Different theories exist on waiting for extensive periods of time or begin trailing right away. Waiting an hour before trailing will allow animal to lie down without being disturbed. Immediate tracking will ensure the animal's wounds do not have time to clot allowing for a more steady blood trail.



Use biodegradable paper to score the blood trail. The start of the trail should be marked and each area of blood found. Keep in mind, blood can be found on the ground and on nearby grass, bushes and trees up to 3 feet off the ground.

Tracks and stride length in addition to blood trail can aid in discovering your downed game. Use a stick to determine the animals stride length or a piece of biodegradable paper to measure the track. These clues can help you find your deer in addition to the blood trail.

Blood tells a story if you know how to listen to the trail. The type, color and amount of blood can help tell you how good of a hit you made on the animal. From time to time the blood trail is nowhere to be found due to the animal doubling back. Walk concentric circles around your last marker until the trail can be reestablished or the animal is found.

Many times mortally injured deer will not follow a common track but will crash aimlessly through their surroundings. Often they will run down hill or towards water rather than follow familiar trails.

Modern archers have are arrow tracking plans that connect a string to the loosed arrow. Earlier versions of these devices were less dependable, but with advances in design these devices can help you hunt wet settings and find downed game. One other thing archers can do to help ensure tracking success in finding their game is to shoot brightly colored arrows given better visibility of your hit. In recent times arrow nocks have been made to blink after being released from the bow aiding in finding the start of the blood trail.