What Are Most Common Mistakes When Tracking Deer in Snow?

Misjudging Track Size

When tracking deer in snow, it’s essential to accurately assess the track size. New Hampshire deer tracks are typically between 4-5 inches long and 3-4 inches wide for adult bucks. However, many hunters overestimate the track size, leading them to misinterpret smaller tracks as those of younger deer or does. This can result in a loss of valuable time and energy, as well as increased frustration.

Failing to Consider the Deer’s Route

Deer often have a preferred route when traveling through the woods. It’s crucial to identify these routes and understand how the deer interact with their environment. In New Hampshire, deer tend to follow ridges, valleys, and other natural features. By understanding the deer’s preferred routes, hunters can anticipate their movements and increase their chances of success. For example, a deer may often cross a particular stream or follow a specific game trail.

Overestimating Distance Between Tracks

When tracking deer, it’s common to overestimate the distance between tracks, especially in heavy snow conditions. This can lead to a mistaken assumption that the deer traveled farther than it actually did, causing hunters to become disoriented and lose the track. To avoid this mistake, hunters should use a pace count method, where they measure the distance between two points and then use that measurement to estimate the distance between tracks. For example, if the pace count is 25 yards, and the distance between two tracks is 100 yards, the hunter can estimate that the deer traveled approximately 4 pace counts between those tracks.