Deer tracking teams prepare for Northern New York hunting seasons

Deer tracking teams are preparing to help hunters locate wounded game as hunting seasons approach in St. Lawrence County. Bear season is scheduled to open Sept. 19, followed by archery deer season on Sept. 27.

Trackers advise hunters to record and mark the location of a hit, preserve any blood trail, and avoid conducting a grid search. Hunters should also secure permission before tracking teams enter neighboring properties. Recommended wait times vary by the reported hit: immediate tracking for leg or shoulder hits, six hours for liver hits, and at least 12 hours for gut shots.