shot deer tracked but lost still

[justin7825]

hi my name is justin and i shot a buck in maine and lost the blood trail and could not recover it i had a seasoned hunter helping me for 6 hrs no luc lots of blood even when he crossed the road but ill keep looking but question is how long after having 5 people looking for it should i wait to go back to my spot to hunt again if un lucky enough to find him could anyone help with this post please thanks justin

[Karl.Luhr]

You tracked it for 6 hours without success you did what you could. Something will eat your Deer, that is the way it is. You may have hit it to far back, or in a leg. They will live a long time gutshot or often will run/walk fine on one front leg. You might have noticed wierd hoof prints if you had snow on the ground to assist you. One argument that I have heard for the big magnums is that they do more damage and this happens less with them. I would agree if the shooter has the ability to shoot as well with them compaired to a standard cartridge. I always worry that a shooter doesn't like practicing with the magnums, and a bad shot is more likely do to less practice at the range.

Karl

[timberghost]

Like Karl said, you have done all you can to find this deer and at least you gave it all the effort. Sorry that you couldn't find it...that stinks.