Quick Answer
To recover a deer shot with a bow, remain calm, assess the wound, and track the blood trail while keeping an eye out for signs of movement. Stay close to the blood trail and consider setting up a trail camera or tracking stake. If the deer goes down, locate it as soon as possible to preserve the meat.
Assessing the Wound
When assessing a deer shot with a bow, look for the severity of the wound and the direction of the arrow. A shot to the vitals (heart or lungs) will typically result in a rapid death, but a shot to the shoulders or legs may cause a longer, more difficult recovery. If the deer is bleeding heavily, it can lead the hunter to the animal quickly, but if it’s bleeding lightly, the hunter may have to rely on tracking skills.
Tracking the Blood Trail
To track the blood trail, stay close to where the deer was last seen and follow the blood droplets. It’s essential to move slowly and deliberately, as deer can travel significant distances before collapsing. A good rule of thumb is to stay within 10-15 yards of the blood trail to increase the chances of finding the deer. If the trail becomes sparse, consider setting up a tracking stake or using a trail camera to pinpoint the deer’s location.
Locating the Deer
When locating the deer, look for signs of movement such as disturbed leaves or broken twigs. If the deer has gone down, it’s essential to find it as soon as possible to preserve the meat. Consider using a compass or GPS device to navigate back to the tree stand or last known location of the deer. If the deer is still alive, approach it calmly and humanely to end its suffering.
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