After shooting a deer, how long should you wait before trailing it if you do not see it go down?

After shooting a deer and not observing it go down, it's advisable to wait at least half an hour before trailing. This waiting period is crucial because it allows the deer enough time to succumb to the shot. If you pursue it too soon, the deer might still be alive and capable of fleeing, which could lead to a more prolonged chase, making recovery more difficult.

Waiting for half an hour also helps to ensure that any adrenaline the animal is experiencing has subsided, allowing the hunter to find a more definitive blood trail or signs of the deer's location. Typically, hunters have learned through experience that deer may run off even after being hit, particularly if the shot does not result in an immediate fatality. The half-hour wait is a standard practice rooted in both ethical hunting and effective tracking techniques.