Abstract: We captured and affixed radio collars to 80 male white-tailed deer
(Odocoileus virginianus) during 1995-1997 to ascertain the wounding rate and propor-
tion of deer that die from hunter-inflicted wounds. Our study population was hunted
only with traditional archery equipment (recurve and longbows). Of the 22 deer shot by
archers, 11 were recovered by the hunter, resulting in a 50% wounding rate (deer shot
but not recovered). Only 3 (14%) of the 22 deer shot by hunters died and were not re-
covered. Based upon demographic and harvest statistics, these estimates indicate that
approximately 4% of adult males in the population die from archery related wounds an-
nually and are never recovered.
Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. Fish and Wildl. Agencies 52:244-248
Not according to your own data, I'd hardly call 3 of 11 more often than not. And this is only "trad."