I live and hunt in western MD. Yesterday at 8:03am I stuck a monster 8 point. He was at 30 yards broadside. I made a good hit just behind the left shoulder and just below mid-section. The only part of the arrow sticking out was fletching. He made a big jump but then walked away limping. I watched him walk slowly for about 60-70 yards. Problem: I left him go for over one hour before tracking. The blood trail was heavy and light red for 100 yards or so but only out of his left side. More than 3 hours after the shot my dad and I jumped him up. He was still limping and slow moving but the blood stopped and he still had the arrow in him. We then left him alone after the blood stopped in a pine grove around an old cemetary. This cemetary is sorounded by field. This buck is a bruiser and old. His coat is grey, face white, and antlers are heavy and red. If you have any advice please help. I've been bow hunting several years and never had this happen. I shoot a Martin Panther at 62 lbs with gold tip carbon arrows and 125gr muzzy four blades. The bow is paper tuned. I've shot through deer before at this range. My e-mail is [email protected]. Thanks
He may have been 1/4 away a little more than you think. It sounds to me like you may have clipped one lung and the arrow maby stuck in the off side leg or shoulder bone, reason for limping. Im guessing this is why the arrow did not pass on through. Did the blood have any bubbles mixed with it indicating a lung hit? I have had them go along time on one lung hits so you did good waiting for an hour before tracking. But since you jumped him later I would definantly wait till morning before looking again. The last thing you want is to keep pushing him. Let him lay up and hopefully thats where you will find him. good luck
If you stuck him at 8:03 am YESTERDAY, I'd be out there. Agree with bloodcrick...sounds like a possible 1 lunger, but a day and half later he should be done if he's gonna be. Good luck, sounds to me like a pretty solid hit.
Thanks for the clarify, I didnt realize it was that much later. yep...what he said, ned to get out there and be looking now.
Thanks guys for all the help. I'm tracking and going to grid search tomorrow in the day light if I can't find anymore blood.