HOLY CRAP - passthrough shot - need help / input

[FranciscoJ]

Ok yes, I am VERY enthusiastic. And yes, the last tie buck-fever got the best of me. I pushed a deer and never found it. I didn't make the same mistake this time.

I took a shot at about 10yrds when it was sighted for 20yrds. I heard a noise but wasn't 110% sure I hit it (was getting dark). So, I went back for a quick minute and inspected the area with a flashlight to see if any blood was visible. What I found was much better!!!

Right where I shot it, the bolt was RIGHT THERE!!! I think it hit a tree behind it and got knocked down. I couldn't see anything clear with the flashlight so I took it back home. Turns out the bolt is from tip to knock totally covered in blood (and there was a slight rain even).

In the tip it has hair and right where the wings (don't know names) are there is more hair. So, on my 2nd shot it would seem I got a total pass-through. It is dark and raining so I thought the best course of action was giving it until morning. I didn't / don't wanna risk pushing or anything (especially since I KNOW it went ALL the way through the deer).

I am really nervous and afraid of making ANOTHER mistake. Just need some input. 1) Is finding the bolt where I found it, and how I found it a good sign? 2) Even if it is down, is it a good idea to wait until 1st light? 3) Any tracking tips in particular to consider when looking for it in morning with a passthrough?

[FranciscoJ]

I only have my camera phone on me so I apologize for quality. But I think you "get the idea". You can clearly see the blood soaking it got. It's like that from front to back. The hair is somewhat long ( 1" or a bit more ). And it is not seemingly dark. I would say white / grey.


http://www.ohiosportsman.com/forum/http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/1849/2220141510035493741S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2220141510035493741GRvARM)

[RutCrazed]

What did the blood on the arrow look like? Typically after the shot I will wait 5 min to settle down a bit then gather my things and come down from the tree and look for sign at the area that I shot the deer. If I find good sign like that then wait 30 min. and start the track. With it starting to rain that changes things. If I was shure of a good hit I would start the track depending on how much rain in half that time because the rain might wash the blood trail away!

Just my 2 cents!

[FranciscoJ]

The issue with rain vs waiting time is something I had to make a tough call on. I had to give it time as I did not want to "push". So I waited a good 2hrs before I went anywhere near where the deer ran. It went to the left, I went back to the right (went opposite direction after it ran).

Now, within that time it did start to rain. But fact is it is dark and the terrain is unknown to me. As it was in 1st case, I did not wanna hurtmyself or put myself into a precarious position in the dark / cold / wet night.

It seems to be a solid hit. So I figure since I let it be, it wouldn't run more then 100-200yrds or so. And if it did bed down / fall down...it'll be there in the morning. I don't wanna rush things this time.

Step by step and learn from my mistakes...

[RutCrazed]

Sounds like a good hit it shouldn't be far in the morning, go to the area were you last seen the deer and look for blood if there isn't any blood just fan the area and you should find it. Good luck! I know what it is like to feel the way you do right now!

[bmiller]

Do ya feel the knot in your stomach??????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????

[archer1983]

Keep us updated on how the tracking went Francisco! Good luck brother. From the sounds of it, you made a solid hit, but backing out is always a good thing.


If you go back this morning and can't find her,(because of the rain) get some friends and do a grid search. ;)

[Cap't Ernie]

He put it up on the scoreboard, so he must have gotten her this morning.

[Thisbucks4u]

You shot at a deer at 10 yards and you have no idea where you hit it? Can you say too dark to shoot?:tsk:

From an outsiders view on this one- your "Team Silent Assassin" signature seems kinda laughable at this point in time.

[Azzy]

You shot at a deer at 10 yards and you have no idea where you hit it? Can you say too dark to shoot?:tsk:

From an outsiders view on this one- your "Team Silent Assassin" signature seems kinda laughable at this point in time.

That's not nice.

[FranciscoJ]

You shot at a deer at 10 yards and you have no idea where you hit it? Can you say too dark to shoot?:tsk:

From an outsiders view on this one- your "Team Silent Assassin" signature seems kinda laughable at this point in time.


Very uncool man. I "knew" where I hit it but was so excited / jazzed that it was like, "*** just happened". Honestly man, thi sis my first deer. I did a good job and don't give a damn what naysayers like you have to say. Take your unkind words and negativity elsewhere man...they don't belong anywhere on this site.

[wallydog1]

You shot at a deer at 10 yards and you have no idea where you hit it? Can you say too dark to shoot?:tsk:

From an outsiders view on this one- your "Team Silent Assassin" signature seems kinda laughable at this point in time.


well from an insiders view on my "Team Silent Assassin" you can just stay outside or go Troll someone else's Post

[Hiller]

You shot at a deer at 10 yards and you have no idea where you hit it? Can you say too dark to shoot?:tsk:

From an outsiders view on this one- your "Team Silent Assassin" signature seems kinda laughable at this point in time.

It's easy to get caught up in the moment when it's your first deer... you weren't there and neither was I... it is not our place to critisize someone on their first deer... I had no idea where I hit my first one, but I knew it must have been good cause I watched him go down...

[Thisbucks4u]

Im not a troll and not a naysayer. Im just another contributing member of this site. My opinion does belong here- just the same as every other member-whether its good or bad news, its always genuine.

If my take on the situation goes over like a lead balloon so be it. How bout I tell you what I did like about your situation?

1. you knew enough to back off and give it time.
2. you did not say "I know I hit her good" (usually the kiss of death)
3. you stuck with it, tracked a rained on blood trail and put a tag on the deer
Hows that? Better?

Maybe, taking into consideration your amount of time in the woods, you might perhaps invest in some LED nock inserts. They do work as advertised and have minimal trade offs. It will help identify where you hit.

[ncboman]

I assume you got the deer?

jmo, but seeing where you hit isn't important. I figure over 80% of the time, given the proper 30 min waiting period, the deer will be down and expired within 100yds or so.

Reads like you did everything right given the circumstances. :)

ncboman

[Hoytmania]

Way to go Fransisco. It sounds like you did a great job and Congrats.

[rgecko23]

Your first deer? you mean you got excited and you made the right decisions too.? Shame on You!!!!

Shame on you for not running home, logging on and getting everyones opinion...oh no that would be wrong cause you would have had to leave the woods to do that. Take your lap top with a wireless and log on after you shoot your deer. Then ask everyone what you should do, that way you don't get chastised by someone for not making a decision that they think is incorrect.