Deer reactions after being shot often lead to questions about the effectiveness of a shot. A common observation is a deer “jumping” at the moment of impact, and understanding this and other behaviors provides valuable information.
Understanding the “Jump” Reaction
The immediate “jump” or “lurch” a deer makes after being shot is a common physiological response to sudden impact and trauma. This reaction is often involuntary. The impact triggers a rapid firing of nerve signals, sending pain messages and causing involuntary muscular contractions. Adrenaline and other stress hormones flood the deer’s system, initiating a fight-or-flight response. The initial jump can be a component of this survival mechanism.
While a dramatic jump can indicate a hit to vital areas like the heart or lungs, it does not definitively confirm a fatal shot or a miss. The “mule kick,” where a deer kicks both hind legs, is a specific type of jump often associated with heart or lung shots. This reflex is primarily a neurological and muscular reaction to the sudden trauma, rather than a conscious decision.
Interpreting Deer Reactions to a Shot
Beyond the initial jump, a deer’s subsequent reactions provide further insights into shot placement. A mule kick suggests a heart or lung shot. Deer with a heart or lung shot exhibit an upward lurch or jump, followed by a sprint. A deer hit in these vital areas may run a short distance, between 50 to 150 yards, before collapsing.
A hunched posture, where the deer arches its back, indicates a gut or liver shot. Deer with such injuries might walk away slowly or bed down relatively close if left undisturbed. If a deer drops immediately, it signifies a hit to the central nervous system, such as the spine or brain. Conversely, a deer showing no immediate reaction, or running with its tail up, may indicate a miss or a non-vital hit, making tracking more challenging.
Factors Affecting Post-Shot Behavior
Several factors influence a deer’s behavior after the initial impact, beyond just the shot placement. The precise location of the hit is important; a high lung shot may yield a different reaction than a low lung shot. For instance, a shot to the shoulder can cause immediate incapacitation, sometimes dropping the deer in its tracks.
The type of weapon and ammunition used also plays a significant role. Rifles deliver substantial hydrostatic shock, can result in more immediate and dramatic reactions compared to arrows, which rely on hemorrhaging. A deer’s physiological state, including its adrenaline levels and overall alertness, can affect how far it travels after being hit. A deer already under stress might run farther due to an adrenaline surge masking the wound’s effects.
Post-Shot Tracking and Recovery
After a deer is shot, careful observation of its reaction is important for successful tracking and recovery. It is advisable to wait before initiating tracking, allowing the deer time to expire or bed down. For heart or double-lung shots, a wait of 30 to 90 minutes is sufficient. However, for liver shots, waiting 3 to 6 hours is recommended, and for gut shots, 8 to 12 hours or more may be necessary to ensure the animal beds down and expires.
Before leaving the stand, hunters should note the last spot the deer was seen and listen for any sounds like crashing or thrashing. Upon approaching the impact site, look for signs such as blood, hair, or disturbed ground. The color and consistency of blood can indicate shot placement; bright red and frothy blood suggests a lung hit, while dark red blood points to a liver or muscle hit. Observing the deer’s escape path and identifying these clues guides the tracking process, increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery.