When a hunt doesn’t go quite as planned, a trained tracking team can make all the difference. But calling at the right time—and giving the right information—can dramatically increase the chances of a successful recovery.
Here’s how to contact a tracker, and why each step matters.
✅ Step 1: Know When It’s Time to Call
📌 Why this matters: The sooner you make the decision to call, the more options you have. Calling too late can let the scent go cold or give predators a head start. Calling too early—before giving the animal time to expire—can also push it farther away.
You should contact a tracker if:
You’ve lost the blood trail.
You’re unsure about your shot placement.
The animal didn’t fall within sight.
You want to avoid pushing a wounded animal deeper into cover.
You found sign (blood, hair, etc.) but no animal.
💡 Even if you’re unsure, call. Trackers can help assess whether it’s time to track or time to wait.
📞 Step 2: What to Have Ready Before You Call
📌 Why this matters: Clear, complete information helps a tracker decide whether and how to take your call—and gives them a head start before even arriving.
Be ready to share:
📍 Location – GPS pin or clear directions help them estimate travel time.
🦌 Species – Different animals leave different signs and have different behaviors when wounded.
🎯 Shot placement – Helps the tracker guess wound type and advise on wait time.
🕒 Time of shot – Blood scent fades over time; knowing this helps urgency.
🧭 Animal behavior after the shot – Did it run, limp, hunch, flick its tail? These cues matter.
🩸 Sign found – Is there bright blood, bubbles, bone? Photos help too.
🧍♂️ How many people entered the area – Human scent can confuse tracking dogs.
📸 A quick photo of the blood or shot site can help immensely.
🧭 Step 3: Use the “Find a Tracker” Map
📌 Why this matters: Not all trackers cover the same region or are available year-round. The map allows you to search by area, availability, and even certification level.
Use the Find a Tracker Map to:
Filter by county, zip code, or region
View trackers’ experience level (“Veteran,” “In Training”)
Read tracker bios and availability
See UBT certifications (United Blood Trackers Level I/II)
📍 Only approved WGT members appear on the map, ensuring quality and accountability.
🙌 Step 4: Communicate Clearly and Respectfully
📌 Why this matters: Most trackers donate their time or track as a side job. They’re doing this because they care—and your respect for their time and work goes a long way.
Best practices:
Be honest about your shot and any prior tracking attempts.
Ask up front about fees or donations—some are free, some accept tips, others charge a flat rate.
Respect their availability and schedule, especially during peak hunting season.
🤝 The more accurate your info, the better a tracker can prepare—what time to arrive, what gear to bring, what to expect.
🚨 Bonus Tip: Avoid These Common Mistakes
📌 The actions you take between the shot and the tracker’s arrival can either help the trail—or destroy it.
Avoid:
❌ Walking the trail with friends (too much scent).
❌ Waiting hours before marking the shot site.
❌ Dragging a stick or boot to “find blood”—this confuses dogs.
❌ Failing to mark the Point of Shot and Last Blood.
🧭 Mark with tape, toilet paper, or a GPS pin—anything is better than guessing in the dark later.
🎯 Need Help Now?
👉 Use our Find a Tracker Map
📩 Email us at: contactus@wgttx.com
We’re here to help hunters recover wounded game ethically, respectfully, and efficiently.