So I should have known today would be weird.  I usually have no problem getting up for hunting, even though I work nights primarily.  This morning I slept through my alarm and didn't get to the woods until a good hour after sunrise.  I had a plan.  I was saving this spot until peak rut, as last year I had seen a ton of activity and missed a shot on a monster (public land in PA) buck.  

So.  Long story short, I had the same buck, who is by now a HUGE 8-point come within a step of my shooting lane then wind me and trot off, not too spooked but enough to turn him around.  Then,  I had a decent six point come feeding in about a half hour before sundown.  He worked his way to my least optimal shooting lane, right at the edge of my comfort zone, but being that we can't cut in PA its what I had to deal with. He was about 18 yards out. He steps into the lane broadside and stops to browse.  I know I picked a spot but don't remember drawing.  All I remember is the same second I let the arrow fly he decided to hop over either a lump in the ground or a stick or something and what would have been a perfect shot hits him way back, I think in the leg, and he takes off.  I watched him bound off with almost my entire arrow sticking out of his hind quarters then slow to a casual walk as if nothing happened then disappear.  I waited a little bit but not as long as I would have liked because it was starting to rain and getting dark at this point and I honestly knew that I wouldn't be recovering a deer tonight.  I climbed down, packed up my climber and went to the shot site.  No blood.  Nothing.  Followed his trail to the last place I saw him.  Found my arrow, snapped off just below the broadhead, about two inches of blood and some hair.  No blood anywhere else.  So for the next few hours I search the entire area looking for any sign of blood.  Nothing. Found a few tufts of white hair sitting in what looked like a spot he may have bedded down, but no blood, no smell, nothing.   By now, the rain is somewhat steady and I'm relying on my flashlight and feeling like I just needlessly wounded this deer.  So I tell myself I'll come back in the morning and double check but resign myself to the fact that although the deer will probably be fine,  that I failed.    

So I get back to the truck, realize my last arrow somehow got pulled from my bow quiver and is now hopelessly lost, start heading home and within ten minutes get a flat tire.  BTW,  I was riding on my spare as I had gotten a flat recently and neglected to replace it cuz I had to get new tires soon anyway.  Sooooooooo, my ride is unavailable until later this afternoon and I can't even go back to check for the deer because I have work tonight.  I am resigned to going tomorrow morning and looking.  

What started as one of my best days this season ended up being the worst.  I'm out of arrows, (about to order more as I type this).  Out a couple bills for tires and absolutely sick about the deer I shot. And I've pretty much burnt my best spot for basically the season.  Oh, btw, thats the first deer I've ever shot, with anything.  This i only my second season.  I'm not gonna let this ruin it for me, I know everyone says it happens but I was hoping it wouldn't happen on my first deer.

Given the minimal penetration (6 inches max), the lack of blood and where I think I hit him, and the fact that there was no reaction ie: limping or hunching up, do you think that besides some pain, the deer will make it??  Also, after I check again tomorrow morning, do you think that area is ruined for the season?  It's in a park that gets a fair amount of non hunting pressure and hunting pressure and there is a TON of sign in this area, scrapes everywhere and a huge rub line along a transition heading into some nastiness. Maybe save it till late season?

Oh, started this post last night, but finished it today which is why the timeline is a little off.  The shot actually happened yesterday evening.

Not to be a wise guy but I thought bow went out last Sat. the 12 here in Pa.

Not in my wmu. I hunt in 5C and 5D. We go to the 26th, so right into gun season pretty much.

Sorry my bad guess I'm not used to those areas, I'd say keep after it pretty sure anyone who bowhunts has had an experience like that if their honest.

I feel for ya. I hate those days,and have had some myself,I don't think they were that bad though.

You can't use a bow once rifle season has started?

No, we can use bows throughout gun season.  I just worded that poorly.  No worries Northern Lights, we get a bit of a longer season down here but we're very limited on public land.

I'm just really disappointed and kicking myself for not replacing that tire right away.  If I had my ride I would have been out there first thing this morning, and at least i'd get some reassurance as I'm almost positive that that deer is still on his feet.

I'd say he will be fine but I would definitely go looking.  6" is plenty to get into an artery. In the future, you might go right after a probably muscle hit like that.  I have run 2 deer down after similar hits, one by me, one by a friend.  But if you think it's in the guts, best to wait overnight.

I seriously doubt the area will be ruined for the season.  Deer don't seem to care a lot about blood and dead deer.  I shot and boned out a buck last Saturday.  Hunted on Monday and had another nice buck walk right by the carcass without even a glance.  If you have to go thrashing about in a bedding area, you might alert deer but it seems they are likely used to lots of humans.

I hunt public land in WMU 5C and 5D as well and I know the struggle but your season is definitely not ruined.  I'm stuck at work today, but if you can't get your tire fixed, I can help you scout for the deer tomorrow or Saturday.

Your spot is far from ruined

Thanks so much for the encouragement.  Thanks EVG, I really appreciate the offer!!   Got the tire situation taken care of so I'll be out first thing in the morning.   Hopefully he's fine, I'd hate to find him dead and not be able to salvage any meat, it's hot out today.  My biggest fear since I started this trad bow hunting adventure has always been wasting an animal.  I suppose on the plus side if he is dead, I can deal with it, move on, and learn from it.  Lesson one, set up for shorter distances.  I'm comfortable out to about 20 yards but figure in hopes of avoiding this situation I'll start setting up for about 10-12 max.  Lesson two, really attempt to focus on the shot sequence.  I'm amazed that I have no recollection of drawing, just watching the arrow fly as the deer hopped forward and thinking, "oh sh#t".  Lesson three, never drive without a spare tire...    

Hey CC- stay after them and just learn from your experiences.  I hate to say it but as hot as it is everywhere today your deer would have spoiled if it was dead.  It's probably not dead but you are doing the right thing by looking in the morning anyway.  Deer are tough critters.  I know how ya feel- I've been in your shoes.
Stay after'em
Tim