How to Track Wildlife in Snow: Winter Hunting Tips, Techniques, and Expert Strategies

Hunting in the wintertime is not for the faint of heart. Some hunters may choose to stay home if the weather conditions are unfavorable. Failure to make the most out of every day of the hunting season puts hunters at risk of finishing the season empty-handed.

While hunting in the snow can be challenging for some, it also presents an opportunity for skilled hunters. Using the snow to track wildlife can take your hunting experience to the next level. Learn how to track in the snow.

Snow has an impact on animal behavior. In deep snow, animals move less and conserve energy by taking baths where it is easier to move. Understanding this behavior will help skilled hunters exploit it. Before the snow falls, it is important to study the terrain that you are interested in hunting on. Pay attention to valleys, riverbanks, and other natural corridors where animals will seek food or shelter.

Before heading out, it is important to have the proper gear and clothing for the cold and snow. Wear gloves, boots with ice cleats or deep tread, and a winter coat. Layered clothing is recommended so you can adjust your clothing based on your activity level to avoid sweating. Make sure you carry a thermal flask with warm water and snacks to maintain body temperature and energy. Learn more about how to stay warm while hunting and the dangers of hypothermia.

Different types of snow affect how easy or difficult it will be to track deer or smaller game. It is easy to follow a game in fresh powdery snow because it will show clear footprints and trails. Tracking becomes more complicated with crusty or icy snow; you will have to look for other signs. Indicators of nearby wildlife are nibbled vegetation or droppings. Using binoculars to scan the area will increase the chances of spotting game before they spot you.

How to Track Small Game in Snow: Rabbits, Squirrels, and More

When tracking something small like rabbits, look for their distinctive paw prints that leave a trail towards dense cover like briar patches or fallen logs. For squirrels, look for smaller prints and claw marks on tree trunks where they’ve climbed. When you find a squirrel hole, throw a stick on the tree’s opposite side and wait for the squirrel to come to your side for the shot.

Tracking Deer in Snow: Understanding Tracks and Behavior Patterns

For deer, you can guess how it is walking based on the tracks. If the tracks are in a straight line, it usually means the deer is walking with intention and purpose. This means you need to move quickly. Tracks moving side to side indicate the deer was feeding or looking for a place to bed down. This means you need to slow down and pan the areas ahead of you.

You need to start being stealthy when you notice the tracks start to wander. This is important because a bedded buck is always on alert and easily spooked. Stay in the shadows if it's sunny and move slowly. Take the time to look around after every step. This requires a ton of patience. While this may be frustrating, if a deer sees you before you see it, you will miss your shot.

If the snow is fresh and fluffy, you do not need to worry as much about movement because you will not make as much noise when you walk. For crunchy snow, practice moving slowly to keep the noise down. It is also recommended ot where white clothing or camouflage to blend into your surroundings.

For skilled hunters, snow can be used to gain a leg up on their target. The snow may drive game to seek shelter in more confined areas. Setting up in these areas increases your chances of encountering game. The cold temperatures will preserve the meat and give you more time for transportation and harvest. When it's sunny, the light will reflect off the snow, which increases visibility and makes it easier to spot animals from a distance.

With the right skillset, hunters can turn the snow from an obstacle to an advantage. Use the snow to follow the tracks of big and small game. Learn how to interpret the tracks to guess what the animal is doing and where it is headed. Practice moving in the snow and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Wear clothes that help you blend in and keep you safe from the elements.