Excellent posts guys. Rob, thanks for the tips on the binos. I'll admit I never thought about using them after the shot---I guess this year I will.

I do have a few things to add, even though they're obvious they are not stated. For the most part, follow the Rules of Ochman's Razor---take the simplest explanation as it is usually correct, and that for every action there is a reaction.

If a buck came into range walking on a trail from a field edge and after the shot turned 180 degrees---then more than likely he bolted back up the same trail towards the field---if he ran away from you, then look for known trails. When deer are spooked or anxious, they are just like humans in that they stick to the simplest and easiest. It is only when the deer bed down that they leave the confines to what is "known"---hence trails---and head off to remote areas. I'll estimate that 9/10 deer shot will follow a trail until too weak...or bumped...to continue.

And remember that for every action there is a complementary reaction. Everything you do on stand has consequences, everything...

If you need to come back in the morning, be sure to leave your stand in the opposite direction of the traveling deer...

A little known fact about men & women...women actually have slightly more cones than rods in their eyes, as well as "clearer" optic nerve input---ok, sorry about the science lesson---women not only differentiate between colors better, they see them more vividly. If possible, bring a woman along on a tracking job, they are almost uncanny at picking out the red blood trail on Autumn leaves...

And finally, if you have to perform an extensive trailing for a wounded deer (and you have multiple tags), let the area rest for a week or the next good rain, if possible. We often forget about scent control and cover while we track our trophies.

Happy hunting, 11 days left before arrows fly in CT.

S&R



Edited by - Strut&Rut on 09/06/2002 10:50:51