* If they're hiding, like in a corn field or brush pile, they're hurting and will die soon. Another reason to back out and give them more time.
* Once the deer slows to a walking pace, break off a stick to the approximate stride of the deer's tracks. Also, use that same stick to measure the hoof prints and make a mark on the stick. This will help, if the wounded deer gets into a deer trail laiden with other hoof prints...to find YOUR deer.
* Watch the deer's reaction to the hit. The tail down as it runs away, indicates a good (if not mortal) hit.
* Most deer will run in the path of least resistance. A creek bed, logging trail, open field, etc.
* If the blood trail and/or tracks start "zig zagging", it's dying and should be close by.
* If you're blood trailing and jump the deer, but it falls immediately. Chase or push it, as hard as you can...usually in a short distance it will either drop and die due to blood loss or it will present an opportunity for a second shot.
* If you come upon a downed deer and it appears that it may still be alive...shoot it again.
* Eyes open it's dead. Eyes closed it's alive...be careful, very careful.
Bowhunter57
* If you're on a blood trail and lose it. Don't start wondering around in a non-directional search, as you'll just mess up what you should've found for sign. Go back to where you seen the last sign and start looking again.
* Watch for overturned leaves, they'll be wet on the top...unlike the surrounding leaves.