What does dark red blood mean when you shoot a deer?

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What does dark red blood mean when you shoot a deer? The presence of dark red blood, rather than bright red blood, typically indicates a hit to the lower body cavity, suggesting the deer was struck in the liver, kidneys, intestines, or muscle tissue, rather than the heart or lungs.

Understanding Blood Color After a Deer Shot

Understanding the color of blood after shooting a deer is crucial for ethical and effective tracking. The color can provide valuable clues about the location of the wound and the severity of the injury, assisting hunters in making informed decisions about following up on the shot. A responsible hunter uses every tool available to ensure a quick and ethical harvest.

Blood Color and Its Implications

The color of blood is determined by its oxygen content and the source of the blood. Here’s a breakdown:

Bright Red Blood: Typically indicates arterial blood, which is rich in oxygen and suggests a hit to the heart or lungs. This type of blood is often frothy if the lungs are involved.
Dark Red Blood: Indicates venous blood, which has less oxygen and is returning to the heart. This type of blood is common when a deer has been hit in the liver, kidneys, intestines, or muscle.
Very Dark, Almost Black Blood: This could indicate a hit to the liver or digestive system, or a shot that is old and clotted.

Factors Influencing Blood Color and Flow

Several factors can influence the appearance of blood after a shot:

Location of the Wound: A shot to the lungs will produce bright red, frothy blood. A shot to the liver will produce dark red blood. A shot to the muscle might produce a scant amount of dark red blood.
Size of the Wound: A larger wound will generally produce more blood, making it easier to track the animal.
Time Elapsed Since the Shot: Blood clots and darkens over time.
Deer’s Physiological State: An excited deer might have different blood flow than a calm one.
Ammunition Used: The type of bullet or broadhead can influence the wound channel and the amount of bleeding.

Tracking Strategies Based on Blood Color

When tracking, consider these points:

Bright Red Blood: Follow immediately and aggressively, as the deer is likely severely injured.
Dark Red Blood: Proceed with caution and methodically. The deer may be injured, but it may also be able to travel a significant distance.
Sparse Blood: Mark the last sign of blood and grid search the area. Look for tracks and other sign.

Common Mistakes Hunters Make

Immediately Following a Gut-Shot Deer: Allowing the deer time to bed down and expire is more ethical. If pushed, the deer could run for miles.
Ignoring Other Signs: Focusing solely on blood can lead you astray. Pay attention to tracks, disturbed vegetation, and direction of travel.
Failing to Mark the Last Sign of Blood: Marking the last sign ensures the search area is well defined.

Ethical Considerations

Always prioritize ethical hunting practices:

Proper Shot Placement: Aim for vital organs (heart and lungs) for a quick and humane kill.
Knowing Your Limitations: Only take shots you are confident in making accurately.
Persistence in Tracking: Make every effort to recover wounded game.

Blood Trail Analysis Table

Blood Color	Potential Wound Location	Action
———————-	—————————————	————————
Bright Red	Heart, Lungs	Track Immediately
Dark Red	Liver, Kidneys, Intestines, Muscle	Cautious Tracking
Very Dark/Black	Liver, Digestive System, Old Wound	Very Cautious Tracking
Bright Red & Frothy	Lungs	Track Immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if there is very little blood after the shot?

A lack of blood can mean several things. It could be a muscle shot that did not penetrate deeply, or the wound channel may have closed quickly. It could also indicate that the deer is bleeding internally. Careful examination of the area around the shot location is critical, looking for hair, tracks, and any other signs of injury.

What does frothy blood mean when tracking a deer?

Frothy blood is a strong indicator of a lung shot. The air mixed with the blood creates a foamy consistency. This is generally a fatal wound, and the deer will likely be down within a relatively short distance. Proceed carefully but confidently.

How long should I wait before tracking a deer with dark red blood?

With dark red blood, indicating a potential liver or gut shot, it is crucial to wait at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight, before beginning the track. Pushing the deer prematurely could cause it to run further, making recovery more difficult. Patience is key in this scenario.

What if I find dark red blood mixed with green or brown material?

This suggests a hit to the digestive system. The green or brown material is likely stomach contents. The deer will probably die but could travel a long way if pushed. Give it ample time (6-8 hours or overnight) before tracking.

What if I lose the blood trail altogether?

If you lose the blood trail, mark your last known location clearly. Then, conduct a grid search of the surrounding area, looking for tracks, hair, or any other sign of the deer. Consider enlisting the help of a tracking dog if available.

Is it always necessary to find the deer immediately after a shot?

While a quick and ethical kill is the goal, rushing the tracking process can be counterproductive, especially with non-vital hits. Allowing the deer time to expire peacefully, without further stress, often leads to a faster and more successful recovery.

Does the type of broadhead or bullet affect the blood trail?

Yes, the type of ammunition used can significantly impact the blood trail. Broadheads are designed to create a wide wound channel, resulting in a profuse blood trail. Bullets, especially those with a high ballistic coefficient, can pass through with minimal blood loss.

What other signs should I look for besides blood?

In addition to blood, look for:

Tracks: The deer’s hoof prints.
Hair: Disturbed or cut hair.
Disturbed Vegetation: Uprooted plants or broken branches.
Direction of Travel: Note the direction the deer was moving when it was shot.

What should I do if I’m unsure of the shot placement?

If unsure of shot placement, err on the side of caution. Wait an extended period before tracking, even if you saw the deer go down. This minimizes the chance of pushing the deer and allows it to expire peacefully. Consult with experienced hunters or game wardens if needed.

What is the best way to mark a blood trail?

Use flagging tape, biodegradable marking paint, or small pieces of tissue paper to mark the blood trail. Place markers frequently enough that the trail remains visible, but avoid over-marking, which can disturb the environment.

What are the legal requirements for tracking a wounded deer?

Laws vary by state and locality. Consult your local hunting regulations for specific requirements regarding tracking wounded game. Some jurisdictions require hunters to make every effort to recover wounded animals, while others may have restrictions on trespassing or hunting hours.

Can I use a tracking dog to find a wounded deer?

In many areas, tracking dogs are permitted and highly effective in locating wounded deer. However, check your local regulations to ensure that their use is legal and that the dog meets any certification requirements. A trained tracking dog can significantly increase your chances of a successful recovery.