Approaching a downed animal
Approaching a downed animal can be an exciting time. You may be full of adrenaline. You may even feel saddened by or remorseful about the events that just took place.
Always practice the safe handling of firearms and bows when looking for your animal, as you may be required to deliver a finishing shot.
Approach the animal from its back (hindquarters). This will keep your body away from its legs, hooves, antlers or horns if the animal begins to thrash about or tries to run off.
Make sure that the animal is dead and not merely injured or incapacitated by:
- Observing the chest area for any signs of breathing or muscle contractions.
- Ensuring there is no activity in the animal’s eyes, such as blinking or movement (the eyes should look wide and glazed over).
- Ensuring there is no movement of the animal’s ear, such as twitching.
- Touching the eye gently with a long stick (there should be no reaction when the point of the stick touches the pupil).
Once you are sure the animal is dead, unload your firearm, and ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.
