Excellent post...I usually mark the last location I saw the deer (if it visibly ran much farther) or the beginning of the blood trail with a orange ribbon or piece of cloth (especially if you expect to be returning after daylight) to serve as a starting point. I also like to make a mental note of where I last saw the deer and the direction it was heading. Then when I come back to track, bring a friend or relative along, get up in the tree and have your partner walk to where you last saw the deer. I find this to work if you don't mark the location as I stated above (with a ribbon, etc), because even though you may think you know which tree, or stump, or bush the deer ran by last by looking on the ground, I find it's much easier to replay the scenario in your stand where you actually shot.