10/29/2026
DON’T LET A RECOVERABLE DEER BECOME A LOST DEER.
The Missouri rut is nearly here, and the decisions you make after the shot could determine whether your deer is recovered.
With deer activity expected to increase significantly over the next several weeks, the Missouri Blood Trackers Association would like to remind hunters of a few important considerations.
During the rut, bucks are driven by instinct, adrenaline, and the pursuit of does. A marginally hit deer may travel considerable distances, especially when pressured. One of the most common mistakes hunters make is pushing a wounded deer before it has had adequate time to expire.
1. GOOD BLOOD DOES NOT ALWAYS INDICATE A FATAL SHOT OR A DEAD DEER NEARBY.
If you've followed a blood trail for 150 yards and have yet to recover your deer, even with what appears to be significant blood, it's time to reevaluate the situation.
A substantial blood trail does not necessarily indicate a vital-organ hit. Continuing to pursue a wounded deer can cause it to leave its initial bedding area and travel significantly farther.
When in doubt, back out.
2. MARK YOUR BLOOD TRAIL.
As you follow blood, mark the trail using toilet paper, biodegradable flagging, or another easily identifiable marker.
Avoid using sticks or other natural objects that blend into the surrounding environment.
Marking the trail provides valuable information about the deer's direction of travel and allows a tracking team to evaluate the situation more efficiently. Record the location of the shot and last known blood using a GPS or mapping application whenever possible.
3. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF A MARGINAL HIT.
Liver, stomach, and intestinal hits can produce reactions that differ from those of a heart or lung shot.
Some possible indicators include:
A pronounced kick or unusual reaction immediately after impact.
A deer that initially runs, then slows to a walk.
A hunched posture or signs of discomfort as the deer moves away.
A blood trail that becomes increasingly sparse or disappears.
These behaviors are not definitive indicators of shot placement, but they should prompt caution.
Recommended waiting periods vary depending on the suspected injury. Liver hits may require 12–24 hours, while stomach or intestinal hits may require 15–24 hours. Conditions, shot placement, and the deer's behavior must all be considered.
When a marginal hit is suspected, contact an experienced tracker before continuing the pursuit.
4. CONTACT A TRACKER EARLY.
The coming weeks will be among the busiest of the season for tracking teams across Missouri.
If you believe you may need assistance, contact a tracker as soon as possible. Early communication allows the team to evaluate the circumstances, recommend an appropriate waiting period, and coordinate availability.
You do not need to exhaust every option before making that call. In many cases, doing so can make recovery considerably more difficult.
5. USE THE EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE TO YOU.
Perhaps the most important reminder we can offer:
You do not have to need a tracking dog to benefit from speaking with a tracker.
Questions about blood identification, shot placement, deer behavior, or appropriate waiting periods are all excellent reasons to reach out.
Many of our tracking teams encounter more marginally hit deer in a single season than the average hunter will experience throughout an entire hunting career.
That experience provides valuable insight into wounded-deer behavior, recovery strategies, and the decisions that can improve the likelihood of a successful recovery.
Our teams are here to help, and advice is always free.
THE RECOVERY BEGINS WITH THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE AFTER THE SHOT.
As we enter one of the most anticipated periods of Missouri's deer season, we encourage every hunter to exercise patience, make informed decisions, and utilize the resources available to them.
A few extra hours of patience can make the difference between a successful recovery and a deer that is never found.
Missouri Blood Trackers Association
Dedicated to ethical recovery, hunter education, and supporting Missouri's hunting community.
Find a tracking team near you:
www.mobloodtrackers.com
The accompanying photo provides an excellent visual of a deer's skeletal structure. Notice how significantly the spine dips downward toward the front of the deer.
STAY OFF THE SHOULDER! For bowhunters, understanding the location of the spine, shoulder bones, and vital organs is critical to proper shot placement and pe*******on.
