Last year, I made a terrible shot with my bow on a nice buck. Tons of blood, but hit 0 organs. I had roughly 48 ounces of water and hit him at 8am. He bedded immediately, so I decided to give him a couple hours. It was already 70's outside. After a couple hours, I stalked in, doe busted out, he didn't. Thinking he was dead, I take 1 more step, he runs like Usain Bolt. I watch him for a half mile and he barely slows down. Tons of blood, so I give chase after he crests the mountain a 1/2 mile away.
When i arrive, the amount of blood is insane. I know he's going to die, so I continue pursuit. About another 1/2 mile away, down a giant mtn, I see some cattle scatter. Sure enough, he's now right next to the cattle. He goes into a thicket and never emerges. I hike down to it and find him dead.
At this point, i have 10oz. water and about 30lbs in my bag. I make the quick decision to setup my ultra light tarp for the cleaning process to get some shade. It's now high 70's low 80's. I make the decision to completely de-bone, knowing the packout is going to be brutal. I throw all the meat and my gear in my pack and start out. Up and over 2 giant mountains with around 80 lbs on my back. I drink the last of my water, knowing it's best to drink it vs. Rationing it at this point.
About 1/2 mile from my SxS, my right quad cramps up. I take a quick 5 minute break, start again and my left quad locks up. Knowing I'm close to trouble, I drop my bow, tripod, skull and 80mm spotting scope. I'm not worried because the area I'm in is very remote with little to no traffic. I mark my gear, leave it and go out with my pack and the meat. I get 300 yards from the SxS and both quads lock up extremely bad. It was some of the most pain ive ever experienced. No cell phone reception, but I do have my inreach. I make the decision to drop everything and head to the SxS where I have food and extra water.
I arrive the SxS and I'm almost to the point of looking drunk. My legs are jello, but extremely tight. It's 2pm at this point, so I eat some fruit, drink some electrolytes, water and some snacks. At 4pm, I head back into the hills to retrieve the meat at a minimum. I get to the pack, strap up and make it out with only minor cramps. The next day, I was taking a buddy out there, so we hunt the am and then I head in after my bow, gear and skull. I got all out with no issues. Az desert is no joke and snuck up on me. Lesson learned, just glad it wasn't a harsher one.
