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In reality, deer hunting is more of a numbers game than any other species hunting genre. The possibilities that may arise during your escapades are limitless, judging from the fact that they are among the most alert families in the wild. Of all the outcomes susceptible to occur, the hunter may find himself tracking a deer with no blood trail. This article eliminates the challenging aspect and boosts your confidence to tackle such a scenario.
On paper, with the right weapon and cartridge, you are guaranteed of an incapacitating shot in every attempt you make. However, circumstances are different on the ground, and the hunter should always be ready for anything. Without a doubt, even professional hunters at one point in their hunting journey have had to experience such an encounter, and how they cope with it shows their professionalism.
Tips on How to Track a Deer with No Blood Trail
Patience
The first step in this exciting activity is to wait. It may seem like a typical thing to do, but its importance is more significant than most of the other steps, mostly because it is the first. It is understandable that after pulling the trigger, adrenaline will kick in on both parties, the hunter and the target.
Among the many advantages that come with waiting, one of them is that you get to observe the deer’s reaction to the shot. You will also get to see the direction it will bolt to if you are on higher ground with a better view of the plane. At first, the deer may not know your position, and it is not a surprise to find the deer running towards you, which eases your tracking process.
It would help if you also took this time to shed off any unnecessary clothing and equipment. Some tracking expeditions take up a lot of time and require one to cover vast distances; therefore, excess accessories might tire you quickly.
Analyze the Shot
As you head to the impact site, try and analyze the deer’s reaction to the shot—the sharper the response, the deeper and more painful the attempt is. Also, try and determine where it was hit, and its later reactions to the incident. This information will help you predict how far and the extent of damage caused by your attempt. Some knowledge in deer anatomy will come in handy.
If the shot hit its vital organs, the animal’s reaction would be a jump followed by a kick, and then it would bolt off to safety. Although it may seem swift, be assured that it will not run for long, and after some few yards, it will become slower and slower.
Inspect Site
Your first stop from your shooting position should be the area of impact between the target and your round. This area holds essential information that significantly aids in your tracking process, especially when there is no blood trail left for you to follow.
Thorough is what you need to be once at this location, be keen for leads to where it may have headed, and bled. A successful attempt will result in a massive blood pool from the initial impact on the scene. It is with the amount that you can approximate the degree of damage and also its escape radius.
Before continuing with your search, leave a marker at this site for future reference. With this marker, you can calculate the exact distance it moved in comparison to its wounding. It is also common for a deer to run in circles, the first few yards, it will run from the site and then switch its direction and head back.
Analyze the Blood on the Ground
Did you know that a lot can be derived from not only the amount of blood loss but also the type? Even though the chances of actually finding blood on the scene are low, even the smallest pint is of the most significant importance.
If you observe a bubbly, bright pink blood, chances are you hit right in the lungs. The probability of running far is not that great. A near the heart shot will equal to rich red blood, and since it is also a vital organ, it will be too hurt to run far. These two blood types, once observed, require the tracker to start seeking the animal immediately.
A dark blood residue allows for the conclusion that your shot hit either the kidney or the liver. Such an observation means that no matter how far it goes, it will finally run out of blood and die. Hence it would be best if you waited a few minutes before engaging. The worst-case scenario is if the blood has a yellowish, green look to it. It will automatically mean that it is a stomach shot and can cover an unpredictable range.
Follow Leads
After all the data collection and observation in the previous parts, here comes the actual search process. All that is required of you, is to take on the best approach you deem fit your current situation. Having an extra set of eyes will improve your chances of success if you have a partner to tag along.
Also, the first 40 yards are essential, especially if the blood trail is not that outstanding. Going down on all fours is an approach most shooters find useful. Some drops are not large enough to observe in a standing position. Keep an eye out for nearby deer trails; most times, the escaping animal will safely use this route.
Conclusion
It may seem impossible to successfully get to your target when there is no trail to guide you through. However, with close observation and knowledge of what is expected of you, such scenarios will be easy. Also, be on the lookout for physical evidence of the path the deer might have taken. With these few tips, you are well equipped to track down your target successfully.
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36 years old, been hunting and fishing my entire life – love the outdoors, family, and all kinds of hunting and fishing! I have spent thousands of hours hunting hogs and training hunting dogs, but I’m always learning new stuff and really happy to be sharing them with you! hit me up with an email in the contact form if you have any questions.
