Question

[wtnhunt]

After hearing some coyotes last night right at dark, I cannot help but have questions in my mind about my daughters shot. She shot with a .243 using 100 grain core lokts. She had a good solid rest, and should have been really good and steady. It was a 70-75 yard shot.

The deer was slightly quartered away, she said she was aimed into the back of the shoulder when she squeezed. The buck took off hard, when she shot. Harder at first than the other deer right next to him. Playing it back in my mind, my first thought was the deer jumped slightly up and into a full run, making me think she hit it pretty good initially. The deer did not kick out, but did jump slightly. Tail was down, not hard tucked, not up flagging either. There were 3 of the 4 deer within about a 10 yard span when they took off and they all were together running away immediately after the response of the deer that she shot at took off.

It was only a matter of seconds for the deer to be out of sight and around the brush down the hill. I Followed the most likely routes for about 100 yards, never finding any blood or hair. Walked up some other trails a good ways further, and never found any sign of a hit.

Is it possible she hit it and it didnt bleed at all within the first 100 yards or more? The deer was already tense from the fighting.

We did hear some other shots over the weekend, and it is all together possible that the coyotes are on another youth hunters gut pile or maybe another lost deer close to the back of our property, but I am thinking about going back out and looking more along the river this afternoon if I get time after work.

[Tominator]

I think I'd be takin' a walk down there William.

Any word on the new baby?

[buckee]

It does sound like a hit Willy, just by the deer's body language. She may have hit a bit high behind the shoulder, which would most likely not produce much blood sign for a good bit, especially with the buck taking off so fast.
sounds like coyote bait bud, but I'd be going for a nice long walk too. .

[ladydiehard]

Sounds like a good idea to go for a walk.

I shot a deer one year that went over 100 yards before we found blood. I had actually given up on it but my dad kept looking. He found the deer and there was blood everywhere. It took awhile for the chest cavity to fill up before it spilled out.

[dogdoc]

I also think there is a good chance that the buck was hit. I guess I missed your first post about the initial shot but from what you just stated I think I'd be taking a harder look for that buck. If you have a dog you might take it with you too--maybe the pooch can get a little scent to follow.

todd

[wtnhunt]

She did hit him. I found him Wednesday afternoon approximately 110-125 yards from where she shot him. I had been no more than 15 yards from the deer where he was dead, and overlooked him due to the brush and water. He was just off a main trail he was using. Will post more when I get a few pics uploaded. She hit right in the back of the shoulder, just like she aimed. Could not tell about the exit or even if it did exit.

[ QUOTE ]
Any word on the new baby?


[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, she entered the world quite quickly when she decided to come on out yesterday morning. Got a pic to post in the lounge of the girls.

[Nut]

My hat is off to ya. You did great and congrats on the new arriva l

[Reloader]

Great job rethinking and looking again. How bad off is the meat? got any pics?

congrats again on the new arival!

[ladydiehard]

Great job finding that deer and CONGRATS on the new arrival!