How long should you wait before trailing a deer if you did not see it go down?

Waiting a half an hour before trailing a deer is recommended because it allows sufficient time for the animal to settle down after being shot. Immediately pursuing the deer can cause it to run further away, increasing the chances of losing the blood trail and possibly spooking the animal, making recovery more difficult.

During the waiting period, the hunter should consider several factors, such as the type of shot that was taken, the weather conditions, and the terrain. A half-hour wait gives the deer a chance to move away from the site of the shot and possibly lay down, making it easier for the hunter to follow the blood trail afterward. Additionally, this timeframe has been widely accepted in hunting practices to help ensure that the deer has had time to succumb to its injuries before being trailed.