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Sometimes it just doesn’t go your way

at1010

*Supporting Member*
5,263
159
As many of you know I tagged out on a buck early season. Well I still have doe tags and wanted to shoot some off a particular property I hunt.

Last night I snuck into a stand overlooking a foodplot. Had deer moving instantly. Shot a doe at 430. She was qtr to me a bit - as she took a step after I drew. I let it fly and felt I hit her a touch back. She ran 30 yards and started to wobble. So I knew she was hurting. She vanished into thicket.

Based on arrow, and blood I assumed I hit lung, liver and guts on way out. I tracked her a few hours later and found blood for 100 yards or less before it got weak. I decided to back out. That’s the right thing to do - right?

Welp she didn’t go but 160 yards total. Unfortunately coyotes found her before I did.

I am not sure what I learned from experience other than bow hunting can be exhausting at times.

Keep after them.

AT
 

jagermeister

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
18,284
237
Ohio
That sucks man. Sorry to hear it.

I don’t back out unless I know for fact I didn’t hit anything vital. Or, if I jump a deer out of its bed while I’m on a track. Otherwise, I keep tracking until I’m given a reason to stop. I’ve had only a couple liver hits over the years, and with both of them the deer ran a long way before dying. We have so many coyotes in Ohio nowadays... it’s often times more of a risk backing out of a track than continuing to pursue. If it’s a big buck I’m tracking I am maybe a little more reluctant to pursue. But a doe, when meat is on the line, I’m going after her.

Don’t beat yourself up bud. Hindsight is always 20/20. Shit happens.
 

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
49,433
288
Appalachia
Hate to hear it man.

I'll never let one go all night unless I know it was gut shot. Like JB said, the yotes are so bad, I'm not risking it. We lost one of Tracie's does one year because it was last light and we couldn't locate blood until it was pitch black. I got lazy and figured since it was so cold, we'd wait until morning. Yotes ruined her overnight. I was 25 yards from her when I backed out.
 

at1010

*Supporting Member*
5,263
159
Thanks all. I backed out due to “lack” of yotes on the farm. Honestly - we don’t see them very often.

Good news is we have plenty of deer this year and redemption is sweet. Double lung baby!
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