Geez, back in Illinois we ALWAYS used 1) a shotgun with slugs or, 2) a muzzleloader of at least .45 caliber, or 3) a pistol of .357 magnum caliber with a barrel length of six inches or longer to hunt deer (very few pistoleers, by the way), or 4) a bow with broadhead arrows with a draw weight of 45 lbs or more. The law (and good sense, and decency) required that you track any deer you wounded until you were satisfied that it would recover or until you could finish it off.

I've tracked a deer that bleed pin-sized droplets for over three hours, through swampy mess and gathering dusk. Finally, we completely lost the blood trail.

There are also various aids for finding wounded animals. No excuse not to do so, none at all.

Shotguns are great deer takers, as are muzzleloaders. You do have to learn to hunt, really hunt, though (also bows). The yahoos who go into the woods with the purpose of shooting things up while drunk...should get what they deserve. Those who are afield for the purpose of taking game, ethically and humanely, shouldn't have to bear the brunt of the justifiable vilification of the yahoos.