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Step 1
Wait in exactly the position you were in when you fired the shot. Moving prematurely can throw off your line of sign and call into question an accurate perception of the ground; it may also be a safety concern if another hunter is nearby and preparing to take a shot.
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Step 2
Make a mental note of where the deer was standing when you took the shot. Trees become remarkably similar after you have stared expectantly at them for half an hour.
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Step 3
Let a minimum of 20 minutes pass before leaving your hunting stand. This period is crucial to remain patient so that the wounded animal can bed down and bleed to death.
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Step 4
Walk immediately to the area in the woods where the deer was standing when you fired once the 20 minute period has elapsed.
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Step 5
Look for tufts of hair and spots of blood where the deer was standing. Don't expect a great deal of blood at first.
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Step 6
Follow the blood and hoof prints, keeping an eye for spotting on the branches as high as chest level.
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Step 7
Approach the fallen animal carefully, ensuring it has expired before you begin handling it for proper field dressing, completing your hunting trip successfully.
