Hello, I'm new to the forums and this is my first post. I'm an avid bowhunter who primarily hunts in southwestern Michigan. Last weekend I came across an interesting situation in the woods. A three legged, 1.5 year 6 pt hobbled by my stand at about fifteen yards. My initial instinct was to shoot this buck due to the injury, however, this would normally be a buck that I wouldn't touch. I ended up letting him walk. Just curious how anyone else would handle this situation? I am questioning whether this deer will be able to survive through the winter. Any thoughts or opinions would be much appreciated.
As long as it wasn't infected and was not adversely affecting the deer, I would have let him walk as well. I saw a three legged fox dog one time that was faster than any other dog in the pack. Having three legs didn't slow him down, and it probably won't slow down the buck either.
Where I gun hunt in Southern IL we have had a doe with a bad front leg that has lived for three years. She doesn't even let it touch the ground I think she broke it and the bone healed in that lifted up position. She looks healthy as far as I can tell. Seems to be able to put on enough wieght for winter and avoid the yotes. We have been trying to kill her for a couple years because she is a nice big mature doe but she is pretty elusive.
Thanks for the responses. First time I have seen something like that and was questioning if I made the right decision or not!
If its not a hindrance to it, and its made it this long, let it walk and grow, you can always shoot it later unless nature calls it home first
