Initial Assessment at the Scene: A Critical First Step
The First Response
The crisp air of the autumn woods, the thrill of the hunt, the anticipation of a successful harvest – these are the emotions that often accompany the pursuit of deer with a bow and arrow. However, the reality of bowhunting can sometimes present challenging scenarios, and perhaps none is more fraught with ethical and practical concerns than when a deer shot in shoulder with bow is the result. This situation demands immediate attention, decisive action, and a deep understanding of ethical responsibilities. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of what to do if you find yourself in this predicament, focusing on immediate assessment, effective tracking techniques, crucial ethical considerations, and the important legal obligations that accompany this challenging scenario.
Evaluation of the Shot Placement
The moments following the release of an arrow and the realization that the shot has hit the shoulder of a deer are crucial. Your initial actions will significantly impact the animal’s welfare and your subsequent success in recovering the deer.
The foremost priority should always be personal safety. Maintain a safe distance from the deer, especially if it’s wounded and potentially agitated. Observe the deer’s behavior. Is it running? Walking slowly? Standing still? Where is it heading? Note the time the shot was taken and the general direction the deer traveled. These observations will become critical in subsequent tracking efforts.
Next, it’s imperative to evaluate the shot placement as accurately as possible. Assess where the arrow struck the deer’s shoulder. Was it a high shoulder shot, hitting the spine or vital organs? Or a lower shoulder shot impacting the front leg or less crucial tissues? Examine the arrow’s position or, if it passed through, note its trajectory through the body. Also, look for signs of blood, which is crucial for future tracking.
Gathering Information
Gather as much information as you can about the shot itself. Note the type of arrow and broadhead you were using. Consider the weather conditions, particularly the wind, as wind can significantly influence a wounded deer’s movement and scent dispersal. Document the deer’s initial reaction to the shot. Did it bolt immediately, or did it show signs of being hit? These details will give you an insight into how to proceed.
Tracking the Wounded Deer: The Pursuit Begins
Wait Before Tracking
After the shot and the initial assessment, the next phase involves the often-arduous process of tracking the deer. The approach to tracking should be methodical and patient.
One of the most important rules is to wait before beginning your tracking efforts. Give the deer some time to bed down and for the initial shock to wear off. Waiting allows the deer to settle down, and minimizes the risk of pushing it further and potentially causing it to move quickly. The waiting period depends on the severity and type of the shoulder shot, from thirty minutes to several hours.
Begin the Track
When you finally begin the track, systematically search for any sign of the deer’s passage. Blood trails are the most obvious indicator. Learn to identify different types of blood – bright red (often indicating a lung shot), dark red or pinkish (often indicating muscle) and understand how blood appearance can indicate where the arrow hit the deer.
Beyond blood, look for other signs: broken twigs, disturbed leaves, overturned rocks, and even the deer’s tracks. Note if the deer is limping. Scat or any hair caught on brush can also provide valuable clues.
Techniques to Follow the Track
Employ a methodical approach to the track. Use a grid pattern, especially in areas where the trail is sparse. Work with the wind in your favor to prevent spooking the deer.
Tracking can get complicated when the blood trail runs dry. In these situations, expand your search radius. Look for obvious features where the deer might choose to bed down. Check the terrain carefully: near creeks, thickets, or any area that offers cover.
Difficult Track Scenarios
Be prepared for challenging tracking scenarios. Rain, for example, can quickly wash away the blood trail. Dry ground makes tracking difficult. In such situations, consider using a tracking dog, which is a trained companion that can follow a scent with incredible accuracy.
Ethical Considerations and the Hunt’s Moral Core
Ethical Responsibilities
The ethics of hunting are essential, especially after a deer shot in shoulder with bow incident. Hunting isn’t just about taking an animal; it’s also about respecting the animal’s life and ensuring a swift, humane end. The ethical hunter prioritizes the animal’s welfare above all else.
You have an ethical responsibility to recover the deer if at all possible. This obligation supersedes personal preferences or any other competing concerns. Dedication to retrieval reflects not just good sportsmanship but also the core of responsible hunting.
The Decision to Continue or Abandon
Sometimes, after a long tracking session, you’ll encounter a tough decision. When the trail fades or the signs of life are limited, you might need to re-evaluate your plan.
A key decision is the choice to continue or abandon the pursuit. If the deer continues to move and displays consistent blood loss, then continuing tracking is a good choice. If the deer appears to be walking and recovering from the shot, it might not be a fatal wound. If there are no signs of blood or injury, you may choose to abandon the pursuit.
Understand the consequences of a failed hunt. While it’s heartbreaking to lose an animal, it is an unavoidable risk.
Dispatching the Deer: Bringing Closure to the Hunt
Assessing the Condition
If you successfully locate the wounded deer, then you will face the task of dispatching it. The goal is to cause minimal suffering and end the animal’s life quickly and humanely.
Before you attempt to dispatch the deer, assess its condition. Is it mortally wounded? Does it appear to be suffering? If you’re confident the injury is lethal, then you can move on to dispatching the deer.
Humane Kill Methods
The most effective way to ensure a quick end is by using a second shot, with the aim of the heart and lungs. Use the same bow and arrow, broadhead combination you were using.
Handling the Deer
Once the deer is down, proceed with proper field dressing.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Staying Within the Law
State/Local Laws
Hunting is governed by a complex web of laws and regulations, which vary depending on the state and even the local area. The incident of a deer shot in shoulder with bow brings a set of legal obligations.
Every jurisdiction has specific rules and regulations regarding hunting. Become intimately familiar with your local laws. Know the bag limits, the hunting seasons, and the rules about shot placement.
Reporting Requirements
In many states, you are required to report a wounded deer, especially if you are unable to find it. Understand your state’s reporting requirements.
Consequences of Unsuccessful Hunt
Violating hunting laws can result in significant penalties, including fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even jail time. Comply with all relevant rules.
Preventing Future Situations: Enhancing Your Skills
Practice and Preparation
The goal for every hunter is to reduce the chances of a deer shot in shoulder with bow or any other less-than-ideal shot. This starts with a commitment to improving your skills and your gear.
Start with practice and preparation. Regular practice at the range is essential. Practice should go beyond just shooting at targets. Practice at different distances, from various angles, and in different weather conditions. Become intimately familiar with your equipment.
Shot Placement Education
Another important element is shot placement education. Learn the anatomy of deer. Understand where the vital organs are located. Know where to aim for a clean, ethical kill.
Equipment Considerations
Finally, consider equipment. Make sure you have the right broadheads for the deer you are hunting. Ensure all your equipment is in good working order.
Conclusion: Ethical Hunting at its Best
A deer shot in shoulder with bow is a challenging situation, but it’s one that can be managed with careful planning, responsible action, and ethical hunting practices. Remember to prioritize your safety, assess the situation carefully, and be prepared to track the deer. Never forget your ethical responsibilities to the animal and the laws of your hunting ground. By adopting these principles, you not only ensure a better outcome in a difficult situation, but you also exemplify what it means to be a true, ethical hunter. Through continuous learning and dedication, you can refine your skills and reduce the chances of this scenario occurring in the future.
The quest to harvest deer with a bow is deeply ingrained in the traditions of hunting. Strive for the best shot opportunities possible and do your best to eliminate a deer shot in shoulder with bow from ever happening to you.
