Handle unsuccessful shots ethically

In most cases, following the successful shot rules will result in mortal wounding of the animal, which will die quickly. But not all shots will result in a clean kill. Unfortunately, things sometimes go wrong that are beyond your control.

Perhaps you took the shot, but the animal was hit too far behind the ribs and it fled into thick bush. You know for sure that you made a hit, but the animal is nowhere to be seen. Unfortunately, this can be a harsh reality of hunting.

In the event you lose sight of the animal, do not chase the animal. Keep calm and make sure your rifle or bow is safe.

When following up a lost animal:

• note the direction in which the animal ran
• wait 30 minutes to allow the animal to either expire or bed down
• using bright coloured tape, mark the spot where you took the shot
• slowly approach the spot where the animal was shot and mark it
• look for footprints, blood splatter and tissue
• check the type of blood sign, as this will indicate if a major organ was hit
• slowly begin to follow the blood trail, marking it at five metre intervals
• if you lose the blood trail, go back to your last marker and begin searching again
• once you locate the animal, approach it very slowly and quietly
• if the animal has not expired, apply a safe finishing shot
• remember to remove your marking tape.