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

I've lost three deer, all were this year during my second serious year of bow hunting. All were due to poor shot placement (shooting too far forward). I believe all three lived as we never found carcasses nor birds circling in the days following.

Needless to say, I've learned a bunch this year.

I did manage to take one of the cripples opening weekend of rifle season as she was limping across the field.