Wounded deer habits?

[longpoke]

I hit a deer during archery season in what I call the "no zone." I hit him above the vitals and behind the shoulder. I followed small amounts of his blood for two days. He went down then up and down again. I finally lost his blood and track in some shale rock. I went back a few days later looking for him or birds and found nothing. Anyway, I felt confident he was still alive. Now my buddy has a rifle tag in the same area. Being that he was a very nice deer I would like to relocate him. Does anyone have some knowledge regarding what he might have done as far as blowing out of the country or returning to his normal pattern after eight weeks? Do they usually relocate just to go heal up or permanently relocate? Like I said I went back about five days after the shot and could not find any sign of him. Basically, should I bother looking where he was?

Thanks,
Tony

 

[3fletch]

All animals need water and one that is wounded and loosing blood will most likely head to water. I believe that they will stay close to water until they heal. Good luck on your mission to find him again.

I'd rather be huntin!!!!

 

[Hardway]

I've tracked as late as a week later with my German Wirehair, but never 8 weeks. Could be worth a try if ya know someone with a good dog. No telling how far that buck has gone though.

 

[ICHABOD]

+1 WHAT LONGPOKE SAID

 

[ChasinBone]

They won't go as far as you think unless the rut is on. I have bowhunted for 18 years and seen some great bucks. I have seen them blow out and reapear with in a day. I have seen them from a vantage point lay down with their heads flat as hunters walk with in 20 yards of them. The big ones are masters of deception and picking country that is prime for their survival. There is a reason they get big. Keep searching he will be there some where.