When you have lost an animal, what do you believe was the cause?

[Nkoza]

I have a terrible problem with not waiting long enough to start tracking. I tell myself to wait, then climb down to investigate.

 

[brandon.lee]

When you have lost an animal, what is the most common cause? I'm trying to get an actual gauge of what the most common problem is. Select as many times as you've lost an animal.

If you've voted on Archery Talk please don't duplicate votes.

It needed more lead

 

[Marble]

I have a terrible problem with not waiting long enough to start tracking. I tell myself to wait, then climb down to investigate.

This is probably the most common reason for losing animals when there is a decent shot made. I'm guilty of it, too. I started a practice of checking the time, sitting down in a comfy spot, and eat a meal. The minimum wait is 30 minutes. .

I figure that when I start tracking, I would t want to stop. Then, when I find my animal, I'll want to take pics and begin getting it ready to pack out. I'll forget to eat. And when that happens, I make bad decisions...

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[jeffb321]

I’m still haunted by a rushed shot and no recovery from a marginal hit.

 

[87TT]

Bb

WTH does that mean?

 

[Bump79]

Results are in - These were posted on AT, Rokslide & The Hunting Public Facebook page.

 

[Bump79]

Please continue updating this poll as the season progresses.

 

[CMF]

I didn't read all the responses, so maybe someone already mentioned it, but deflection on limbs or brush probably happens often. I've cleanly missed a bull elk and doe whitetail from deflection, but not wounded one.

 

[CMF]

I think it will probably be different for species too.... penetration more so on hogs, elk.... High shots/animal movement on whitetail....

 

[Bump79]

Let's keep this polling running! It's interesting to see the feedback.

 

[mt terry d]

1) In my early years I'd say lack of tracking skills
2) A couple I lost due to rain or snow starting right after the shot

 

[Bump79]

1) In my early years I'd say lack of tracking skills
2) A couple I lost due to rain or snow starting right after the shot

I can relate to this for sure. Honestly, when whitetail hunting near home I typically don't hunt if I know a storm is coming in. Might some crazy to some but it can be a nightmare post shot if everything washes away.

 

[mt terry d]

I can relate to this for sure. Honestly, when whitetail hunting near home I typically don't hunt if I know a storm is coming in. Might some crazy to some but it can be a nightmare post shot if everything washes away.

In the mountains a storm or squall can come up virtually out of nowhere. If you're there for a couple weeks
it's hard to completely avoid.
Regardless of circumstances, losing any animal always sucks a lot of the joy out of the hunt.

 

[Bump79]

In the mountains a storm or squall can come up virtually out of nowhere. If you're there for a couple weeks
it's hard to completely avoid.
Regardless of circumstances, losing any animal always sucks a lot of the joy out of the hunt.

Completely agree. You can't plan for it always, I was just saying if I can pick a day when I'm close to home I avoid the rain.