A buck in the bush

The shot felt good, but instead of collapsing on the spot, the deer ran off. And, as it vanished into cover, you can’t help but be con­cerned, because you know that even a mortally wounded whitetail can travel a long way before giving up the ghost. So, as you sit and let your heartbeat settle into something resembling a more normal cadence, you realize that what you do next will make the difference between success and the heartbreak that comes from losing a deer. The first few minutes Though instinct urges you to follow imme­diately, experience tells you sitting still is best. This ensures you’re not scaring away a mortally wounded animal that might oth­erwise expire nearby. Even if the deer isn’t hit quite as well as it should be, sitting still gives you the edge. It allows the animal to move off at a slower pace, hopefully leav­ing a better blood trail, and possibly bed­ding down and stiffening up. It also permits you to listen. I’ve heard wounded deer cross creeks, crash through thickets, run into a page-wire fence, or thrash in their final death throes. Obviously, information like this is useful in locating it. Sit still and that deer might even show itself again. If it does, don’t hesitate to take a finishing shot. Don’t be one of those hunt­ers who, while worrying about ruining a little more meat, loses the whole deer. Even if a follow-up shot isn’t possible, you might glimpse the deer as it slips off. If so, note how it’s moving. This can indicate where it’s hit and how much life is left in it — things that are not always evident as the animal initially takes off. You might also see the animal lie down and die or thrash the surrounding vegeta­tion or tall grass as it succumbs. All this is why sitting still and paying attention imme­diately after the shot is important. The wait Barring weather that threatens to obliterate a blood trail, waiting an additional 30 minutes or so before you proceed is generally wise. During this time, recall the shot. Remember every detail: the shot angle, where you aimed, how the deer reacted, its posture as it ran off, where you and it were at the shot. Each of these things is an essential part of the puzzle. The deer’s reaction to the shot is particu­larly important. Did it jump