figure out, especially after they are hit.  Some just stand there looking disoriented, others bolt for a long ways after being hit in the vitals, others hunch up or jump into the air and kick their legs.  I don't think there is anything you can figure out by what he does after he's hit.  He's just running away from a threat and trying to stay alive, even if he's mortally wounded.

You have cool weather and an undisturbed deer.  You will find him, just take it slow and keep your eyes open, ears open, and even use your nose.  Make a simple plan in your head of what you are going to do in the AM and that is all you can do for now.  I know it's tough to leave a deer over night, but  in this case, it was the right thing to do. 

[JLS]

The unprovoked run happens sometimes with mortally wounded animals.


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I hope that is the case, sort of like a last burst of life thing?

I dont know if it matters but i was shooting a 7mm 08 with 139 hornady superformance sst's

Yep, a death run of sorts. 


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[WA hunter14]

thanks everyone for the input, I have a good idea now of what I need to do in the morning and I dont feel good but I feel like there is hope.

[PastorJoel]

My buck last year left no obvious blood trail but was dead 75 yards from where I shot him.

[N7XW]

thanks everyone for the input, I have a good idea now of what I need to do in the morning and I dont feel good but I feel like there is hope.

Let us know how tomorrow morning goes.

[jhawk13]

Ok, it sounds like he was hit hard. The most important thing to do tomorrow is be calm and get on the trail. While this may seem easy, coming back in the morning can sometimes lead to issues. So, no matter what stay calm and composed, you will be more observant this way. Once you find it, Mark it, and proceed hunting the animal as if he wasn't shot yet. Almost like still hunting blacktails, you don't want to miss anything. He will have had quite a time to die, so more than likely he's piled up dead somewhere, but you never know so be ready for a follow up shot!

[Mfowl]

I hope you marked or gps'd the place you took your shot from. Things have a way of looking a little different the second time around. Good luck, hope you find him!

[boneaddict]

At least your boss was with you so you might get the day off tomorrow.  If so, good for him.    Good luck!

[csaaphill]

tagging

[Firedogg]

Keep a close eye on trees with limbs close to the ground. They like bedding down next to those where they feel hidden but can still see. My guess is you find him permanently sleeping.

[pianoman9701]

Good luck. Use your GPS if you get stuck to search a grid from the last spot you can find tracks or blood.

[C-Money]

Good luck finding your deer...

[260Rem]

Wow

[pianoman9701]

Let us know how it goes today.