Awesome story Phil..... sometimes the bad shots that require the most tracking help make the most memorable hunts...... believe me I know. I've made my fair share of bad shots and I have been the called help my fair share of times. Its hunting.... and that's why we love it.... but in still pissed I didn't get a text. Haha
Fine. Be pissed. I suppose you want your class ring and letter jacket back too? Lol
Pissed as heck at myself over the shot. No excuses. No limbs in the way, harness strap messing with me. . . Nothing. I simply rushed in a panic as he was exiting the shooting lane. That said, it made for a great hunt. 3 friends helping me that night. We bumped him. Two friends helped on the recovery the next morning. Makes a guy feel really good knowing people would stay up late or wake up early to help you out. Still need to Google Earth the track job. We worked the blood trail a long dang way. Putting in the due diligence AND recovering is rewarding. No doubt about it. Feeling blessed.
Best news? I somehow missed the stomach. Outside of guts coming out the exit hole, the meat was not contaminated from what we could tell. I may hunt big antlers, but I consider myself a sportsman first. I wanted that meat. Rutted up, full of adrenaline? Probably but I don't care. Properly cared for I feel this will be some fine burger.