Congratulations.
Good job on the story of your hunt.
I hope you figure out why the 30-30 did not fire. Normally with a rimmed cartridge a Contender is as reliable as gravity.

Looks like you are seeing deer. We are in Alternative Weapons Season here in Missouri. One day left, and I have not seen a deer while hunting. I had three cross the road this morning around 7:30 on my way to work. They were coming out of our pasture headed back into bigger woods. Coming home from the New Years Eve Party we saw a yard full of deer about two miles from where I am hunting as the crow flys. I doubt Mrs. Hobbs would like me hunting her front yard in the morning

Bob R