Shot Placement & Recommended Wait Times

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Understanding shot placement is critical for making informed decisions on when to begin tracking a wounded deer. Waiting the appropriate amount of time after the shot significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces unnecessary suffering. Below is a breakdown of common shot placements and the recommended wait times, along with notes to help you make the best judgment in the field.

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Gut Shot
For a gut shot, a minimum wait of 12 hours is required, with 24 hours preferred. This is one of the most delicate tracking scenarios. A deer hit in the gut can survive for several hours and may travel a considerable distance if bumped too soon. Blood sign is often sparse and accompanied by a foul odor or partially digested food. Patience is critical—rushing the track will drastically reduce your chances of recovery.

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Liver Shot
A liver shot should be given at least 12 hours before tracking. The liver is located slightly to the right side of the deer’s body, and blood from a liver shot is typically dark red and may appear thicker. While not always immediately fatal, a well-placed liver shot will result in a fatal wound—if enough time is allowed before pursuing. Tracking too early may push the deer further and complicate recovery.

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Stomach Shot
If the arrow or bullet passes through the stomach, it's important to wait between 12 to 24 hours. Stomach contents will often be present in the wound or on the arrow, accompanied by a strong, sour odor. These shots are not quickly fatal, and deer may bed down after a short distance. Allowing ample time increases the odds of finding the animal close to where it laid down.

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Intestinal Shot
An intestinal shot, while sometimes confused with gut or stomach hits, should be treated with just as much caution. Wait at least 12 hours, with 24 hours preferred. Blood sign may include watery or greenish fluid mixed with blood and digestive material. These deer can cover a lot of ground if pushed, so giving them time is essential. Often, patience here is the deciding factor in whether recovery is successful.

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Neck Shot
For a neck shot, tracking should begin as soon as possible. This type of shot can be lethal if it severs major arteries or the spine, but it may also result in only a superficial wound if the shot is too low or too far forward. If the deer doesn’t drop instantly, act quickly and carefully. Watch for heavy bleeding or erratic movement, and proceed with urgency.

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Multiple Organs Hit
In cases where multiple vital organs are struck—such as lungs and liver or lungs and heart—a wait time of about 8 hours is recommended. These hits are usually fatal, but giving the animal time ensures it beds down and expires without additional stress. Tracking too early could still result in a longer chase or even a lost deer if the hit was just marginal. This one can be tricky for wait times please contract your local MBTA tracker. 

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Leg Hit (Non-Lethal)
If the deer is hit in the leg or another non-lethal area, you should begin tracking immediately. Leg shots can result in broken bones or superficial wounds but are rarely fatal. Quick tracking may allow for a follow-up shot or better understanding of the injury severity. Look for broken bone signs in the track, and be prepared for a long pursuit.

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Contact one of MBTA local trackers for a better informed decision on wait times and/or to schedule a tracking team to help assist in finding your wounded game.  Find your local tracking team by clicking the "tracker map" button below.