The first thing I allways try to do after shooting a deer is to replay the event in my mind several times before getting down from my stand.Which way did the deer run?Pick a landmark or take a compass reading to the last spot you saw the deer.Listen,did the deer crash or fall?After getting down I try to establish the blood trail from where I shot.Only if I dont find blood will I go to the last spot I saw the deer.Evaluating the hit from the signs on the arrow and the circumstances decides how long I wait to take up the trail.If I feel the hit is good I start trailing.Slowly and quietly.I mark the trail as I go with flagging.This makes it easier to pick up the trail later if necessary or to back track if you get turned around.Hunting down south where it is often hot during bow season I allways trail deer at night unless the situation dictates waiting(bad shot).I see alot of hunters who are reluctant to trail deer at night.I've allways done it out of necessity.Don't be afraid to go get help if you are not comfortable trailing a deer at night alone.If I decide to come back in the morning I will try to establish a trail or find some blood before leaving.It is alot easier to find sign when it is fresh.Coming back in the mornings when the ground is wet with dew can make it hard to find small specs of blood.The other mistake I see guys make is when they don't find blood right away they take off and start tromping around looking for obvious sign.Many times you will walk over and mess up the trail if it is only small specs of blood.Start from where the deer was when shot and get down on your knees and look for sign.Go slow.Take your time.Look for specs of blood,leaves turned over,hoof prints etc.Slowly expand your search.If you find blood start looking in all directions for another spot.Resist the temptation to move up ahead until you have looked thoroughly.Lastly,everyone who hunts will lose a deer at one time or another.The thing to do is learn from it.What went wrong?What can I do different?Hope this helps,good luck.

Billy

WHACKEM N STACKEM