After the Shot

What You Should Know | Tracking | Game Care | Field Dressing | Wingshooting | Final Quiz

Tracking Big Game

list bullet Begin blood trailing the animal using these techniques:

  • Bend down   
  • Kneel down
  • Look closely

list bullet Take a compass bearing on the direction you last saw the animal go.

list bullet Look for blood on grass, rocks, leaves and trees.

list bullet Look under trees and overhangs for blood.

list bullet At the first sign of blood, mark the trail with surveyor's tape or some other highly visible flagging material that can be seen from a distance. (Remember to remove this tape after you find the animal). Unless pursued, big game will generally tend to travel downhill.

list bullet Continue to follow the animal's path, marking the trail at each sign of blood.

list bullet  Walk to the side of the trail if possible, so you don't disturb the sign.

list bullet  If you have one or more buddies to help you track, trackers and flankers should keep 50 yards apart, with tracker concentrating on trail, while flankers look ahead for downed or fleeing game.

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