Learning how to track a deer is a simple process, but it takes a lot of practice to do it well. You can be sure that all tracks will eventually lead to a deer, so by following them you can up your chances of finding a buck. Unfortunately, whitetail deer do not make it easy, but tracking them with some fresh snow on the ground can make it a little more doable. Learn how to Track A Buck In The Snow!
Finding Tracks in the Snow
While you can track deer in the dirt, mud, and wet leaves, it much easier to find and follow their tracks in the snow. The snow gives you the ability to determine things like:
- Size of the deer
- Sex
- The direction they are heading
- How long ago they made the track
Finding the tracks in the snow is a fairly easy process, and after some fresh snow, you can typically walk around until you cut a set of tracks that seem promising. It might, however, take some time to find the right set of tracks that you want to follow. Not all deer tracks will be the same, and you do not want to waste your time following a track that won’t lead you to what you are looking for!
What to Look for in a Track
Checking on a simple track in the snow can tell you a lot about the animal that made it. Observing how old the track is can save you from wasting a lot of time on a track that may take forever to catch up to the deer that made it. The fresher the track, the better! Knowing when it last snowed is important when determining how old a track is. A fresh track will be clean and crisp in the snow, whereas an old one will have melted down and appear much less crisp.
Big bucks will also typically leave much larger and deeper tracks, so you can look for this to avoid tracking any does or younger bucks. If there are many deer tracks in the area, you can compare them to each other to get an idea of what size of deer they are and the size of track you should be looking for. You can also see what direction they are heading in, and decide what the best method of following or hunting you can use depending on the terrain.
Final Thoughts
With some fresh snow, tracking bucks can be one of the best methods for finding and killing mature bucks. By taking your time and following the right tracks, you can hone your tracking skills and make the most of these opportunities when they arise. A big, mature buck is one of the most elusive animals in the world, but even they can’t hide when the ground is covered with a blanket of fresh snow. When this happens, try finding their tracks and make the most of it!
Remember to check out the Bradley Smoker blog for new fishing and hunting guides all year round!
If you want more tips on how to track a buck in the snow, check this article out!
