Tracking Whitetail Bucks: What To Do If They Change Trails?

Assessing the Situation

When whitetail bucks change trails, it’s often due to human disturbance, other deer, or a change in their food source. To regroup the trail, look for areas where the buck’s scent is strong, such as near food sources, bedding areas, or rubs on trees. These areas may indicate the buck’s next path.

Tracking Techniques

To track a buck that has changed trails, use a combination of visual and scent tracking techniques. Start by examining the snow for fresh tracks, looking for signs of a buck’s large hooves and a distinctive gait. If you lose the trail, try following the scent of a buck’s urine or feces, which can remain strong in the snow for several hours. Use a tracking stick or a probe to dig through the snow and expose buried tracks, and look for areas where the buck may have crossed a stream or a trail.

Regrouping the Trail

When regrouping the trail, be prepared to adjust your tracking techniques accordingly. If the buck has changed trails to avoid a human or another deer, it may be more difficult to track. In these situations, try to find a fresh scent or track that leads to a nearby food source or bedding area, where the buck is likely to rest or bed. Use a map and compass to navigate the area and look for signs of the buck’s activity, such as tracks, scat, and rubs on trees.