How to identify fresh blood versus old tracks?

Identifying Fresh Blood

When tracking wounded game, it’s crucial to identify fresh bloodstains to locate the animal. Fresh bloodstains are typically bright red, fluid, and have a more vibrant color compared to old blood. To assess the age of blood, use the following criteria: if the blood is still fluid and has a high red cell count, it’s likely less than a few hours old. If the blood is darker and more gelatinous, it’s likely a few hours to a day old. Old blood often has a yellowish or brownish tint due to oxidation. When observing bloodstains, look for the presence of blood plasma (the clear liquid surrounding red blood cells), which indicates fresh blood.

Reading Track Impression

To determine the age of a track impression, examine the depth and clarity of the print. Fresh tracks are typically deep and clear, with a defined impression, while old tracks are shallow and less defined. This is due to the loss of moisture and elasticity in the animal’s skin over time. When reading track impressions, look for the presence of disturbed vegetation, such as bent or broken leaves, which indicates a recent passage. Fresh tracks may also exhibit a slight compression of the surrounding soil or vegetation.

Combining Blood and Track Analysis

When analyzing both bloodstains and track impressions, look for correlations between the two. For example, if you find a fresh bloodstain near a track impression that appears old, it may indicate the animal passed through the area recently and then sustained a new injury. Conversely, if you find an old bloodstain near a track impression that appears fresh, it may indicate the animal was injured some time ago and is now moving more quickly or erratically. By combining these observations, you can better estimate the animal’s location and behavior.