Ethical hunters should always do their best to deliver a clean lethal shot that ends
life of game quickly. We should "pass up" shots that are less than sure. There are occasions however when our best intentions require us to track game. Out of respect for wildlife we hunt, we should make every effort possible to find game we have shot. From moment we raise our hunting weapon of choice tracking process begins. When arrow is released or trigger is pulled pay close attention to every detail. Watch deer carefully after shot and study it's reactions, a grazing shot, rib shot, heart or lung shot can make deer jump and run off at full speed. A gut shot deer often holds it's tail down and hunches it's back as it leaves scene. A deer that has been shot in gut or paunch is usually most difficult to recover. Wait 2-3 hours before trailing a deer you believe was gut shot. Always follow up on any deer you take a shot at. Never make assumption that you missed completely.Here are some tips:
Notice direction deer or other game was traveling when you shot.
Notice where game is standing when you shoot.
Look carefully for exact area of entrance wound or for a protruding shaft of an arrow after shot.
If game runs after shot, note spot deer was standing and direction of travel as it ran.
If you know you hit deer and it runs off, wait at least 30 minutes before trailing.
Before you begin trailing, mark location from which you shot.
Always walk in direction your bullet or arrow traveled, checking for nicks in vegetation or any other signs that your shot was possibly deflected.
Carefully inspect area that deer was standing when shot was made.
Look for blood and hair at scene. Lots of hair usually means a grazing shot , while a little hair means a body shot.
