Best practices for tracking bear after the shot?

Locating the Wound

When tracking a bear after the shot, it’s essential to locate the wound as quickly as possible. This will help you understand the extent of the damage and make informed decisions about the animal’s behavior. Use your knowledge of the terrain and the coonhound’s treeing instinct to guide you through the woods. For example, if you’re in a dense thicket, listen carefully for the sound of the coonhound’s baying, as this can indicate the direction of the bear. In open terrain, look for signs of blood splatter or drag marks on the ground.

Tracking the Blood Trail

Once you’ve located the wound, focus on tracking the blood trail as efficiently as possible. This may involve navigating through dense underbrush or crossing waterways. To increase your speed and accuracy, use a tracking technique called “reading the signs,” which involves looking for clusters of blood droplets or splatter patterns that indicate the bear’s movement. In general, a bear will move in a relatively straight line, so focus on tracking the trail in a consistent direction. Aim to track at least 100 yards without losing the trail, as this will give you a better understanding of the bear’s movement patterns.

Using the Coonhound’s Instinct

The treeing instinct of your coonhound can be a valuable asset when tracking a bear after the shot. By listening to the coonhound’s baying, you can determine the direction and proximity of the bear. If the coonhound is baying loudly and persistently, it’s likely that the bear is nearby and still in the tree. In this case, move cautiously and carefully to avoid startling the bear or the coonhound. If the coonhound’s baying becomes less frequent or stops altogether, it may be a sign that the bear has moved on, and you’ll need to re-locate it using your tracking skills.