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

[N7XW]

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.

[NBhunter]

I think you did a great job with your efforts! 

[N7XW]

Thanks NB, appreciate it.

[ctwiggs1]

No kidding - your attitude makes you a great hunter.  The tracking and all that will come with time - I'd say you're doing great.

[N7XW]

Thanks man.

[bassquatch]

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!! I agree with every word of praise that has been sent your way!! 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! 


and to all the non believers 

[N7XW]

Thanks bassquatch, certainly appreciate it   

[Bob33]

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.

You've set an example of ethical hunting that is exemplary.

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.

[3nails]

 I agree with Bob33. The other thing is that it was only wasted in our eyes. Some other animal has found it or will find it and the nourishment it recieves will help it through another winter.

[N7XW]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input.

[Waterfowldoglover]

N7XW is my husband and I just wanted to say it here and have said it in person but I am very proud of the effort he gave in finding this buck. He was out everyday till dark after work and on his days off looking all day he gave up an almost for sure elk in a spot we have been watching for months to try and find this buck. I could not be prouder of him and the effort he gave he is a true sportsman and my hero. He is what got me into hunting and am hoping to go out this year for my first buck with him, but I am going modern firearm this year maybe bow next year, and look forward to late season elk and going out with him for his elk. Hoping next year we can take our dog out and get some birds also.

Jana

[blacktailcody]

You win diligent hunter of the year great job and great buck.