Shot a doe tonight but backed out.

[BHTGdogs]

I shot my first deer with a longbow tonight.
It was close to dark so I backed out. Dont want to push it and loose my first trad deer. I'm really excited cant wait for morning to come. Will the deer be ok over night its not going to be very cold here tonight?

[longbowben]

I think i would go after it if you have a good blood trail its warm tonight.Congrats.

[ishiwannabe]

Good blood, go ahead. If the hit was questionable...thats another story. Either way, let us know the outcome, and good luck.

[pintail_drake2004]

suppose to be warm here in IL tonight and tomorrow. I was cleaning a doe yesterday and it was in the 70's. Get a good light, and a buddy and go find her!

[Wannabe1]

Congrats and good luck which ever way you decide but, most importantly stay safe.

[John3]

I'll be alright.. Get out there first light in the morning... Let us know what you find..

JDSIII

[BHTGdogs]

I have a really hard time seeing red and I think it will be almost impossible for me to see the blood in the dark with a flash light. At dusk I could barely see the blood that I could see abouT ten yards from the point of impact when I got down after the shot. And there was still decent light. Im going to have to find another pair of eyes to help me even in broad day light.

[vermonster13]

Get a Coleman lantern and use it for the light.

[BHTGdogs]

The only help I'll be able to get is my girlfriend and that wont be till tomorrow as she works till 11

[bm22]

if you get to her tomorrow and the hair will pull out in clumps i wouldn't eat it, just leave her where she lies. if she started bleeding within 10 yards and the hit looks at least decent she is probably dead pretty quick.

imo if i couldn't see blood very well and it is warm outside and i couldn't get help til the next day i wouldn't take any shots when it starts getting late, but thats just me.

if you made a good shot she is long since died and she probably wont be any good tomorrow or at least i would eat a deer that i left out over night if it is more than 40-50 degrees outside, again thats just me.

i would invest in a bow bug to help track animals at night. imo it would be a good investment if you can't see blood very well.

[BHTGdogs]

any kind of tracking device is illegal in Illinois.

[vermonster13]

Here is some useful information for you.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=050265;p=2#000024

[TradPaul]

I would go after it. Take it slow, hands and knees. you'll find him most likely. But again if the hit is questionable like she may still be alive, go at first light. I have heard that they will keep for about 5 hours in a moderate temp.


P.

[FerretWYO]

I would have to agree if you have good blood and have given her some time.

After reading the rest though. She should be fine. Check her over good to make sure she is though. then get us some picks and a story.

Good luck I hope you find her fast.

[Chris O]

Some real good advice above. Good luck finding your deer.

[BowHuntingFool]

Any luck finding her??? Keep us updated!

[Blasterjdh]

Look forward to hearing of your success !!!

[JoeM]

Hopefully he's busy butchering! Remember we need pics!! Joe

[bowless]

Not lost in the woods are ya?
Really interested in how things worked out.

[BHTGdogs]

I spent the bigger part of the day looking for her lost blood after about a 150yds the started a grid search I never found my arrow either so Im guessing its still in her. She was heading to the road I even looked for blood going across the road. I got good penetration. Im just thinking the two blade hole clotted up. Im thinking I may go to a 3 blade now. I feel sick Im going to give it awhile before I hunt the area again as it will be full of my scent.