I shot a deer today and the arrow didn't pass through but stayed stuck in as it ran off. I found one decent amount of dark blood about 30 yards from the shot. Then nothing.. Granted the shot was a little back. My question is.
How long do they run when its not a pass through and why wasn't there a trail or more blood than just that one spot? What's the rule of thumb on tracking in these situations?
Like someone said, no pass through can be long or short. It depends on what vitals are hit. If you are in a treestand and shooting at a downward angle at close distances, the exit hole will be lower in the deers cavity. The lower hole should allow blood to flow and leave a better blood trail. Without the lower exit hole, bloodtrail can be a lot less. Will a jug of milk leave more milk with a hole up high on the jug or low on the jug?...same principle. My rule of thumb is go back at least 4, maybe 6 hours later with a hit you described. Dark blood should be liver. Don't push the deer, let it lie, and go back in late.
