I should just quit!

[ShaBow]

Keep your head up and don't give up! It's always tough until you get some good experience, which is what you are doing.

However, I must say this. Please learn the reactions of the deer on a shot. A tail tucked, arched back deer is either liver or gut shot. That means you should wait a minimum of 4 hours before even looking for anything. It is likely he would have bedded and died within 100 yards of the shot, but getting out and pushing him has caused you to have a much harder time finding him. It's hard to wait, but it could make the difference between finding and losing a deer.

Learn from this and get better!If its giving signs of being gut shot min.8hrs and 12 is better!Hang in there and think about shooting 20yds or less!Practice at least double the distance regularly you plan on shooting animals at.Confidence is everything!If you ever want to get together and shoot I can get your confidence back on track!

[rockco222]

It's not the same as shooting at a target bra. Go try it again we have all been there.

[Bisch]

get away from those long shots. Had that deer been standing at 15 yards it would most likely be in your truck right now

THIS^^^^^^!!!!!!!!

Like stated above, if it does not bother you then maybe you should find another interest. Anytime an animal is lost it SHOULD bother you....a lot. Just make sure you take close shots and make sure the animal is positioned just right.

Bisch

[sharkhunter]

THIS^^^^^^!!!!!!!!

Like stated above, if it does not bother you then maybe you should find another interest. Anytime an animal is lost it SHOULD bother you....a lot. Just make sure you take close shots and make sure the animal is positioned just right.

Bisch

Well said....

[Bowhunter24]

Welcome to the life of a bowhunter! Keep your head up and stay with it!

[chief longshaft]

shoot them a little closer iv never shot a deer past 20yds with a bow.

[deercrazy]

Just like what was said earlier, if it was easy everyone would do it. I think we all have had that moment. It is a bad filling, but keep your head up. I love bow hunting, just as much as I did the first hunt I had with a bow. If I would have gave up when I lost a deer, I wouldnt have had all these good memories of hunting to share with friends and family. Stick with it. Head up

[meangene1969]

THIS^^^^^^!!!!!!!!

Like stated above, if it does not bother you then maybe you should find another interest. Anytime an animal is lost it SHOULD bother you....a lot. Just make sure you take close shots and make sure the animal is positioned just right.

Bisch

Hit it right on the head. It kills me when I lose a hog and most dont think twice. I keep my shots close.

[Adgerc15]

did you follow this deer up immediately after exiting the stand? You said 30 minutes after you shot.
If I were "not sure" where I hit a deer and found blood on arrow and ground, I would back out for AT LEAST 2 or 3 hours and let him expire. Perhaps this deer would be dead and easily recovered but maybe you pushed him and thats why you lost the trail.

IMO when bowhunting tracking and recovery is every bit as important as practicing and making a good shot. Patience is key in every aspect of bowhunting.

Sorry to hear you lost him, I wouldnt quit and it sounds like you arent. Better you feel upset than not care. Get back out there, settle down, wait for the right shot and take it!

ac