Some years ago I wrote letter to deer hunters on Thunder Bay Fishing.com cause of the same reason and after reading Splashopper's thread it still hangs around.
There seems to be a lot of deer hunters out there that need to calm down and take a second breath after pulling the hammer and see if they've hit and wounded their animal.
I've been a hunter for many years and have seen much, and younger hunters could learn from my experience.
Once you fire---stay still and listen....listen for direction of fleeing deer or moose---if lucky listen for the thud of it hitting the ground. Mark closely where you were and where he was when you shot.
Wait some time---I typically wait 10 minutes before approaching where he was when I shot. Critical here---look for blood is easy but they don't always bleed right away---at times hardly at all.
Get on your hands and knees if necessary and look for hair or fat----also indicators of a hit.
Blood is easy to track if there's lots---if not leave a partner at the last blood sign till you find the next or hang tape at last sign.
If you've lost sign do tight circles in area till you pick up the trail again.
I've been witness to many hunters that were so sure they've missed---turns out they did'nt.
Remaining calm and putting these few things together will help lots.
Now I'm ther first to defend the anglers who get lambasted here for keeping a couple meals and often I kid around---this is different.
We have a responsibility to do this to our very best.
Terrence