Post by: N7XW on September 03, 2012, 10:17:33 PM
The last spot had 2 small puddles with flesh (kidney, liver?) with very dark blood. This spot was about 190 yards from the shot. Never saw evidence of a gut shot (green/brown blood). We're going back in at first light to continue looking.
How long do you think the meat will be good for if it takes longer to find him? By the way, the shot looked good, 20 yards and a little back from the shoulder but maybe only 4" back. Thanks.
Post by: jrebel on September 03, 2012, 10:19:21 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 03, 2012, 10:21:24 PM
I'm not going to give up, will look as long as I have to.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 03, 2012, 10:22:34 PM
Post by: bobcat on September 03, 2012, 10:24:50 PM
Post by: sebek556 on September 03, 2012, 10:25:34 PM
Post by: KFhunter on September 03, 2012, 10:40:42 PM
you might see a leg sticking out :chuckle:
Post by: Kola16 on September 03, 2012, 11:01:23 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 03, 2012, 11:05:48 PM
Post by: AKBowman on September 03, 2012, 11:12:37 PM
Did you find your arrow? Was it a pass through ?
Post by: N7XW on September 03, 2012, 11:23:44 PM
I think it was somewhat strange how the blood trail instantly dried up. Maybe he was bleeding internally? :dunno:
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 04, 2012, 12:17:40 AM
Post by: Fishhunt223 on September 04, 2012, 09:23:36 AM
Arrow is the major role in finding a wounded/moving animal..... Need that sign if you can get it..... Should really tell you where you hit... Now it's not fresh but should be able to tell for the most part if found.... You could have just pushed that deer a half mile and made it "lost" to you..... Dark blood isn't a heart or lung...... Or a main muscle with veins.... Sounds like a high hit just missing the lungs with some angle to touch the liver if the chunks are true..... From your discription.... Tough find.... Wish you luck and hope you find it..... Check for circling back in a down hill manner next to water if any of those are options....:yeah:
You definitely want to find the arrow. That is the first thing you want to do. Also, if the deer was bleeding good, and it sounds like it was, it may be very close to the last spot you found blood. I had a doe that I stuck and tracked her about 100 yards, the blood was good, about like you describe, but the blood just dried up and I couldn't find any more, not even a drip. I had shot her at last light and searched for hours with flash lights. No dice. I decided to back out and start fresh again in the morning. The next morning I came back at first light and found the deer not 20 yards from the last blood, piled up in some brush that was too thick to see through the night before. The reason the blood trail dried up was that she was out of blood.
Post by: C-Money on September 04, 2012, 09:39:17 AM
Post by: Miles on September 04, 2012, 09:43:55 AM
Post by: MLBowhunting on September 04, 2012, 12:54:35 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 04, 2012, 02:24:11 PM
Jana
Post by: NW-GSP on September 04, 2012, 02:25:29 PM
Post by: Miles on September 04, 2012, 02:26:41 PM
Post by: JohnVH on September 04, 2012, 02:34:27 PM
Post by: C-Money on September 04, 2012, 02:45:45 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 04, 2012, 03:09:55 PM
C-money he is heading down to the creek now to look down in there at the alder bottoms I got most of the way down last night but hit a spot where it dropped off about 50 feet and I could no longer see what was below my feet so decided to stop since it was getting too dark anyways I didnt want to put my foot down and fall the 50 feet to the bottom.
Will update when I find out anymore thank you everyone for the good luck wishes I am sure with as hot as it is today the meat will be spoiled but i just want to find the buck and make sure he isnt dying slowly just want to make sure he is finished at this point.
I wish I could head out again with him and look but with having a young son its just not possible in that terrain. Its just my husband at this point looking for him.
Jana
Post by: buckfvr on September 04, 2012, 03:39:36 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 04, 2012, 04:45:42 PM
Jana
Post by: shedkid on September 04, 2012, 07:10:42 PM
Post by: shedkid on September 04, 2012, 07:18:27 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 04, 2012, 08:03:20 PM
Post by: Miles on September 04, 2012, 08:07:26 PM
I really hate these threads ... BRAGGING ABOUT WOUNDING SOMETHING IS NOT GOOD ..I know you did not intend to wound him but I think I would give it my best shot before telling everyone ...
Did I miss something?
I didn't see any bragging. I did see someone asking for advice and information.... Not sure why he should keep it a secret?
Post by: one shot kill on September 04, 2012, 08:13:02 PM
No kidding. The guy is asking for help and working his arse off trying to find it. He has already searched longer than most bow hunters i know would.I really hate these threads ... BRAGGING ABOUT WOUNDING SOMETHING IS NOT GOOD ..I know you did not intend to wound him but I think I would give it my best shot before telling everyone ...
Did I miss something?
I didn't see any bragging. I did see someone asking for advice and information.... Not sure why he should keep it a secret?
Post by: scottfrick on September 04, 2012, 08:31:15 PM
No kidding. The guy is asking for help and working his arse off trying to find it. He has already searched longer than most bow hunters i know would.I really hate these threads ... BRAGGING ABOUT WOUNDING SOMETHING IS NOT GOOD ..I know you did not intend to wound him but I think I would give it my best shot before telling everyone ...
Did I miss something?
I didn't see any bragging. I did see someone asking for advice and information.... Not sure why he should keep it a secret?
I hate seeing wounded animal threads also. But i think there is nothing wrong with asking for advice. Sounds like hes trying his hardest to recover the deer and i respect that.
Post by: krapmit on September 04, 2012, 08:33:12 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on September 04, 2012, 09:02:54 PM
Post by: splitshot on September 04, 2012, 09:08:41 PM
Post by: Fishhunt223 on September 05, 2012, 12:05:41 AM
Post by: 3nails on September 05, 2012, 05:09:40 AM
N7XW, you are alright in my book. You have probably put more time into searching for that deer than 90 percent of the members of this forum would. There is nothing worse than the feeling of taking an animal's life and not being able to recover it. I respect you for the time and effort you put in to looking for it.:yeah: x2
Post by: billythekidrock on September 05, 2012, 05:39:41 AM
:yeah: x3N7XW, you are alright in my book. You have probably put more time into searching for that deer than 90 percent of the members of this forum would. There is nothing worse than the feeling of taking an animal's life and not being able to recover it. I respect you for the time and effort you put in to looking for it.:yeah: x2
Post by: elkboy on September 05, 2012, 06:24:16 AM
Post by: bobcat on September 05, 2012, 07:06:56 AM
It won't be wasted.
Post by: stickbuck on September 05, 2012, 07:09:03 AM
Sorry to hear it, N7XW. Sounds like you've put in the time and effort that every hunter owes the game animal. I hope you find him, even just for peace of mind.
Sounds like you made an acceptable attempt at finding your animal. It is unfortunate and extremely hard to deal with and will haunt you for awhile. I had this happen with a beauty of a whitetail and never found it after looking forever and it still bothers me six years later. Keep your chin up and stay positive buddy.
Post by: Glockster on September 05, 2012, 07:13:07 AM
I really hate these threads ... BRAGGING ABOUT WOUNDING SOMETHING IS NOT GOOD ..I know you did not intend to wound him but I think I would give it my best shot before telling everyone ...Liver shots kill animals quick ...Gut shots usually do not ...you either hit him high or to low :twocents: But one thing I do know about wounded animals is that they will double back trying to lose you ...I have recovered a few that have done that ... so maybe come back on the trail where you see no more blood and look hard left and right of the original trail trying to find a spot he may of peeled off on ... Not being a butt head just saying :tup:
It must be nice to be a perfect hunter who never has anything go wrong. ~Usually it's a sign of one who hasn't hunted very long.
He's a real sportsMAN to stand up and take shots from the internet peanut gallery in hopes he might get one shred of advice that helps him finish his responsibility to this deer.
Post by: hillbillyhunting on September 05, 2012, 07:29:32 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 05, 2012, 07:39:14 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 05, 2012, 07:58:23 AM
For the record I never said I was the perfect hunter... and I have lost 2 deer I have shot in the last 35yrs and no I do not think I have hunted that long or have I killed much ...just a weekend hunter :tup:I really hate these threads ... BRAGGING ABOUT WOUNDING SOMETHING IS NOT GOOD ..I know you did not intend to wound him but I think I would give it my best shot before telling everyone ...Liver shots kill animals quick ...Gut shots usually do not ...you either hit him high or to low :twocents: But one thing I do know about wounded animals is that they will double back trying to lose you ...I have recovered a few that have done that ... so maybe come back on the trail where you see no more blood and look hard left and right of the original trail trying to find a spot he may of peeled off on ... Not being a butt head just saying :tup:
It must be nice to be a perfect hunter who never has anything go wrong. ~Usually it's a sign of one who hasn't hunted very long.
He's a real sportsMAN to stand up and take shots from the internet peanut gallery in hopes he might get one shred of advice that helps him finish his responsibility to this deer.
Post by: grundy53 on September 05, 2012, 07:58:30 AM
:yeah:No kidding. The guy is asking for help and working his arse off trying to find it. He has already searched longer than most bow hunters i know would.I really hate these threads ... BRAGGING ABOUT WOUNDING SOMETHING IS NOT GOOD ..I know you did not intend to wound him but I think I would give it my best shot before telling everyone ...
Did I miss something?
I didn't see any bragging. I did see someone asking for advice and information.... Not sure why he should keep it a secret?
Post by: grundy53 on September 05, 2012, 08:01:02 AM
Coyotes gotta eat too.
It won't be wasted.
:yeah:
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 05, 2012, 08:03:40 AM
Post by: rtspring on September 05, 2012, 08:04:36 AM
RTSPRING
Post by: newbie76 on September 05, 2012, 08:10:05 AM
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: C-Money on September 05, 2012, 08:20:42 AM
Post by: Glockster on September 05, 2012, 10:03:43 AM
Jeeez I guess I stepped over the line again ...I just have a bad way of saying things and the reason is this ...I can remember in high school guys coming to school and saying how they just shot a buck and cant find it ...way to many times I have heard this and most of the time it is someone just talking BS just so they can say they just shot an animal ...alot of this goes on still goes on today ...Not saying this is what he has done but thats why I hate hearing sheet like this ... thats all ...hope he finds it !
MEOW. A real MAN would apologize to another MAN if he truly believed he was in the wrong. Instead of some havle azz "guys in highschool did this" story. I guess the art of MANHOOD is lost on the dumbest generation.
Post by: h20hunter on September 05, 2012, 10:05:38 AM
Post by: JLS on September 05, 2012, 10:17:01 AM
If you feel in your heart you gave it your best, then that's all you can do. Learn from it the best you can, keep your chin up, and realize that sometimes things go bad. Disregard the attacks from the screwballs. It takes courage to ask for help in a situation like this.
I lost a muley doe two years ago, first animal I've ever not recovered. It sucked, I punched my tag and went bird hunting.
Post by: N7XW on September 05, 2012, 11:38:43 AM
Thanks for all the support. I am somewhat new to this forum and am finding there are a lot of good people here.
Well, I spent all day yesterday searching. I checked that last part of the bloodtrail again, searched the immediate area in the thick brush – traded the bow for the machete and hacked through the crap all day long, searched the adjoining clearcut and heavy reprod and searched down by the creek. I searched across the road a little bit even though there was no evidence he crossed it. Found nothing, nada, zip – not even another drop of blood or tuft of hair.
What I think is strange is that the blood just stopped without any further evidence. It makes it tough in continuing the trail. I have a few more search plans in mind that I am going to work on after work this week and this weekend. I may be searching for this deer instead of elk hunting – we will see. I am going to start looking for birds and hope to find him by smell.
I am committed to finding this deer. This was my first deer with a bow and I want to find him. His antlers need to be on my wall as a small consolation to the wasted meat my poor shot placement caused. If I don’t find him, I don’t know if I’ll continue on this year for deer. I don’t think so, it just doesn’t seem right. I think I’ll hang my tag and the arrow up as a reminder and lesson learned for exact shot placement in future hunts.
Thanks again guys, I appreciate the support and help.
Post by: JLS on September 05, 2012, 11:44:42 AM
Update-
Thanks for all the support. I am somewhat new to this forum and am finding there are a lot of good people here.
Well, I spent all day yesterday searching. I checked that last part of the bloodtrail again, searched the immediate area in the thick brush – traded the bow for the machete and hacked through the crap all day long, searched the adjoining clearcut and heavy reprod and searched down by the creek. I searched across the road a little bit even though there was no evidence he crossed it. Found nothing, nada, zip – not even another drop of blood or tuft of hair.
What I think is strange is that the blood just stopped without any further evidence. It makes it tough in continuing the trail. I have a few more search plans in mind that I am going to work on after work this week and this weekend. I may be searching for this deer instead of elk hunting – we will see. I am going to start looking for birds and hope to find him by smell.
I am committed to finding this deer. This was my first deer with a bow and I want to find him. His antlers need to be on my wall as a small consolation to the wasted meat my poor shot placement caused. If I don’t find him, I don’t know if I’ll continue on this year for deer. I don’t think so, it just doesn’t seem right. I think I’ll hang my tag and the arrow up as a reminder and lesson learned for exact shot placement in future hunts.
Thanks again guys, I appreciate the support and help.
:tup:
Sometimes learning experiences suck. I hope you find him, so you can at least know what went wrong. That's the hardest part, at least for me anyway.
Post by: akirkland on September 05, 2012, 11:54:05 AM
Post by: mfswallace on September 05, 2012, 11:58:35 AM
Update-
Thanks for all the support. I am somewhat new to this forum and am finding there are a lot of good people here.
Well, I spent all day yesterday searching. I checked that last part of the bloodtrail again, searched the immediate area in the thick brush – traded the bow for the machete and hacked through the crap all day long, searched the adjoining clearcut and heavy reprod and searched down by the creek. I searched across the road a little bit even though there was no evidence he crossed it. Found nothing, nada, zip – not even another drop of blood or tuft of hair.
What I think is strange is that the blood just stopped without any further evidence. It makes it tough in continuing the trail. I have a few more search plans in mind that I am going to work on after work this week and this weekend. I may be searching for this deer instead of elk hunting – we will see. I am going to start looking for birds and hope to find him by smell.
I am committed to finding this deer. This was my first deer with a bow and I want to find him. His antlers need to be on my wall as a small consolation to the wasted meat my poor shot placement caused. If I don’t find him, I don’t know if I’ll continue on this year for deer. I don’t think so, it just doesn’t seem right. I think I’ll hang my tag and the arrow up as a reminder and lesson learned for exact shot placement in future hunts.
Thanks again guys, I appreciate the support and help.
Not saying shot placement was why it got away or you can't find it but to ensure your shooting is not the issue maybe hit the targets up again for the rest of the season or until you feel that it won't be the shot that let's another one get away(never 100% but you can get to 99.99%) and 3-4months before next season start becoming more profficient with all types of shots(standing, sitting, kneeling, down angle, up angle, walk and stop shots, hike to get your blood pumping and then shoot...) :twocents:
Post by: N7XW on September 05, 2012, 12:26:08 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on September 05, 2012, 12:44:15 PM
I am committed to finding this deer. This was my first deer with a bow and I want to find him. His antlers need to be on my wall as a small consolation to the wasted meat my poor shot placement caused. If I don’t find him, I don’t know if I’ll continue on this year for deer. I don’t think so, it just doesn’t seem right. I think I’ll hang my tag and the arrow up as a reminder and lesson learned for exact shot placement in future hunts.
You've put in a lot of effort to find him. That's about all you can do. I like the idea of hanging the tag on the arrow. I think counting this as your deer for the season is a very sportsmanlike move.
Post by: h20hunter on September 05, 2012, 12:53:53 PM
It sounds like you've done a hell of a job putting the effort in. I think that is all anyone can ask.
Hope you find him.
Post by: copasj on September 05, 2012, 01:08:14 PM
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
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Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 05, 2012, 01:30:30 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 05, 2012, 01:52:18 PM
Post by: JLS on September 05, 2012, 02:17:55 PM
Not sure if I would recommend hanging the tag or not. On one hand it makes sense. You've shot your one deer.
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
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It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
Post by: headshot5 on September 05, 2012, 02:19:05 PM
Quote
If I don’t find him, I don’t know if I’ll continue on this year for deer.
It might make you feel silly if you hang it up for the year and then after the season you see him walking around. I've seen a few that have lived after taking an arrow. Especially if you hit it a little high (above the lungs). Good job on sticking with looking for it regardless. Hope you find him.
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 05, 2012, 02:28:04 PM
Post by: copasj on September 05, 2012, 03:33:53 PM
It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
Didn't know about the possible legal issue, thankfully I've never had to look into it. Not saying I am perfect. I only hunt big game now, and I'm just starting back at that. So far I am 0/2, 0 shots in 2 years.
Closest analogy for me would be swallowed hooks while fishing. Even if you know it's going to die you have to waste it anyway. Catch and release is catch and release.
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Post by: grundy53 on September 05, 2012, 03:40:29 PM
Not sure if I would recommend hanging the tag or not. On one hand it makes sense. You've shot your one deer.
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
Wrong, it is illegal to HARVEST more then one deer a year. If you do not recover said deer you did not harvest it.
Post by: grundy53 on September 05, 2012, 03:44:15 PM
Post by: h20hunter on September 05, 2012, 03:49:10 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 05, 2012, 03:50:08 PM
Not sure if I would recommend hanging the tag or not. On one hand it makes sense. You've shot your one deer.
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
Wrong, it is illegal to HARVEST more then one deer a year. If you do not recover said deer you did not harvest it.
Ding! We have a winner!!!!
Post by: Elkslayer on September 05, 2012, 04:09:45 PM
It really sucks to lose animals but it happens. If a person makes a whole hearted effort to recover said animal and are unable too I have no problem with them continuing to hunt. If you feel like you must notch your tag then so be it. I respect that, but don't tell someone else they need to.
:yeah: You have made more of an effort to recover this deer than most people would that in itself speaks alot about your ethics. You also realize what your mistake most likely was and learned from it.
Now grab your bow, get back out there and put some meat on the table! :twocents:
Post by: JLS on September 05, 2012, 04:12:03 PM
Not sure if I would recommend hanging the tag or not. On one hand it makes sense. You've shot your one deer.
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
Wrong, it is illegal to HARVEST more then one deer a year. If you do not recover said deer you did not harvest it.
Ding! We have a winner!!!!
Directly from the WAC.
(4) "Bag limit" means the maximum number of game animals, game birds, or game fish which may be taken, caught, killed, or possessed by a person, as specified by rule of the commission for a particular period of time, or as to size, sex, or species.
Under seasons and limits it states a bag limit of one deer per year. As I stated above, the hunter will have a pretty good idea of whether the animal died or not, and can make their decision to punch their tag or not accordingly. I'm not saying anyone should or should not punch their tag. I stated what my ethics tell me is the right thing to do. Your mileage may vary.
Post by: wall of wood camp on September 05, 2012, 04:21:46 PM
Post by: MatthewHunter98 on September 05, 2012, 04:22:08 PM
Post by: lagnar on September 05, 2012, 04:30:05 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on September 05, 2012, 04:31:45 PM
JLS- That is absolutely correct, but for all we know that deer is not dead and parting it up right know showing off his scare to pick up on the does. If the guy needs to put meat on the table for his family then I say get back out there. If he doesn't and wants to notch his tag then that's cool too. Either way it's his decision and not ours. He has done more than most of us(and I know I) would have. I have no problem with him trying to get another shot at a deer.Not sure if I would recommend hanging the tag or not. On one hand it makes sense. You've shot your one deer.
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
Wrong, it is illegal to HARVEST more then one deer a year. If you do not recover said deer you did not harvest it.
Ding! We have a winner!!!!
Directly from the WAC.
(4) "Bag limit" means the maximum number of game animals, game birds, or game fish which may be taken, caught, killed, or possessed by a person, as specified by rule of the commission for a particular period of time, or as to size, sex, or species.
Under seasons and limits it states a bag limit of one deer per year. As I stated above, the hunter will have a pretty good idea of whether the animal died or not, and can make their decision to punch their tag or not accordingly. I'm not saying anyone should or should not punch their tag. I stated what my ethics tell me is the right thing to do. Your mileage may vary.
Post by: Stick em on September 05, 2012, 04:33:28 PM
Post by: blacktailcody on September 05, 2012, 04:34:10 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 05, 2012, 06:40:07 PM
I done just that :dunno: :sry: I will let the man hood comment go :o 8)Jeeez I guess I stepped over the line again ...I just have a bad way of saying things and the reason is this ...I can remember in high school guys coming to school and saying how they just shot a buck and cant find it ...way to many times I have heard this and most of the time it is someone just talking BS just so they can say they just shot an animal ...alot of this goes on still goes on today ...Not saying this is what he has done but thats why I hate hearing sheet like this ... thats all ...hope he finds it !
MEOW. A real MAN would apologize to another MAN if he truly believed he was in the wrong. Instead of some havle azz "guys in highschool did this" story. I guess the art of MANHOOD is lost on the dumbest generation.
Post by: 3nails on September 05, 2012, 06:44:42 PM
I believe the buck shot by N7XW most likely is alive. People telling this hunter what he should do with his tag is a joke! He never asked what he should do with his tag. He just wanted some advice on recovery. Some of you internet cops need to get a life!
Post by: ICEMAN on September 05, 2012, 06:46:28 PM
The name calling on here should stop though...
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 05, 2012, 06:48:25 PM
Post by: JODakota on September 05, 2012, 06:56:07 PM
I guess I am the butt hole now but I guarantee one thing if I did loose an animal I sure in the heck am not notching my tag over ...THAT IS PLAIN STUPID !!
Agreed
Post by: huntnnw on September 05, 2012, 10:05:28 PM
Not sure if I would recommend hanging the tag or not. On one hand it makes sense. You've shot your one deer.
On the other hand, this is your first attempt to harvest with a bow. It's usually recommended when your trying something new, you get right back up and try again if things go south. If you let the memory fester, it can end up with you never try it again...
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
It is illegal to shoot more than one deer a year. If you're pretty sure the deer died, then it's also the legal thing to do. Shooting another one in the name of confidence and practice is not the ethical thing to do. I don't know about you, but when I'm hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars, etc. any sailed cripples that aren't found get counted against the daily limit.
WRONG :bash:
Post by: Turner89 on September 05, 2012, 10:47:02 PM
It really sucks to lose animals but it happens. If a person makes a whole hearted effort to recover said animal and are unable too I have no problem with them continuing to hunt. If you feel like you must notch your tag then so be it. I respect that, but don't tell someone else they need to.:yeah:x2
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 05, 2012, 10:49:43 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 05, 2012, 10:59:00 PM
I was out looking again tonight when I ran into a woodcutter. He said he jumped a large spike not far from where I shot mine (approximately 0.6 miles if I understood his descriptin of the area correctly). He said it startled him, didnt get a real good look at it but didnt seem injured. The description matched near exactly the deer I shot (spike 6-7 inches). What are the chances this is or is not the same deer? What are the chances he made a good recovery? I believe it may very well be the same one.
Also, I got a pm from BOWHUNTER45. He apologized. We're good now. :tup:
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 05, 2012, 11:15:30 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 05, 2012, 11:31:34 PM
Chances are slim..... But not impossible by far..... I've killed a deer and found a broadhead in the shoulder..... Another deer with a broadhead in the rear femur.... A bull elk with two broadheads almost in the same lung.... (cut my finger on one bad) He also had a @ 30 cal bullet below the base of his antler and two 50 cal ML bullets in his hind end.... Looked like 410 gr Great Plains to me.... They are tough critters and have a will to survive like no other along with healing properties we will never have.... The deer you shot could very well still be alive..... But if you really found chunks of liver it's not... Like I said before.... I commend your effort for the recovery..... Don't let it get to you too much...... *censored* happens... Keep hunting....
Looking back on it and talking to my wife who helped me look the day after the shot, I now think what I thought was a liver (or other organ) chunk was really coagulated blood. It was not solid but appeared to be. When poked with a stick, it came apart and had liquid blood inside. I didn't know it at the time, but looking back on it now, dont think it was anything other than blood. I think that was the same deer.
Post by: JLS on September 06, 2012, 07:13:26 AM
It really sucks to lose animals but it happens. If a person makes a whole hearted effort to recover said animal and are unable too I have no problem with them continuing to hunt. If you feel like you must notch your tag then so be it. I respect that, but don't tell someone else they need to.:yeah:x2
Re-read, no one over told him he needed to.
Post by: Woodchuck on September 06, 2012, 07:17:02 AM
Firstly, good job putting in the effort to find the animal. A lot of hunters wouldn't give it that much work. Secondly, unfortunate as it may seem it does happen. These are tough, elusive animals and you can walk right by one without seeing them. Third, I lost an animal the first year bow hunting and it has been hard to get over the fear of loosing another. Punch your tag, you shot a deer. Enjoy the rest of the season for Grouse, practice more throughout the year. I have taken 2 deer a year with a bow since I lost my first and my kills have all been single shots.:dunno:
Post by: JLS on September 06, 2012, 07:18:45 AM
Post by: huntnnw on September 06, 2012, 12:57:37 PM
Post by: CedarPants on September 06, 2012, 01:01:50 PM
so all the people who say punch your tag...have u run a deer over? did u punch your tag? cause the end result is a dead deer no matter how it happened and it happened by YOU! oh and what happened if you already filled your tag and run one over?? holy s^%& your a poacher!!! people on here are something else!!! practice what u preach!
Vehicle season is open year-round, no tag required :tup:
Yet anyway
Post by: copasj on September 06, 2012, 01:10:44 PM
Looking back on it and talking to my wife who helped me look the day after the shot, I now think what I thought was a liver (or other organ) chunk was really coagulated blood. It was not solid but appeared to be. When poked with a stick, it came apart and had liquid blood inside. I didn't know it at the time, but looking back on it now, dont think it was anything other than blood. I think that was the same deer.
Sounds more like a clot than organ to me. Kinda of a jell-o like substance. Didn't you also say it didn't start to show up until you got near the end of the blood trail?
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: crschralping on September 06, 2012, 01:21:58 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on September 06, 2012, 01:29:28 PM
Hope you keep at it and dont punch that tag. Look forward to seeing the one you do get!:yeah: I won't punch a tag until I have a dead animal in my possession!
Post by: N7XW on September 06, 2012, 01:30:32 PM
Post by: Stick em on September 06, 2012, 03:31:37 PM
So how many animals do you kill before you put one in your possession? If you don't practice standard legal ethics your still poaching. If you can't get one right, don't kill off the ones that can be taken legally and ethically. I just talked to a guy that wounded a nice buck so bad that it will never breed and then he went out the next day, stuck and lost another nice buck that will surely die. :bdid:Hope you keep at it and dont punch that tag. Look forward to seeing the one you do get!:yeah: I won't punch a tag until I have a dead animal in my possession!
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 06, 2012, 03:50:28 PM
The guy had some bad luck, it happens. I am quite sure he didn't get up and say "I think I will go wound and lose a deer today, so I can ask for help/advice on recovering it, in hopes that I can be made to feel even worse about it!"
Sounds like he went way above and beyond in effort to recover the animal, which may or may not have been fatally wounded. Them critters are tough and can surprise you.
Post by: h20hunter on September 06, 2012, 04:00:22 PM
What he said.
Close it down.
We can have a new thread to debate the "tag out or hunt" topic.
Post by: Kc_Kracker on September 06, 2012, 04:12:30 PM
The guy had some bad luck, it happens. I am quite sure he didn't get up and say "I think I will go wound and lose a deer today, so I can ask for help/advice on recovering it, in hopes that I can be made to feel even worse about it!"
Sounds like he went way above and beyond in effort to recover the animal, which may or may not have been fatally wounded. Them critters are tough and can surprise you.
kudos to the OP for asking for help, maybe next time look for that better kill, and i see the OP learning from this, we have all had to learn something :tup:
Post by: N7XW on September 06, 2012, 04:13:22 PM
Thanks for all the help though. I do appreciate it.
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on September 06, 2012, 04:13:50 PM
Post by: shedcrazy on September 06, 2012, 04:15:16 PM
Post by: MatthewHunter98 on September 06, 2012, 04:15:54 PM
Post by: Woodchuck on September 06, 2012, 04:32:47 PM
Post by: scottfrick on September 06, 2012, 04:50:30 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 06, 2012, 04:52:51 PM
Chances are slim..... But not impossible by far..... I've killed a deer and found a broadhead in the shoulder..... Another deer with a broadhead in the rear femur.... A bull elk with two broadheads almost in the same lung.... (cut my finger on one bad) He also had a @ 30 cal bullet below the base of his antler and two 50 cal ML bullets in his hind end.... Looked like 410 gr Great Plains to me.... They are tough critters and have a will to survive like no other along with healing properties we will never have.... The deer you shot could very well still be alive..... But if you really found chunks of liver it's not... Like I said before.... I commend your effort for the recovery..... Don't let it get to you too much...... *censored* happens... Keep hunting....
Looking back on it and talking to my wife who helped me look the day after the shot, I now think what I thought was a liver (or other organ) chunk was really coagulated blood. It was not solid but appeared to be. When poked with a stick, it came apart and had liquid blood inside. I didn't know it at the time, but looking back on it now, dont think it was anything other than blood. I think that was the same deer.
The odds of that being the same deer are about 500 to 1. A deer doesn't just walk off a shot a couple inches back from the vitals. Sounds like you are trying to justify killing another deer now.
Not trying to justify anything. It is just my belief that it was the same deer based on the description and the area. I am still looking for this deer and will continue to do so in order to eliminate any doubt.
Post by: N7XW on September 06, 2012, 04:53:49 PM
I think its about time for this thread to be locked. Its going know where and people are being :mor: N7XW Good job with sticking with it and trying to find the small buck. Sorry you had to deal with a lot of B.S. Makes a guy second think himself ever asking for advice again on this website.
Thanks, appreciate it.
Post by: N7XW on September 06, 2012, 04:56:22 PM
Lock it down mods, if that's what needs to be done.
Post by: CedarPants on September 06, 2012, 05:00:54 PM
I think its about time for this thread to be locked. Its going know where and people are being :mor: N7XW Good job with sticking with it and trying to find the small buck. Sorry you had to deal with a lot of B.S. Makes a guy second think himself ever asking for advice again on this website.
If the arrow went in where he said it did and from the amounts of blood he found that deer is dead. Go ahead and call me a moron or whatever. Even if there is a chance it is dead the ethical hunter stops hunting. It is sad to see the remarks and lack of ethics some of you have shown on this thread.
It's also sad to see you beatin' up on a guy that asked for help and sounds as if he's made (and is still making) a very solid effort to recover this deer.
N7XW - hats off to you for the effort you are putting forth. I know for my part that reading about the effort you've put in is going to be something I remember if/when this happens to me.
Post by: N7XW on September 06, 2012, 05:05:50 PM
I think its about time for this thread to be locked. Its going know where and people are being :mor: N7XW Good job with sticking with it and trying to find the small buck. Sorry you had to deal with a lot of B.S. Makes a guy second think himself ever asking for advice again on this website.
If the arrow went in where he said it did and from the amounts of blood he found that deer is dead. Go ahead and call me a moron or whatever. Even if there is a chance it is dead the ethical hunter stops hunting. It is sad to see the remarks and lack of ethics some of you have shown on this thread.
It's also sad to see you beatin' up on a guy that asked for help and sounds as if he's made (and is still making) a very solid effort to recover this deer.
N7XW - hats off to you for the effort you are putting forth. I know for my part that reading about the effort you've put in is going to be something I remember if/when this happens to me.
Thanks, appreciate the kind words.
Post by: scoyoc5 on September 06, 2012, 05:48:57 PM
Post by: blacktailcody on September 06, 2012, 06:01:42 PM
Post by: scoyoc5 on September 06, 2012, 06:08:55 PM
Stop being jerks to the guy, he worked harder than most and was unlucky. I say he should go get another deer.
Hell yeah he should!!
Post by: hornhunter1987 on September 06, 2012, 07:14:50 PM
Post by: JODakota on September 07, 2012, 06:01:26 PM
Post by: dscubame on September 07, 2012, 06:07:56 PM
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on September 07, 2012, 06:24:08 PM
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2012, 06:30:57 PM
...like some morons here...those friggin elitest morons...real good for our community and way to stick together!Are the friggin morons not part of our community?
Post by: dscubame on September 07, 2012, 06:33:34 PM
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2012, 06:36:33 PM
Post by: dscubame on September 07, 2012, 06:37:38 PM
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2012, 06:39:36 PM
Post by: dscubame on September 07, 2012, 06:41:27 PM
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2012, 06:42:07 PM
Post by: Nilehunter on September 07, 2012, 06:56:42 PM
Hunt on man, go get you some meat for the winter.:yeah:
Post by: rtspring on September 07, 2012, 07:36:29 PM
I have just one question? Did you buy a deer tag to have meat in the freezer?? Yep you sure did but your freezer dont have a deer in in does it....
Keep hunting, to hell with the bashers....
RTSPRING
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2012, 07:44:48 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 07, 2012, 08:08:41 PM
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 &*^$ing killing me, and didn't smell anything. I was getting ready to head out and go to the hospital when I noticed a vulture on the far timber edge. I spooked him, he took off but returned back to the same spot again. I thought that's got to be it.
I crashed through the reprod and piled slash that was up to my shoulders in places and finally found him. The smell was horrible, the flies and maggots disgusting, but I found my buck. As best I could tell and as long as I could stand to be there, the entrance wound did look high but not 4" back as I thought. The shot was at an angle so the exit wound was lower. I took the head, got my antlers (he was a smaller spike than I thought also - funny how what you see in a split second is not accurate when you recount it later) and tagged out.
Guess I can move on now and focus on elk. Well, maybe after I get my finger stitched up and contact the guy who lost his licenses and credit cards.
Post by: JODakota on September 07, 2012, 08:10:25 PM
FOUND HIM!!!
The emotional rollercoaster has been crazy. Tonight hasn't been any different.
First off, as I was driving in, I found some guys driver's license, credit cards and fishing license in one of those plastic license holders you get from a sporting goods store in the middle of the road. Then, as I'm sharpening my machete (was still planning on cutting through the heavy brush), I cut my finger to the bone. As I'm standing there bleeding all over the place, only having one little napkin to try to stop it, I was debating whether to go to the hospital to get stitches or search for my buck. I finally decided I would just walk the spur road in and see if I could smell anything since it was so hot today.
I got in there, finger &*^$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.
WOW man, I applaud your effort. You are a great sportsman. I hope you fill your elk tag so you can have some meat!
Post by: CedarPants on September 07, 2012, 08:13:58 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 07, 2012, 08:16:02 PM
Dude, hats off to you man. I said it before and I'll say it again - this is something I will remember if/when it happens to me and is a story I will share with my 3 boys. Sorry for the loss of life without the meat being salvaged, but you truly did not give up on recovering this animal. Nicely done sir.
Thank you, appreciate it. Four days later, but I got 'em!
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 07, 2012, 08:17:36 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 07, 2012, 08:20:11 PM
Post by: JLS on September 07, 2012, 08:20:30 PM
Post by: runamuk on September 07, 2012, 08:21:31 PM
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 &*^$ing killing me, and didn't smell anything. I was getting ready to head out and go to the hospital when I noticed a vulture on the far timber edge. I spooked him, he took off but returned back to the same spot again. I thought that's got to be it.
I crashed through the reprod and piled slash that was up to my shoulders in places and finally found him. The smell was horrible, the flies and maggots disgusting, but I found my buck. As best I could tell and as long as I could stand to be there, the entrance wound did look high but not 4" back as I thought. The shot was at an angle so the exit wound was lower. I took the head, got my antlers (he was a smaller spike than I thought also - funny how what you see in a split second is not accurate when you recount it later) and tagged out.
Guess I can move on now and focus on elk. Well, maybe after I get my finger stitched up and contact the guy who lost his licenses and credit cards.
You are the bomb :tup: :tup: sorry you lost the meat but glad you found him
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2012, 08:22:52 PM
Post by: h20hunter on September 07, 2012, 08:23:14 PM
Post by: Huntbear on September 07, 2012, 08:24:29 PM
FOUND HIM!!!
The emotional rollercoaster has been crazy. Tonight hasn't been any different.
First off, as I was driving in, I found some guys driver's license, credit cards and fishing license in one of those plastic license holders you get from a sporting goods store in the middle of the road. Then, as I'm sharpening my machete (was still planning on cutting through the heavy brush), I cut my finger to the bone. As I'm standing there bleeding all over the place, only having one little napkin to try to stop it, I was debating whether to go to the hospital to get stitches or search for my buck. I finally decided I would just walk the spur road in and see if I could smell anything since it was so hot today.
I got in there, finger &*^$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...... :tup: :tup: :tup:
You sir, just proved you are a very ethical person. You would be welcome in my camp anytime.
Post by: N7XW on September 07, 2012, 08:33:15 PM
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on September 07, 2012, 08:41:31 PM
Post by: Curly on September 07, 2012, 08:48:49 PM
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.:yeah:
:tup:
Post by: CedarPants on September 07, 2012, 08:52:37 PM
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.
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 07, 2012, 08:58:06 PM
You are welcome at my campfire anytime, anyplace!!!
Just curious, how close by had you passed him in your previous searches?
Post by: 3dsheetmetal on September 07, 2012, 09:01:53 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 07, 2012, 10:37:36 PM
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.
Post by: sebek556 on September 07, 2012, 10:49:30 PM
Post by: grundy53 on September 07, 2012, 11:18:04 PM
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.
:yeah: Kudos to you! :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: N7XW on September 07, 2012, 11:38:52 PM
:yike: 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" :chuckle: did you get your hand looked at yet?
I was going to go in and get stitches. But, I was FINALLY able to get it to stop bleeding so I just loaded it up with Neosporin, put a couple of regular bandaids on and then a butterfly bandage. The cut is about 3/4" long and very deep, going in at an angle on the inside of the knuckle, where the finger flexes. I don't know if they could stitch it up there. Still hurts pretty bad. Will see what it looks like tomorrow, may still need to go in.
Post by: N7XW on September 07, 2012, 11:39:18 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on September 08, 2012, 12:05:07 AM
Post by: Bigluke1981 on September 08, 2012, 12:34:18 AM
Post by: sirfunkeybut on September 08, 2012, 12:58:04 AM
Post by: N7XW on September 08, 2012, 01:20:07 AM
Post by: NW-GSP on September 08, 2012, 04:42:00 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on September 08, 2012, 06:48:05 AM
Post by: h20hunter on September 08, 2012, 07:43:37 AM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on September 08, 2012, 07:52:07 AM
N7XW, you are a great role model for other hunters.:yeah: Started reading this a couple days ago, didn't like where it was going with name calling, etc. Glad you stuck out the search, and this thread :o You certainly have my respect.
Post by: Kioti on September 08, 2012, 08:30:38 AM
Name calling....yeah that's pretty mature.
Post by: ellensburgpo on September 08, 2012, 08:23:06 PM
Post by: Kola16 on September 08, 2012, 08:27:08 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 08, 2012, 10:22:28 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 08, 2012, 10:23:23 PM
Post by: firefighter4607 on September 08, 2012, 10:26:09 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 08, 2012, 10:53:45 PM
Post by: sebek556 on September 08, 2012, 10:57:42 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 08, 2012, 11:16:05 PM
:tup: I know I'm just a dude on the net, but trust me on the superglue. As long as it good and cleaned out just take and glue it shut. It will hold it shut for about 5-7 days which is plenty of time for the healing process to kick in after that you'll be good to go.I'll toss it in the pack for next time. Luckily it's not affecting my shooting. I practiced this evening out to 60 yards and I'm still on the money.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 09, 2012, 01:32:57 AM
Post by: winshooter88 on September 09, 2012, 02:01:04 AM
Good job staying with it and finding the deer.
Post by: N7XW on September 09, 2012, 11:17:31 AM
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 09, 2012, 01:51:32 PM
Post by: dawn2dusk on September 09, 2012, 02:13:50 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 09, 2012, 03:23:27 PM
Post by: C-Money on September 09, 2012, 09:03:06 PM
Post by: mfswallace on September 09, 2012, 09:08:04 PM
U should shoot Austinsmm a pm about how to do the right thing!!!!!
Great Job and Great Buck!!!
Go get yourself a nice Elk!!!
Post by: Bob33 on September 09, 2012, 09:19:01 PM
For the record, I think you went far beyond what the vast majority of hunters would do in searching for your deer, and I applaud you for it. I also would not have faulted you for shooting another deer to fill your freezer after making a reasonable effort to search for the first.
What advice would you give to another hunter in a similar situation?
Post by: N7XW on September 10, 2012, 01:05:13 AM
N7XW, now that the dust has settled a bit (hopefully), and when you have some time to reflect, I would be interested in hearing your perspective on this issue: how do you compare the satisfaction of finding the first deer you shot to the fact that you gave up the opportunity to feed you family with venison by hunting for a second deer?
For the record, I think you went far beyond what the vast majority of hunters would do in searching for your deer, and I applaud you for it. I also would not have faulted you for shooting another deer to fill your freezer after making a reasonable effort to search for the first.
What advice would you give to another hunter in a similar situation?
Will get back to you on this...
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 10, 2012, 10:54:30 AM
Thank you for posting all your efforts on this. I know someone has already used this thread as an example of what to do, since we all-to-often see what NOT TO DO.
Thank you for sticking with it! You're a great example to other hunters.
ctwiggs1
Post by: N7XW on September 12, 2012, 11:03:48 PM
Looking back on things, if I could go back and do it all again, I would make the same choices. I don't regret sticking with the search and not moving on to another deer. It's a personal choice. Lots of guys said get back to hunting and lots of guys said punch your tag and be done. After hearing about the other spike in the area, I was nearly convinced it was the same deer and was close to moving on. I was going to give it a few more tries and bring the dogs in (yep, whole other topic) one last time before letting it go. Had I done that and not found him, I would have continued hunting. But as it turned out, it wasn't the case.
I regret having wasted the meat. I feel bad about it and will never forget seeing it rotting away when I finally found him 4 days later. I didn't need the meat but it was a downright shame it went to waste nonetheless. The little bit of solace I took from this was getting the antlers (small as they were) and learning a lot along the way.
This was my first tracking job. Needless to say, I made mistakes. I looked back on everything I did immediately after the shot and later on. I won't get into it specifically, but I made a list of things that I should have done better and committed these things to memory for all future hunts.
As far as advice to hunters, I don't think I am really qualified to give advice. I am a rookie bowhunter and an even bigger rookie tracking wounded game. I will say this though - I think we as hunters owe it to ourselves and the game we pursue to make every reasonably possible effort in locating a wounded animal. We shouldn't give up and move on until we feel there is no further option in locating an animal.
Post by: NBhunter on September 12, 2012, 11:37:50 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 13, 2012, 12:00:25 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on September 13, 2012, 08:00:22 AM
Post by: N7XW on September 15, 2012, 12:24:59 AM
Post by: bassquatch on September 15, 2012, 08:50:22 PM
Getting back to Bob's questions.
Looking back on things, if I could go back and do it all again, I would make the same choices. I don't regret sticking with the search and not moving on to another deer. It's a personal choice. Lots of guys said get back to hunting and lots of guys said punch your tag and be done. After hearing about the other spike in the area, I was nearly convinced it was the same deer and was close to moving on. I was going to give it a few more tries and bring the dogs in (yep, whole other topic) one last time before letting it go. Had I done that and not found him, I would have continued hunting. But as it turned out, it wasn't the case.
I regret having wasted the meat. I feel bad about it and will never forget seeing it rotting away when I finally found him 4 days later. I didn't need the meat but it was a downright shame it went to waste nonetheless. The little bit of solace I took from this was getting the antlers (small as they were) and learning a lot along the way.
This was my first tracking job. Needless to say, I made mistakes. I looked back on everything I did immediately after the shot and later on. I won't get into it specifically, but I made a list of things that I should have done better and committed these things to memory for all future hunts.
As far as advice to hunters, I don't think I am really qualified to give advice. I am a rookie bowhunter and an even bigger rookie tracking wounded game. I will say this though - I think we as hunters owe it to ourselves and the game we pursue to make every reasonably possible effort in locating a wounded animal. We shouldn't give up and move on until we feel there is no further option in locating an animal.
Man I am happy for you!! :tup: I agree with every word of praise that has been sent your way!! :tup: I applaud you following up on this post, even in the face of negativity, it has been awesome to follow along and see you get the outcome you earned! I would give up any chance at an elk this year if it meant you would be gauranteed one to harvest, you deserve every animal you will take in what I hope is a long and fulfilling bowhunting life! :tup:
and to all the non believers :kneel:
Post by: N7XW on September 16, 2012, 08:43:13 PM
Post by: Bob33 on September 17, 2012, 09:12:15 PM
Getting back to Bob's questions.You've set an example of ethical hunting that is exemplary.
Looking back on things, if I could go back and do it all again, I would make the same choices. I don't regret sticking with the search and not moving on to another deer. It's a personal choice. Lots of guys said get back to hunting and lots of guys said punch your tag and be done. After hearing about the other spike in the area, I was nearly convinced it was the same deer and was close to moving on. I was going to give it a few more tries and bring the dogs in (yep, whole other topic) one last time before letting it go. Had I done that and not found him, I would have continued hunting. But as it turned out, it wasn't the case.
I regret having wasted the meat. I feel bad about it and will never forget seeing it rotting away when I finally found him 4 days later. I didn't need the meat but it was a downright shame it went to waste nonetheless. The little bit of solace I took from this was getting the antlers (small as they were) and learning a lot along the way.
This was my first tracking job. Needless to say, I made mistakes. I looked back on everything I did immediately after the shot and later on. I won't get into it specifically, but I made a list of things that I should have done better and committed these things to memory for all future hunts.
As far as advice to hunters, I don't think I am really qualified to give advice. I am a rookie bowhunter and an even bigger rookie tracking wounded game. I will say this though - I think we as hunters owe it to ourselves and the game we pursue to make every reasonably possible effort in locating a wounded animal. We shouldn't give up and move on until we feel there is no further option in locating an animal.
Your comment "I regret having wasted the meat" is really not accurate: you did nothing to intentionally waste the meat. What happened to the meat could not have been avoided. Most anyone who has hunted for a long time will have an animal that can't be located quickly enough, if at all.
It's time to pause and consider why we hunt. Do we hunt for meat? If so, then wouldn't the ethical decision be to hunt for a second deer in these instances? Are we hunting only for the pleasure of displaying a "trophy"? I'm by no means suggesting that you did anything wrong; quite the contrary. Just some ideas to ponder.
I admire your humility. Your comment "I am really qualified to give advice" is simply not true. The advice you've given by your actions speaks far louder than words, and the advice is to never give up and consider every animal that is shot at as precious and valuable. That's a wonderful lesson that every hunter should learn.
Thank you for teaching us and leading by example.
Post by: 3nails on September 18, 2012, 06:54:39 PM
Post by: N7XW on September 19, 2012, 10:30:43 AM
Post by: Waterfowldoglover on September 21, 2012, 04:41:26 PM
Jana
Post by: blacktailcody on September 21, 2012, 05:00:30 PM