Lets say you shot a fairly nice buck. Not to big, Not to small. You know that theres at least another monster in the woods. You shot this one cause the freezer is gettin low.

You can't find a good blood trail but know he's down. Just a matter of time before you find him.

The Question:

Do you stomp all over trying to find him?

Or

Go in as quietly and slowly as possible for the quickest amount of time, then if you don't find nothing, forget about cause you don't want to leave scent and spook the other deer?

If you don't go in an exhaust every possibilty and give it the most effort you can, you are a slob.

Now granted some peoples best efforts are different, but you should give it all you can, even if it means walking thru your areas.

There's a happy medium between your 2 efforts. GO in and follow the trail like normal taking as long as needed. IF you still feel the deer is dead, you should grid or circle pattern the entire area. Not wanting to spook future deer is a poor reason to call off a track and you don't belong out there hunting.

If you are afraid of messing up your area, don't shoot the little one in the first place.

You have to cover every inch of that property looking for it!!!

I agree with the three posts above, period![&:]

i agree with jmbuckhunter

gotta find it or exhaust every option doing so. spray down, wear scentlock, rubber boots and be quiet.

Look for the deer or dont take the shot in the first place.

I think you see where this is going and you have your answer.

Agree with all the other posts...

There is only one answer, and I think you have it.