Today was the bow opener in NC, and this evening, about 7, I shot at my first deer with a bow. Unfortunately, I missed, even though it was only 15 yards which I can do in my sleep in the yard. It was a good sized doe, and after missing, continued to walk around the area seemingly unafraid. After watching it for a little bit, it got too dark to see and I went to retrieve my arrow...this is where I was baffled...the arrow was laying on top of the ground, with light traces of blood on the broadhead. There is no blood anywhere else on the arrow. Is it possible the arrow bounced off the deer only causing a small wound? How could this be possible and the deer not even run? Do you think the deer may actually be wounded more than I think and will be recoverable? thanks guys.
Most deer that are seriously wounded will run like hell or will bolt slightly then slow down to a slow walk/bed until they die. How did the deer you shot react after it was done feeding? How far did you track the doe in the direction it went after dark?
well with blood on it, you hit it. question is did you just nick. it's amazing how you see on videos that there are pass thru's and the deer just stand there like nothing happened. If I were you I'd go early in the morning, and just check to see if you spot any other blood traces/trails. You would think that there would be more blood on the arrow if you hit it mortally. Go out in the moring and have a look. It'll at least put your mind at ease. Do it early though, so if you do find it, the meat may still be salvagable. good luck.
I plan on going back early in the morning to get a good look. Also, I didnt track it any, I thought that would be a bad thing to do. It dashed for about 20 yards then just walked around.
Also, the blood was just on the broadhead not the fletchings or shaft, that makes me wonder if it entered the body cavity or not.
Did you miss low? Maybe hit or knicked a leg or foot? Either way it doesn't sound like a kill shot with the minimal blood and it only on the broadhead. But I would still feel ethically bound to put in an hour or so searching for blood/recovery and it would help to ease my mind. Good luck!
I shot a buck a couple years ago and hit right under the heart. Upon the arrow's release the buck acted startled but did not run. It looked as if he wasn't even hit. He then walked casually away and started to stumble. So the deer's reaction isn't always what it appears. Also, the arrow was wiped amazingly clean upon exiting the buck. I learned a few things that morning that things are not always what they seem.
Well guys, bad news..no blood at all..guess I nicked her low...I guess thats how it goes just got to keep practicing, thanks for all the advice.
