The Ultimate Guide to Tracking Wounded Deer: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Approach

Wounding a deer is an unfortunate but unavoidable part of hunting. It's a scenario that every hunter dreads, but it's something that all hunters must be prepared for. If you do wound a deer, it's important to know how to track it down and recover it as quickly and humanely as possible.

Guide To Tracking Wounded Deer

by Jeanne Throgmorton

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1098 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	9 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Tracking a wounded deer can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but it's one that is essential for ethical hunting. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of finding and recovering your deer.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

The first step after wounding a deer is to assess the situation. This includes:

• Determining the direction the deer ran
• Noting the location of the shot
• Assessing the deer's condition

If possible, try to get a good look at the deer as it runs away. This will help you determine the direction it went. Also, note the location of the shot. This will give you a starting point for your search.

Finally, assess the deer's condition. If the deer is running strongly, it's likely that you only wounded it lightly. However, if the deer is running slowly or is showing signs of distress, it's possible that you wounded it more seriously.

Step 2: Gather Your Gear

Once you have assessed the situation, it's time to gather your gear. This includes:

• Tracking poles
• Blood trailing spray
• Knife
• First aid kit
• Water
• Snacks

Tracking poles are essential for tracking deer. They help you to stay on the trail and avoid getting lost. Blood trailing spray is also helpful, as it can make it easier to follow the deer's blood trail.

A knife is necessary for field dressing the deer once you have recovered it. A first aid kit is also important, in case you or someone in your group gets injured.

Step 3: Start Tracking

Once you have gathered your gear, it's time to start tracking. Begin by following the deer's tracks. If you are having trouble finding the tracks, try using tracking poles or blood trailing spray.

As you track the deer, pay attention to the signs of a wounded deer. These signs include:

• Blood
• Hair
• Broken branches
• Tracks that are farther apart than usual
• Tracks that are dragging

If you see any of these signs, it's likely that you are on the right track. Follow the signs until you find the deer.

Step 4: Recover the Deer

Once you have found the deer, it's time to recover it. This involves:

• Approaching the deer cautiously
• Dispatching the deer humanely
• Field dressing the deer

When approaching the deer, be cautious. The deer may be injured and may charge you if it feels threatened. Approach the deer slowly and from downwind.

Once you are close to the deer, dispatch it humanely. This can be done with a well-placed shot to the head or heart.

Once the deer has been dispatched, field dress it. This involves removing the deer's internal organs and cleaning the carcass.

Step 5: Report the Harvest

Once you have recovered the deer, it's important to report the harvest to the appropriate authorities. This is typically done by filling out a harvest report card and submitting it to the state wildlife agency.

Reporting the harvest is important for several reasons. First, it helps the state wildlife agency to manage the deer population. Second, it helps to ensure that the deer you harvested was legally taken.

Tips for Tracking Wounded Deer

Here are a few tips for tracking wounded deer:

• Stay calm and don't get discouraged. Tracking a wounded deer can be challenging, but it's important to stay calm and focused.
• Follow the signs. Pay attention to the blood, hair, and other signs of a wounded deer. These signs will help you stay on the trail.
• Use tracking poles or blood trailing spray. These tools can help you to stay on the trail and avoid getting lost.
• Be patient. Tracking a wounded deer can take time. Be patient and keep following the signs until you find the deer.

Tracking a wounded deer can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of finding and recovering your deer. Remember to stay calm, follow the signs, and be patient. With a little effort, you can successfully track and recover a wounded deer.

Guide To Tracking Wounded Deer

by Jeanne Throgmorton

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1098 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	9 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE