re: How many big game animals have you shot that were never recovered.

quote:

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In and effort to show we are from elitists, that we make mistakes, and that we understand the heartbreak of losing an animal

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There was a thread on here earlier that addressed making sure your gun is sighted in and you are confident and competent with you weapon of choice.... I don't think that can be stressed enough.

I've lost 3 does and a buck that were confirmed hits. Doe when I was young with a rifle (.243) and 2 with a bow, 1 with black powder (frick a percussion cap!)

Buck was a solid 3.5 year old 10pt would have been my first buck with a bow. Stepped out broad side when I drew back and stood up I hit a branch he got spooked and started walking off whistled he looked dead at me and I let it fly.... Well he ducked the arrow, hit him higher than I wanted and he took off. Got down and looked for blood and found half of my arrow about 30yards away (not the good half). Trailed 350 yards and it started pouring. Went back out the next morning and there was no sign other than soaked toilet paper hanging in trees. Got some closure though, 2 weeks later was opening day of rifle he caught a bullet. When I came in from the hunt he was hanging...