trying for my third deer with a pistol.
Hit a doe Tues at 4 pm at 40 yds.
Couldnt find her.
Looked like a good hit and she looked messed up when running
but no blood (but it was wet out)
I hate losing a deer like that.

Don't feel too bad about it. Losing an animal is just something that happens occasionally.

Been there. Bummed is the right word. Maybe next time.

If you hunt, this is going to happen eventually. It hurts, but don't let it eat you up. Hang in there and better luck next time.

Exactly

O yes unfortunately it happens to everyone at one time or another. It always makes you sick to your stomach when it does happen. Don't let it discourage you.

We have all been there if we have done much hinting. Just learn from it and move on to your next hunt. The best cure for the way you feel now is to make a good clean kill soon.

Just curious, what did you shoot her with?

It happens. When hunting in the rain, or really swampy conditions, my yardage shrinks. I shoot for cns hits and to guarantee my placement my yardage usually gets cut in half. Keep at it, and good luck.

Gary
I used a 200 grain 44 xtp
warm but not super hot load.
She wasnt broadside but facing me at a sharp qtring angle.
She looked messed up, running with legs all spread out.

That bullet is too light for my comfort, but that's just me.

That said, sooner or later it happens to everyone. It is never pleasant, but it happens. Don't beat yourself up and get back on that horse.

I agree with Whitworth, your placement might have been perfect but I think that light bullet may have let you down. Most of us lean towards the heavy side when it comes to bullets so we get penetration on angling shots. Just get back out there & look for a rematch. Handgun hunting challenges all of us.

Dick