To start with, make sure to mark your shot. Watch for response from the animal after you shoot for signs of a hit. Watch the deer until it is out of sight and listen for further actions. Identify any landmarks to help in marking the trail and the path of the wounded animal.
Various theories exist on waiting for extensive periods of time or begin trailing immediately. Waiting around an hour before trailing enables animal to lay down without having to be disturbed. Fast tracking will make sure the animal's wounds don't have time to clot permitting a more steady blood trail.
Use naturally degradable paper to score the blood trail. The beginning of the trail needs to be marked and each patch of blood found. Always remember that blood can be found on the ground as well as on bushes, trees, nearby grass, and shrubs up to 3 feet off the ground.
Tracks and step length measurement along with blood trail can aid in discovering your downed game. Use a stick to determine the animals stride length or an item of biodegradable paper to measure the track as these clues can assist you find your deer as well as the blood trail.
The blood always tells a story if you know how to listen to the trail. The type, color and amount of blood can help tell you the hit you made on the animal. From time to time the blood trail can be 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.
More often than not mortally injured deer will not likely follow a typical track but will crash aimlessly through their area. Often they may run down hill or towards water instead of follow familiar trails.
Modern archers have arrow tracking plans that connect a string to the loosed arrow. Earlier versions of these devices were less dependable, but with new technology in design these devices can help you hunt accurately 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 necks have been made to blink after being released from the bow aiding in finding the start of the blood trail.