How To Track Deer After The Shot

Do you hunt deer? Do you know how to properly track deer after it is shot?  Would you like to know how to track the deer after it is shot? In this article, we discuss the steps to track the deer after it is shot.

1. Do Nothing Right Away

After the deer is hit, resist the adrenaline rush to climb down from your treestand or your ground blind and take off after it. 

Only come down quickly if you see the deer lying lifeless on the ground for 10 minutes. Instead, do nothing for about 30 minutes. Relive the scene.  Playback where it stood before it was hit. Remember the last place you spotted it.

Going after it too soon will only cause the deer to move farther away and increase the likelihood that you never find it. 

2. Deer Initial Reaction

It is very important that you pay attention to the initial reaction of the deer after it is shot. How it reacts can give you

some clues as to where it was hit and the severity of the shot. Additionally, be prepared to quickly take another shot if it is needed. 

3. Study The Blood

Studying the color and quantity of the blood can give you a lot of information about where it was hit and the severity of the shot. If you want to learn more about how to track deer after the shot, then click this link.

4. Find The Blood Trail

If you memorized the spot where you hit the deer, you can quickly find the initial spot and start looking for any signs of blood. 

Many times, you will not see any signs of blood. Don't give up, just continue to look carefully. Look at the vegetation and trees close by as sometimes the deer will brush against the branches or vegetation. Remember the direction it ran and slowly follow the steps. You will, at some point, find blood signs that you can start the search. 

5. Track The Blood Trail

After locating the blood, you should start tracking it. There are many items you can use to help map out the blood trail such as orange tape, surveyor's tape, or toilet tissue.

6. Be Patient & Methodical

Tracking a deer involves a lot of patience and meticulous search. Slowly find and follow the blood trail and you will eventually locate the deer.

7. Involve Others

Most of the time, you will have hunting buddies and they will get involved in helping you locate the deer if it proves to be a difficult and complicated search.

8. Tracking Dogs

The last resort will be to use dogs to help you track down the deer. They don't have to be tracking dogs. Dogs have a very good sense of smell and instinctively will follow a scent.

Conclusion

How to track deer after it is shot involves a meticulous and methodical process to find the deer. In this article, we discussed the steps to take to track the deer. If you would like to learn more about hunting deer, then click this link.