Deer seasons are kicking off for many folks and with that a part of the hunt that is often overlooked.

I find folks don't think about this subject enough when prepping for bowhunting.

Blood Trailing & Tracking A Deer

I believe this is a product of the popular hunting shows that have sprung up like weeds often well meaning in the past few years.

Unfortunately these shows rarely show the truth about trailing and tracking an animal, they need to sell content and it is often sanitized for the viewership.

Tracking and blood trailing skills are certainly able to be taught, the basics that is of what to do and look for; then applying those basics to real tracking jobs.

I have been on hundreds of tracks for whitetails over the years and several for bear and moose as well as turkey.

I have learned something from each tracking job, very simply - no track is the same.

I have had folks swear that they hit the deer at XYZ location only to find the arrow hit in another area altogether.

Take your time and be patient and if you think your pushing the deer, stop, back out and return later.

Remember, tracking a deer at night is a different ball game than in the daylight.

If your not getting anywhere in the dark, its cold and the weather is good and the chance of animals scavenging is low, back out and come back when the sun rises.

Here are three ways to find your deer after it's been hit, these are basics, we cover off an entire component in out Traditional bowhunting bootcamp on this subject for good reason.

In my new book being released this fall it is a mainstay of most chapters. Its importance cannot be overlooked when it comes to being an effective and responsible bowhunter.


1. Locate the Track & Blood Trail:

Look for initial blood sign at the shot site (e.g., hair, hair color, drops, splatters, or smeared blood)

Follow the blood trail, paying attention to:

a) Color (bright red indicates arterial hit, darker red indicates venous hit)
b) Quantity (more blood typically indicates a more severe wound)
c) Pattern (consistent drips or splatters indicate direction of travel and area organs hit)
d) Use tracking aids like flagging tape or markers to mark blood sign, by looking back at the track your on, it will show you a lot of info about that animals movements.


2. Follow Deer Sign and Tracks

Identify the deer's escape route by following:

a) The last point you saw the deer- mark it

b) The last spot you heard the deer- mark that direction
Footprints

c) Broken branches or disturbed vegetation

d) Scuffed leaves or soil

e) Pay attention to changes in deer behavior: slowing or staggering gait, bedding or hiding behavior

h) Use knowledge of deer movement in your area and learn their feeding movement and bedding habits and terrain associated with these.

i) This will help you to anticipate where the deer may go (e.g., water sources, thick cover)


3. Look for Terminal Signs around breaks and convergences (trails that intersect)

Bedding areas: Deer often bed down after being hit, look for:

- Abrupt turns leading into heavy cover

- Depressions in vegetation

- Flattened areas

- Blood-stained leaves or grass

- Is the blood surface, or pooling heavily into the ground?


Additional tips:

Wait an adequate amount of time (30 minutes to 1 hour for a lethal hit minimum) before tracking to allow the deer to expire.

Move quietly and slowly to avoid pushing the deer further and back off the track if you bump the deer.

Consider using a tracking dog or experienced guide if blood trail is scarce or difficult to follow and your running out of options.

Deer are tough animals, take your time and go slowly.


Remember to always follow local regulations and hunting ethics guidelines when tracking and recovering deer.