My first take when reading Mr. Pace's statement was that I agree, the deer should have been shot. Upon reading the article, I'm not sure I continue to share that view.

While the article states internal organs could be seen through the gash in the deer's flank, it also states the deer was 125-150 yards away. At that distance I might be able to make out the difference between flesh and fur, but I doubt I could make out internal organs. Then, given the deers behavior, I have to ask how much distress was she truly in? She was able to chase off a wolf, she moved repeatedly, she was feeding when the author came upon her. Given these behaviors, the deer may not have been as badly injured as the author indicates.

Additionally, the author was hunting with a bow. Given the deer was capable of movement, what were his chances of getting within range of shooting this bedded deer?

Since I wasn't there, and I cannot truthfully judge what the deer's chances for survival were based upon the article, I cannot saw with definite purpose that the author was wrong in not attempting to shoot the doe. If the deer were injured and on death's doorstep then of course I'd do the merciful thing, but if the deer were injured and might well survive the injury, then no I'd probably let it be. Unless I had a doe tag that needed filling.

The man has a version of the antler illness. I wouldn't have thought twice. It might be easy to say, but I thank God for the creatures and I know He's watching. We are stewards and I hope we never let our followers forget.

We without a doubt have an obligation to dispatch wounded deer as quickly and as humanely as possible. To do otherwise is selfish, shallow, and unethical. When the time comes when ANY hunter, not a poacher, but a licensed, lawful hunter, can ignore the suffering of an injured white-tail, we`re truly missing something that not only the non-hunting public won`t understand, but we, as hunters, shouldn`t be able to understand either.

i understand ranwins points but i think the authors comment of not wanting to ruin his day of bowhunting speak volumes. i dont think that most guys and gals in our circles would hesitate to put down a wounded animal. i feel it is indeed our god given duty and responsibiity to be stewards of the world around us and the creatures that fill it. Gen. 1:26

I agree if a ethical shot was presented at a wounded deer, doomed to a slow death it should have been taken. Nature will take its course,if the hunter didn't perform the "mercy" kill. My question is What if a young deer had a severed ear dangleing? While not life endangering, the deer would be at a great disadvantage evadeing predators, and would be singled out and picked on by other deer it's entire life. What should be done in such a case?