When it comes to judging a shot, hope for the best but plan for the worst.
QUESTION: I’ve heard you can tell where you shot a deer by the way it reacts. Is that true, and if so, what do you look for?
ANSWER: Even under the best of circumstances, you can never be certain where the animal was hit until you lay hands on it (or watch clear video). However, the deer’s reaction may provide some clues. Even then, it’s best to think of the following as general guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. Also, hope for the best but expect the worst.
If the deer falls, you’ve clearly hit it, but be prepared for a follow-up shot. A sudden leap or the so-called mule kick is often, but not always, an indication of a heart shot. If the deer hunches up and walks or trots stiffly away, it’s probably a paunch hit.
A deer that bolts and runs awkwardly may have been shot in the leg. A tucked tail is also a sign of injury, but if the deer throws up its tail and bounds away, don’t assume that you missed.
Follow up every shot, but do so slowly, carefully and quietly. If the deer is dead, it’s not going anywhere. If it’s not, you run the risk of bumping it, making recovery more difficult.
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