HELP ASAP...Just found my deer today ..

[ovation62]

Sunday 1/2 hour before the riffle session was over I shot a doe, I could not find her today I went out again, we have so much blow down it was hard. I think it was a back lung shot or gut shot. I live around Grand Rapids Mn its been cold here. Is the meat still good??
HELP............

[mossman1]

only way you are gonna know is to open it up. and all depends on how cold it has been but i myself wld be pretty leary about eating it but thats just my opinion

[ray634]

Anything over 24 hours will likely spoil the meat unless the deer falls in the water.
As stated above how ever you should clean it then open a hind leg and take a good smell.
If it is bad you will know it imediatley.

[ovation62]

Ok I just got her hung Ill open her up and let you all know. God I hope its good. Had one nabor take one from me. I need the meat but not going to get stupid about it.
Thanks

[ovation62]

I have my brother in law comming over, Ill have him check it. I think she may be bad it was a gut shot. Im so upset I could not find her sooner, there was one entery and no exit. No blood on the snow. We ran low teens to low 30's but yesterday it got close to 38 degree's.

[ovation62]

Nope sh is to far gone. So Ill take her out and say a some words ..rest in piece. Iam selling my riffle and get a better on. I was shotting with a 30-30 I think a 270 or 308 is going to be my next one. Im going back to archery hunting now.
I feel bad. I taking a life and not havest it. 

[wildlifeminnesota]

Nope sh is to far gone. So Ill take her out and say a some words ..rest in piece. Iam selling my riffle and get a better on. I was shotting with a 30-30 I think a 270 or 308 is going to be my next one. Im going back to archery hunting now.
I feel bad. I taking a life and not havest it.  

Do not be hard on yourself!!! It dose happen to the best hunter,, It not your gun I shoot a 30 30 for years in the last 6 year have taken 12 deer not one went more then 60 yards and have had 6 of them drop on the spot, Just lean to take a good shot the first time. and know when it to far to make a good shot, You can go with a new gun or a bow but you still could have this same thing happen again,
You did your best and that all we can do as hunter!!!  

[jigglestick]

ovation, where you located? I live north of rapids and deer river up by deer and moose lakes.
I woulda come help you look had I seen this.

the 30-30 is responsible for more deer being shot than any other caliber in these woods.
nothing wrong with it in my opinion. shot placement is nearly as important with the rifle as it is with the bow. a bad shot, ie.guts is gonna make for a miserable tracking /recovery no matter what.
what kind of gun is it. maybe I could make a deal with you. I have a bolt action 30.06 the kids are trying to talk me into keeping, but I think it does to much damage to white tails.

[wildlifeminnesota]

ovation, where you located? I live north of rapids and deer river up by deer and moose lakes.
I woulda come help you look had I seen this.

the 30-30 is responsible for more deer being shot than any other caliber in these woods.
nothing wrong with it in my opinion. shot placement is nearly as important with the rifle as it is with the bow. a bad shot, ie.guts is gonna make for a miserable tracking /recovery no matter what.
what kind of gun is it. maybe I could make a deal with you. I have a bolt action 30.06 the kids are trying to talk me into keeping, but I think it does to much damage to white tails.

Just on a side note. jigglestick That is one of the resin I hunt with a 30 30.
 Dose the job and I put more meat on the table at a close rage shot, But It all tell me that I want to be closer to the deer 125 yards or lass to feel that I have the best shot with a good out come. But at a 200 yard shot with a 30 30 becomes guessing,  

knowing your gun and what it can do and know what it not capable of doing will making your hunting more enjoyably,

[beeker]

you guys already said it.. it's all about knowing your equipment and your abilities.  everyone who hunts has taken a shot they wish they could have back. take it as a life lesson and be better next time. I would never talk someone out of a new gun, but a 30-30 is plenty for minnesota woods, spend some more time with it in the off season and you'll be fine.   

[deadeye]

I usually recommend a larger caliber.  Granted a 30-30 or .243 can and does do the job if you have a fairly good hit.  The issue is when there is a marginal, (gut, not exit wound etc.) shot.  You have a much better chance of recovery if the shot was taken with a larger caliber.  Yes, you may damage some meat but you get the deer.   

[HUNTER2]

I used to hunt up north with rifle for many years. I lost a big one when he was facing me at 100 yards with a 30-30. I bought a 30-06 and never went back. Now I hunt with bowling balls, I mean slugs.

[The Leacher]

I have a few rifles to choose from 30-06, 308 742, 308 lever and a 243 742. Each year I end up using the 243 and I love it. Its very accurate and really smacks the deer with a ballistic tip. I have not lost a deer with this rifle Ive shot 9 deer between the last 2 seasons and nothing has went farther than 20 yds most just drop in there tracks. Its all about shot placement. I even shot one around 200 yds dropped in its tracks.
Practice practice practice