Whitetail tracking

[RobRed]

I have never attempted to track a whitetail before. Almost 100% of
My hunting has been from a tree stand mostly with a bow.


What are some key points to tracking to get me started? Is it as simple as quietly following fresh looking tracks? I know fresh snow on the ground is a great start. Do you play the wind while tracking?

 

[jsteurrys]

Get the books by Bryce Towsley and Hal Blood. Very informative on the subject. There are also some DVDs out there. This is something that I always wanted to do just cannot find enough time to get to the Adirondacks to do it.

 

[bronko220002]

Tracking? Yes in fresh snow I guess its possible if you have an idea how fresh the tracks are.
Still hunting is a more viable option. Its a method that few can master in this hectic "I want it now" world.
Conditions and wind have to be right. After a good rain or a wet snow is ideal when the leaves aren't as noisy. But it can be done even in dry leaves. The trick is to go slooooow! About 50-75 yards in a half hour is about right. Avoid breaking any twigs if you do stop for at least 5-10 mins. Not many creatures break twigs unless they're big and running. Squirrels won't, deer are cautious where they step and bear have well padded feet.
Take a step look around scanning everywhere then take another. Each step opens up new viewing lanes. And don't forget to lokk behind you. Also watch for color out of the ordinary.
I once shot a nice 8 pt in his bed after he let me walk past him at 35 yards. He was hidden behind a blow down. I was about 50 yards past him and noticed a brown that was out of place. I must have watched it for 5 mins before he picked his head up to lick his back.
Patience and more patience is key.

 

[retrieverman]

On every place I hunt there’s so many deer tracks I have no idea how you would differentiate the fresh ones from the one made a few hours ago.
I’ve snuck up on pigs, because I smelled them first. I’ve heard turkeys and stalked within range for a shot. I’ve “seen” deer and stalked within range for a shot, but I’ve never “tracked” one.