What should you do if a game animal does not go down immediately after being shot?

Waiting at least 30 minutes before tracking a game animal that has not gone down immediately is a crucial step for several reasons. When an animal is wounded, it often goes into a state of stress and adrenaline, which can result in it moving further away from the site of the shot. Tracking too soon might cause the animal to flee even further, making recovery more difficult.

By waiting, you allow the animal some time to slow down and for its body to react to the injury. Additionally, this waiting period can help you discern whether the animal has indeed expired or if it has only been wounded. This strategy increases your chances of a successful recovery because you can track more effectively when the animal is less active and more likely to be found in a resting state nearby.

The other options might lead to complications in the tracking process or increase the suffering of the animal. Immediate tracking could prematurely disturb and elevate the animal's stress, while firing another shot could result in more suffering, especially if it was a non-lethal hit. Leaving the animal alone for several hours might not be as effective as the recommended 30-minute wait, as it could lead to a lost opportunity for recovery.