I think you're right.

I contemplated on keeping him at least until spring but I think I'd probably rather let him free. There is a place where I go fishing, nice and secluded and very rarely any people around (and no lawn mowers either) where I think he'll be able to thrive.

Hopefully by next week his wound will be healed enough so that I'll be able to let him go. I want him to have enough time before it starts to get cold to get a few meals in him before brumation.