Quick Answer
To assess game trails, look for signs of animal activity such as tracks, scat, and bedding areas, and evaluate the trail's characteristics like width, depth, and vegetation disturbance.
Determining Trail Age and Use
When evaluating game trails, it’s essential to determine their age and the level of use. Check for signs of recent disturbance, such as fresh tracks or scat, and look for areas where the vegetation is trampled or pushed aside. Trails used by multiple animals will often have a wider and more defined path. A well-used trail might be 2-4 feet wide, with a depth of 6-12 inches, and have a noticeable absence of vegetation in the center.
Identifying Trail Types
There are three primary types of game trails: game trails, travel lanes, and bedding areas. Game trails are often narrow and winding, following a specific route through the terrain. Travel lanes are wider and more defined, used by multiple animals as a shortcut or a route to a food source. Bedding areas are areas where animals rest and hide, often marked by a circular pattern of disturbed vegetation.
Evaluating Trail Features
When evaluating a game trail, look for features that indicate the type of animal using it and its level of use. For example, a deer trail might have a distinctive “deer step” pattern, where the tracks are spaced about 12-18 inches apart. A bear trail might have a more pronounced scent and a wider path, indicating the animal’s size and strength. By evaluating these features, you can gain a better understanding of the game trail and plan your hunt accordingly.
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