How do I know if I hit a deer or not? I thought I answered that but I guess I was not clear enough. So I will break it down a bit. I cannot speak for every shot fired but I can be pretty sure of my own shots. First as soon as I shoot I already know where the shot went as anyone who has shot a lot should. Then there is the the reaction of the deer. If it stubbles or falls that is a clear indication of a hit. If a deer is running when it is shot it will usually fall when hit, in contrast to a deer that is standing still that will jump and take off running when hit. No reaction or speed up is a good indication of a miss. The next thing to look for is blood. There will usually be blood where a deer was hit. This can be followed to find a deer. If I am still unsure of a hit I will put a dog on it to see if it can be found. I’m shooting 3”00 15 pellet loads that shoot a tight pattern. If it is too far I will not shoot. Put that many balls In a deer there will be a clear indication of a hit. There are few places where I can shoot farther than 40 yards. If I am in one of those places I will have a rifle. Several people I hunt with only hunt with a rifle, I will use both. Hope this helps.

Sounds like you hunted next to some idiots. If you see one of my dogs you are welcome to feed it. However, not gonna happen because I keep up with them and feed them myself.