Think I blew it tonight.

[Mint]

That buck is fine. I hit one like that last year and saw him twice after that day and he was chasing does the whole time. Just saw him this year about two weeks ago on my trail cam.

If you had hit that artery that runs below the spine he would have bled out in 60 yards.

[bowless]

I agree totally, a little lower hit and you'd have hit the main artery and he'd be down within a minute, if not on the spot.  Been there, done that, but with a doe.
IMHO, no tag filled because that buck is chasing does right now.

[Biathlonman]

Just so we have closure. My buddy sat the same stand this morning and got in a little late. Not 15 minutes after settling in the deer I shot came walking through. Says he has a nice little scar right at the top of his back. Glad I didn't make the old boy suffer and happy for my friend.

 

[KyStickbow]

Glad it all worked out brother...sure makes u feel better knowing he made it. Let ur buddy know that's a fine deer and congrats!!

[koops4]

Congrats to your buddy. IMO, you did not put the deer down so your tag was never filled.  Get back out there when you can.  Congrats to you and your wife on the new addition to your family.

[Michael Arnette]

Nice! Thanks for letting us know!

[tracker1]

Ha brad, I'm glad your buddy got your buck I wish you would have got him at least you got some closer

[Bob Stager]

Congratulations to your buddy on a great buck. Sorry it didn't work out for you but at least you know what happened to the buck. It will save you a lot of thoughts about what happened to him in the off season. Bob

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Bittersweet bummer.

Glad you have closure.  

Congrats on the new addition to the family. Hope you get back out soon. Good Luck!

[johnnyk71]

Originally posted by South MS Bowhunter:

 Upon investigating the area I found found white belly hair and stomach materials.

I backed out for 3 hours and upon returning prepared for a long night of tracking I set out to look for a gut shot deer that I originally would have said was hit in the ham.

After 50 yards of nothing but Gut materials and no blood I find a pile of intestines, large and small and the colon all piled together      

From there I begin to fine small droplets of blood for the next 61 yards and a dead deer that stiff as a board from being dead for 3 hours.

 

I had this happen once. it was the craziest thing I ever saw. with the one I hit, I think as she ran, her hooves got caught up and she disemboweled herself. when I found her, she was gutted already, just as pretty as you please. it was unreal!

[Kopper1013]

Well I sure hope it works out for you, I'm sure it will be a sleepless night. Strange things can happen so don't give up hope. Good luck, we will be waiting to here the out come.

[Steve Jr]

Nice looking old buck. Congrats to your buddy and now you can get back out there to find another. Congrats on the new addition to the family.

[Izzy]

Wow Brad, what a beautiful buck. Wish you'd have got him but at least it was a friend and he isn't suffering. Best of luck for the rest of the season. Ill be sending your pack out after I give it a hunt this week. Thanks again and happy holidays, Izzy

[Biathlonman]

Thanks. No hurry at all, not much use for it around the house here watching babies!

[Izzy]

Enjoy those babies Brad, the one in the pic is now 6' 170#s. I can barely recall when he was the size he was in the pic.