Merlin the Magician: 52 Hours Later, Earl Comes Home

Earl had been out there for 52 hours in serious heat, so this was not our prettiest recovery photo. But Jacob King’s smile told the story of what finding this buck meant.

Jacob had spent a couple of days working to get permission to track onto neighboring property. Once permission was granted, we were able to bring Merlin in and continue the search.

By the time Merlin started, the track was 52 hours old, with temperatures reaching 95°. The Magician went to work over 0.61 miles and a 200-foot descent into the bottom.

At the end of that line was Earl.

It was a new personal best for Merlin at the time. After more than two days in that heat, the meat was no longer salvageable. But the recovery still mattered. Jacob was ecstatic to finally put his hands on his buck, and we were proud to help bring that search to a close.

Congratulations, Jacob, and thank you for trusting us with Earl. Sometimes you don’t need a miracle—you just need a little magic.

Need help recovering your deer? Call or text Send in the Hounds at 859-300-9693. We serve Kentucky, Southern Ohio and Southern Indiana.

Don’t let one get away… Send in the Hounds!