No, it may not have turned out as you hoped, but it turned out just fine. You learned, Turbo did great and got to practice, and buzzards, etc... took care of the carcass. NOTHING went to waste.
Hey Michael, yup, what Barbara said. You and only you know in your heart of hearts that you did everything you knew to do and no one can judge that but you. Sounds like you did a great job so bang down that gavel and give yourself some leniency.
And I’m sure you are well aware of this stuff, but as a fellow hunter, I just thought I’d mention a couple of simple things that have been shared with me throughout the years. They really helped to put perspective on things for me and have rung true the two times we did need to track down my deer.
The best thing we can do after a non-fatal shot that has left the wounded deer with an ability to run is let him be for while (the length of time will depend on where it was hit). Don't push them, otherwise they run on adrenaline, which can take them a long way. They’re injured and don’t feel well. They want to lie down and will, if they feel safe. This saves you precious distance while giving the wound time to do its damage. Often you find that they circle around and head back in the same direction they came from, it was safe back there after all.
Also, there is almost never any blood at the beginning of the trail. It takes a while for the internal bleeding to pool up inside before it starts to get released through the wound. When you do find blood, it’s a good idea to mark it too. Bits of toilet paper works well, it’s white and easy to see. When you’re not seeing a lot of blood, it’s easy to get turned around and come across the same spot. This just keeps you aware of where you’ve been and where there was blood.
And yes, most important of all, trust Turbo. If he’s air scenting, this will take him all over the place, often far off the track in the opposite direction (depending on the wind) but will get you a bee line to the deer once he’s onto it. You can see why foot step is often a preferred method, much easier to trust and more predictable. But if you’ve got the dog with you and he has an interest, let him go, he’ll find it.
A co-worker of mine was out last week and brought down a large bull moose (he got a LEH draw). We had chatted previously about the parts I give to my boys and I got a call yesterday. He said he doesn’t usually keep the lower legs but remembered our conversation and brought them home for me. Unfortunately he had no interest in packing home the tripe… I just don’t get it… all that nutrition going to waste on the wildlife critters. Oh well, I’ll work on him. Needless to say we met for the exchange of the legs.
Tons of opportunity for training the boys with the first fresh game meat of the season:
The calm wait (leave it) before they get one.
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose001.jpg
Echo was actually the best, but also worked the hardest to control himself… so for being such a good boy he got his first.
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose003.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose044.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose009.jpg
Garrett was the next best so he got to choose his.
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose004.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose036.jpg
Its Thanksgiving this weekend here is Canada and there were four legs so we invited the neighbor’s Lab/Rottie over to share in the bounty. He’s on a high quality kibble so this was just heaven for him.
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose012.jpg
And Vincent was the least interested. He’s really not a recreational chewer at all. He loves his turkey/chicken rmb’s with his two squares but rarely goes for anything in between meals. He had a good time supervising the whole ordeal though and eventually laid down for a few chaws.
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose005.jpg
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/ThanksgivingMoose011.jpg
Re: Turbo's first blood trail of the year!
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