I shot a decent buck today with my compound bow. On impact, the arrow didn’t pass through and only penetrated about 10–12 inches. I found the arrow about 100 yards from the shot location, and I was able to follow a blood trail for a few hundred yards before it dried up. I’d really like to recover this deer but I’m struggling to figure out where he went after the blood trail ended. Based on the penetration and the sign I’ve seen so far, does this look like a deer that would bed down relatively close? Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated.
-Do you have any recollection as to where the hit was? -What kind of shot was it? (broadside, quartered to/away, walking, standing -Were you on the ground or in a tree? -What did the deer do after the shot, how did it move? Hunched, mule kick, tail up or down? -How long did you wait before tracking started? -Did you smell the arrow? Did it smell sour like guts?
Adding: I found a list of tracking dogs and handlers for Tennessee. Should be available for any state or through the F&G people.
