I don't think it's gristle. I'm at a loss for words. I think it were a leg hit that I wouldn't get a pass through with blood on all 3 fletchings. Blood is not very dark at all.
I agree, a pass through seems unlikely. What was the approximate angle of impact? I had hit one about 7 yrs ago that we trailed for many many hundreds of yrds with good blood. Lost the trail, but got a call from a land owner during gun season saying he had found him in his creek. Total straight line distance was ~0.88 miles. So hang in there...I'm sure it will be a long night/day at work. But I think you'll find him. I've never tried a tracking dog, but this might be a good option... https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/find-a-tracker/
Good luck on trying to find your buck. Didnt see anything on stand but when I left there was a nice 10 point in the field. Think I know where he came from. Will try to sit there soon
Angle? I was about 20 feet up and he was perfectly broadside at 31yds. I'm positive I got a pass through. My arrow passed through either his leg or just behind the front leg but super low. I had blood on the entire shaft with blood on all three white fletchings. Not dark red blood but very light colored red. I'm so confused why he would run about 40yds, start walking slowly away and then go down, get up and start walking again. Then he just stood still and looked around for a few min. Then ran wide open across an uncut bean field at least 4-500yds. And into the woods. He wasn't limping or dragging his leg. Guess I'll find out tomorrow. Thanks for the replies guys.
Here in Ohio our first real cool air of the season is hitting Monday-Wednesday. I'm going out Monday evening, Tuesday morning and evening, and Wednesday morning and evening. Hopefully these hunts will at least produce a doe. I will be going to a few different stands as well. Anyone else going to hunt this mini cold front?
Hunted Saturday morning and then came home. Lots of rain so decided to head home. No deer. Trying to stay patient for the coming weeks
They do look like brothers. He looked way bigger at 31yds though lol. I'm actually taking off today and going to look this morning. If I don't find him I will regroup and be set up for this evenings hunt. Coldest day of the year so far.
Please bring us with you today. A little play by play will sure help pass a Monday in the office. It probably won't be an easy track, but I think you'll find him. That was a lot of blood on the arrow for a gristle hit.
I had that 8 pointer at 15 yards broadside and passed him up on opening day in the evening. I have a heavy tall tined 9 I'm after with a small drop (maybe an inch) off the left maim beam. For some reason it will not let me post pictures I have of this buck. I've tried multiple times.
My buddy hit a nice buck just like you did. After 4 hours went to track him. Had good blood for 150 yards. Layed down twice within 20 yards. Think we bumped him once. Couldn't find anymore blood after that. Got a dog and couldn't get on anything else after last blood. No crows, wolves or coyote making noise. Pretty sure he lived.
