A shoulder shot on a deer is often considered a good shot placement, aiming for the heart and lungs. However, the resulting blood trail can vary significantly depending on the angle of the shot, the caliber of the weapon, and the deer's immediate reaction. Knowing what to expect and how to effectively follow a shoulder shot blood trail is crucial for a successful and ethical hunt. This guide will help you understand what to look for and how to maximize your chances of recovering your deer.
What a Good Shoulder Shot Blood Trail Looks Like
An ideal shoulder shot will produce a heavy, bright red blood trail. You should see:
- Immediate and Abundant Blood: A good hit will result in a significant amount of blood immediately at the point of impact. This indicates a vital organ was struck.
- Consistent Blood Flow: The blood trail should be relatively consistent, with blood present at regular intervals. The trail may thin out as the deer runs, but it shouldn't disappear completely.
- Bright Red Blood: Bright red blood suggests a hit to arteries and indicates a relatively rapid blood loss. Darker blood, while still significant, often implies a slower bleed and a potentially longer tracking process.
- Bubbles in Blood: The presence of bubbles in the blood may indicate a lung shot, which is often associated with a more readily found deer.
What a Poor Shoulder Shot Blood Trail Looks Like
Unfortunately, even well-placed shots can sometimes result in less-than-ideal blood trails. This could be due to:
- Marginal Shot Placement: A shot that grazes the shoulder without causing significant damage to major blood vessels will produce a minimal blood trail, or none at all.
- Shot Angle: A quartering-away or quartering-towards shot can result in a less effective blood trail due to the bullet's path through the body.
- Bullet Fragmentation: The type of bullet and its fragmentation can significantly impact the blood trail's visibility. Some bullets may pass cleanly through, leaving a smaller blood trail than expected.
- Deer's Reaction: The deer's immediate response can influence the trail. A deer that runs a long distance immediately after being shot will have a more scattered blood trail.
Tips for Following a Shoulder Shot Blood Trail
Following a blood trail requires patience, skill, and a careful approach:
- Give the Deer Time: Allow the deer at least 30 minutes to expire before beginning the tracking process. This gives the deer time to bleed out, making tracking easier and more ethical.
- Mark Your Entry Point: Carefully mark your initial shot location. This is vital if the trail becomes difficult to follow.
- Follow the Thickest Blood: Focus on the heaviest concentrations of blood to stay on the main trail. Don't get distracted by minor blood spots.
- Use a Blood Tracking Pole: A tracking pole helps to carefully move vegetation and spot smaller blood droplets.
- Follow the Wind: Deer, particularly wounded ones, tend to run downwind. Consider the wind direction while tracking.
- Don't Overlook Blood on Vegetation: Blood can be absorbed into leaves and grass, so check vegetation thoroughly.
- Enlist Help: If the trail becomes difficult to follow, get help. An extra set of eyes can greatly improve your chances of recovery.
When to Call It Quits
It's crucial to know when to stop tracking. Continuing a fruitless search can be unethical and disrespectful to the animal. If the blood trail:
- Completely disappears: After a reasonable search, it's best to call off the tracking.
- Is too thin and inconsistent to follow: Similarly, an extremely faint trail is often a sign that the shot wasn't lethal and further pursuit is futile.
- You've exhausted all reasonable effort: After a dedicated and thorough effort, it's time to reassess and perhaps consult with other hunters.
A successful shoulder shot relies heavily on proper shot placement and ethical hunting practices. Following the blood trail meticulously and knowing when to stop are crucial aspects of responsible hunting. Remember to always prioritize safety and ethical considerations.
