Spirits of a new hunter

It definitely happens, if you’ve never messed up a shot (ether by missing or wounding) you don’t hunt much or you hunt with a riffle over a bait at close range. I’m a fairly young hunter and I remember two years ago I shot at a doe, sights were perfect but my bullet hit a small twig on the way. The older boys at camps advice was stuff happens, get back out there and shoot another one. That’s the best way to gain your confidence back. Btw I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with riffle hunting over a bait, if that’s how you do it that’s great.

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Originally Posted by LowbanksArcher

$h!t happens. You hunt long enough and shoot at enough animals, it'll happen again. I've heard the clean slice of the sharp broadhead will have higher odds of healing quickly without infection. Run with that when you talk to her about it. You know how incredibly tough these animals are. Make sure she knows too. From the lack of blood and the fact that you found the arrow/bolt, maybe she just grazed it? Brisket or top of the back?
Back to the target block/bag. Confirm everything is still good and dialed in, and get back out there

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X2 great suggestions.
I get more concerned when it doesn’t bother a hunter that they just wounded an animal.

Most hunters feel remorse when they don’t recover an animal, especially big game animals. Wounding can happen with any weapon and by any Hunter (regardless of experience) and hunters need to reflect and reconcile on the possibility that it could easily happen to them one day. Unfortunately, sorting out hurt feelings isn’t part of Hunter Ed, however, having an understanding partner or group of friends can help. I feel badly for your wife and I hope that the deer recovers. Most of all, I hope that the experience makes both of you better people and hunters (not that you’re not awesome already). Best of luck on the next outing.

I've had this happen to me Nd ill tell ya its not a good feeling at all. Makes me double think hunting a couple times. I had a nightmare of aa story but I'm gunna keep that one to myself.

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Just a little update
like a trooper she grabbed he bow and put in almost an hour of solid practice, and she shot very well
second update right at legal last light the same deer showed up looking healthy and obviously no worse the wise

Good for her and I'm not surprised he is healthy.
Thanks for the update!

Good news, great relief for her I’m sure.

Great to hear, thanks for update

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Originally Posted by DanE

Just a little update
like a trooper she grabbed he bow and put in almost an hour of solid practice, and she shot very well
second update right at legal last light the same deer showed up looking healthy and obviously no worse the wise

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How did you know it was the same deer? We have had a similar situation at our camp with a bear and haven't ever been able to determine what happened to it.