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tomneal wrote: ↑Sun Nov 21, 2021 4:07 pm The Axis was at the protein feeder
It is set up to throw a small amount of protein just like a corn feeder does Except that it lands in trays on the four sides. The deer had his head turned so he could lick the protein out. It was almost as if he were scratching his backside. In the dim light, I didn't realize how much the antler was in the way. Other than that, it was a perfect broadside shot.

The bullet hit the antler with a glancing blow. The maybe shattered bullet, maybe just deformed bullet, hit the side of the Axis and then the liver. The liver was shredded. There was no exit wound either in the animal or the liver. I considered it a VERY LUCKY hit.

There are plenty of game camera's near feeders on the property. This was the biggest Axis seen on camera.

While the antlers were still in velvet, there were indications it was the end of growth.

AndyC1911 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 21, 2021 3:26 pm Excellent!

I'm curious - seems to me the antler might have been hit by the bullet on exit? There seems a reddish tinge on the antler hole (as if the bullet had carried blood with it, perhaps) - maybe it's just the photo or my older eyes :)

Did he drop where you hit him or did he make the old 50 yard dash?

tomneal wrote: ↑Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:17 am

Did he drop where you hit him or did he make the old 50 yard dash?

About 100 yards. Behind / through some brush. Not visible from the stand or the feeder but found about 2 minutes after we started looking.

They have used dogs to find deer in the past. I did some mental calculations if I had enough cash to pay for the dogs or if I was going to borrow cash from another hunter and send money from my bank.
The past quote from the dog handler is: "It's $0 so far. If the dogs get out of the vehicle, it's $300. Deer found or not."

03Lightningrocks wrote: ↑Mon Nov 22, 2021 1:06 am When antlers are in velvet, they can bleed if cut into.