How long can a shot deer last?

[huntingtx]

My buddy shot a buck tonight. He's followed the trail for a long time and can't find the buck. He's at a point to give up now. Is it possible the meat could still be ok in the morning if the deer is dead now? How long do ya'll think the meat will be ok for?

[BuckChaser45]

Not long 4 or 5 hrs from death

[chief longshaft]

Not long 4 or 5 hrs from death

Usually. If it was a bad shot they usually get fever and you can probably find it in the closest water hole.

[Grayson]

Does he know where he shot it? If he's not sure it was an immediately fatal hit (and it sounds like it wasn't), he needs to quit and wait until tomorrow morning. He probably pushed it by looking for it in the dark.

[rferg84]

My buddy shot a buck tonight. He's followed the trail for a long time and can't find the buck. He's at a point to give up now. Is it possible the meat could still be ok in the morning if the deer is dead now? How long do ya'll think the meat will be ok for?

What's the weather like overnight? Probably a little too warm to risk it.

[RiverRat00]

...

I'll be good until the coyotes finds it. Usually takes them minutes after it hits the ground. They are the best blood tarackers.

[huntingtx]

It's in the hill country. You think it'll be bad if we found it at sunup? He tracked good blood for 100+ yards.

[Dirtymike]

I would think the meat would be ruined. Call in the dogs? Where was he hit? I hit a doe opening morning double lung. There was blood everywhere. She lived a little over 2 hours with me pushing her. Where I hunt buzzards are bad so there is no leaving her.