That is something that sometimes happens regardless if your hunting with the rifle or bow. The main thing is he kept at it until the job was completed. There is actually a much greater chance of the animal recovering from a arrow hit than a rifle hit due to the arrow leaving a clean cut rather than tissue destruction as a rifle does.
 
Congrats on staying with it as long as necessary.                    ..........................

Thanks everyone it was a hunt I will never forget.
I made mistakes,got lucky stumbling upon him after losing trail and hearing the birds so I knew where he went.
Then I made a good decision waited til morning.
I was committed and would have searched til dark before giving up.
I told my neighbor and wife Sat nite I was done for the season buck hunting one way or another I would not have continued hunting this season for a buck if I did not recover him that's how serious I take it when I do take a shot -make it count.
He's 2.5 yr old I thought he was a 3.5 by pics and brief sightings but he is a trophy to me due to the entire experience.
 
GOOD LUCK everyone...WCW
 
 

Great read- NEVER give up-congratulations and a hard earned buck.