Chapter 7: Shot Placement & Recovery Techniques
Approaching Downed Game
 When approaching downed game, use extreme caution. The animal may appear to
be dead but actually is not.
- Approach the animal from its rear. If the animal is still alive and jumps
as you approach, you don’t want to be in front of it.
- Stop a reasonable distance from the animal and observe its rib cage. If
the chest is heaving, the animal is still alive.
- If you can’t detect rib cage movement, check the animal’s eyes—the
eyes of a dead animal are usually open.
- Some hunters use a stick or bow tip to prod the rear of the animal to see
if there is a response.
- If the animal is still alive, back off and take a careful finishing shot.
- Don’t pose or handle your animal for photographs or begin field dressing
until you are positive it’s dead.
- Once you have determined that the animal is dead, immediately attach the
proper tag or identification according to state or provincial regulations.
Approach downed game from behind. It can be dangerous to be in front of animals
if they are startled.
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