When to Give Up on Trailing a Shot Deer?

Nothing is worse than having to give up trailing a deer that you've shot. In all likelihood the deer will not survive, and it may even endure severe pain for a long time. If you have shot a deer, then trail the deer so that you can gain value from it. If it becomes too difficult to trail, then you should know some important criteria for determining when to stop trailing a shot deer.

  1. Cliffs

    • Deer are nimble creatures, and they can overcome terrain that humans can only dream about. Deer often will seek out rocky, vertical terrain such as cliff faces and steep embankments because it protects them from predators. If a deer seeks out vertical terrain that may involve your risking your life to get to it, then give up trailing it. If climbing the cliff face is potentially life-threatening without the deer, then imagine how dangerous it will be when you have to drag the deer back.

    Trespassing

    • Never continue trailing a deer if you must trespass to do so. Trespassing onto private property can lead to serious problems. You can face legal prosecution from the owner of the property on which you trespassed. Local law enforcement agencies such as the state Game and Fish Commission can assess you a fine and even revoke your hunting license. You can even jeopardize your life or risk serious physical injury if you track a deer onto private property where other hunters are firing shots, under the assumption that no one else is on their property.

    Water

    • If you must cross a water body that is in a dangerous state, such as a raging river, then stop trailing the shot deer. A deer is not worth your life. Even if you think you might be able to cross it safely, you have to remember that you must drag the deer back across the river again. If it is difficult for just you to cross it, then it will be nearly impossible and very dangerous for you cross it while carrying a deer.

    Darkness

    • Never trail a deer in the dark. Several dangers surface under the cover of the night. First, dangerous predators such as wolves and bobcats emerge at night, and they will be aware of your presence before you are aware of theirs. Second, the risk of getting lost in the woods greatly increases at night because of the extremely low visibility, even if you have flashlights. Third, nighttime increases your risk of injuries such as twisted or broken ankles because it is simply too difficult to tell at all times where you are stepping.