I don't post on here very much, but I have a quick question. I've been hunting a large 8 point hard for the last 2-3 weeks. Today I finally got a cold, steady, hard NW wind, and he finally moved early enough for me to confirm that it was him and shoot. I usually bow hunt, but today had a .300 WSM in my hand. When I use this gun, it's normally for mid season doe killing at long range...200+/- They normally drop immediately or run a short distance and drop. The buck today was within 85-95 yards. He acted like he was hit hard. He looked like he almost went down on impact, but ran 10-15 yards with his head down. I thought I heard him crash! A few seconds later, I see movement about 10 yards up the mountain from where I heard the crash. I finally spot him partially behind a tree. He was looking back down the mountain. I was going to try and shoot again, but I lost sight of him like he dropped or laid down. Another shot hammered off within a quarter mile or so, and I see what I believe is his tail go up the mountain. I sit for 5 minutes, and ease up to where I last saw him...to see if I indeed hit him. There was quite a bit of very red blood. I didn't have a light with me, so I can't tell you if it had bubbles or content for sure....but I don't think so. I backed out immediately down the mountain, to the truck, and to the house. I've never had this happen with a short mag. I'm sick and to tore up to think very critically right now...Broad side shot, centered on his front shoulder, a little above me, but not much....fairly flat shot. Anyone had this happen? Thoughts.....

Wait til morning and go get him, or call idaho mike and go get him tonight

Call Mike!

So you're planning on going back right? The post isn't exactly clear...go back later with a light. Probably not far. To answer the question, yes I've had many deer not drop right in their tracks. Very common occurrence. Buck in my sig swallowed 3 7 mag rounds in the shoulder and lived to fight much longer...

I'd go check tonight, if ya don't find him quick back out and call a dog to help tomorrow.

Yes, I'm definitely going back. He's a 5 year old stud....that's why I'm so sick about it. Trying to decide on later tonight or tomorrow. I've killed many deer over the past 25 years, but I've never had one act so hit, and then hop up a mountain while carrying a short mag round....appears to be "good blood."

Like Fred said, go back and if you don't find him within 50 yards or so back out and get a dog. Looking forward to pics!

Fingers crossed! I don't have photobucket, or I'd post up a trail cam pic of him. I shot a 136" 10 point with my bow last week. He was quartering away hard at 46 yards. I had to track him, but wasn't nearly as torn up about him. He was a good 4 year old and I knew I punched him hard....just nervous about this ole boy. I really wanted him bad! He would be my third buck, and I could rest finally!!! LOL Thanks!

Go back tonight and if you find good blood, track for a hundred yards and back out if you don't find him.

If the blood is real red....that could be muscle blood. Hopefully it's not and you put a good shot on him. I would call Mike before I even went back out there.

I'm in Madison County. Where is Mike lacated? Do you have his number, or is it posted on the site?

Call Mike and he and Lucy will find your buck.

Good luck finding your deer..Sounds like a good one!!

idahomike
mike lopez
630-240-6394
call or txt

He travels all over the state

Thanks men!

Youd better get headed!

In for pics.

Honestly if it was me, I'd go back in without a dog. Would be a waste to call in a dog when you have nothing but indications of a solid hit so far. Go back in tonight. Mark blood with toilet paper, and find your deer.

This

If trail peters out or you jump him, back out and dial-a-dog

Me too. Why do you need to call a dog when you haven't even looked for the deer. Go back and look for it. Deer don't always drop. If you haven't tracked a deer, you haven't killed very many.

If you track it and can't find it, then call for a dog. If I had a tracking dog, I wouldn't Even come out and look for one if someone had not attempted to find it themselves first.