Had an experience that brings a question in regards to long range shots -- 1000 yds plus. A guy was shooting at least that far just off the road. Took 2-3 shots. The deer was not huge, just a small 2 point. After the shooting was over he eventually left and drove on down the road. The deer had disappeared over a ridgeline. The hunter evidently must of thought he didn't hit the deer because we never saw him make any attempt go after the deer or check to see if he had hit it. Went out this morning before sunrise into the same canyon that the deer disappeared into. When we dropped into the canyon bottom near a small stream we walked up onto a deer that was laying near the stream. It was still alive, could hardly hold its head 6 inches off the ground, its rear hindquarters were swollen. It had been shot low in the belly just in front of the hindquarters. A portion of its intestines was bulging out. We were only 25 feet from it and it was obviously very sick and suffering.
My question is this-- is it possible that long range shots could end up wounding more deer that the shooter does not follow up on and check if they hit the deer? In this particular instance the shooter made no attempt to follow up. I'm not saying this deer was the one he shot at, but it gave me wonder if some long range shooters don't go check- especially if they're going to have to hike 1-2 miles down and up through canyons to get to where they shot at the deer. If the deer doesn't tip over and roll down the hill are they going to go check for blood? What do you think-is this a problem ?
My question is this-- is it possible that long range shots could end up wounding more deer that the shooter does not follow up on and check if they hit the deer? In this particular instance the shooter made no attempt to follow up. I'm not saying this deer was the one he shot at, but it gave me wonder if some long range shooters don't go check- especially if they're going to have to hike 1-2 miles down and up through canyons to get to where they shot at the deer. If the deer doesn't tip over and roll down the hill are they going to go check for blood? What do you think-is this a problem ?