When the blood trail ends
Start by recording the last blood you can confidently identify. A person joining the search needs to know where the evidence stops, which direction the animal was moving and where you have already looked. Ground tracking, a blood-trailing dog and a thermal drone search offer different ways to continue.
Save these details
Put the information in one note so everyone helping works from the same account. If a time or location is approximate, label it that way.
- Mark the last confirmed blood and the last sighting separately on your map.
- Keep photos of signs and nearby landmarks, with their original timestamps.
- Record the animal’s direction of travel and when you last saw it.
- Note where people have searched and any ground they could not reach.
- Identify nearby property boundaries and the permissions you already have.
Ground tracking and blood-trailing dogs
An experienced tracker can help review the signs and your account of the search. If you contact a dog handler, ask about availability, the information they need and how to prepare the area for their arrival.
Idaho’s 2026 big-game rules allow one leashed blood-trailing dog to help recover wounded big game during lawful hunting hours and within 72 hours of the hit. The Dogs section on page 100 gives the conditions.
Source: Idaho Fish and Game: 2026 Big Game Seasons & Rules ↗
Where a thermal drone can help
Thermal imaging looks for temperature differences; it does not track blood on the ground. The camera needs a view of the animal through an opening in the cover.
Describe the ground beyond the last sign: an open slope, brush, timber or a drainage. Ask which parts a drone could inspect and where a ground search would still be needed. If another search has already taken place, share its findings so the next effort can focus on unresolved areas.
Before choosing help
Idaho Fish and Game’s September 2026 guidance includes wounded-game retrieval among its technology-rule exceptions. Check the circumstances of your search against the current wildlife, flight and access requirements.
- Ask what area and search time are included.
- Confirm access for the operator and anyone retrieving the animal.
- Agree on travel charges, weather terms and the total price.
- Arrange who will handle retrieval if the animal is located.
Source: Idaho Fish and Game: September 2026 technology guidance ↗
Need help finding your animal?
Call 208-696-1128, send a text or request a callback. Include your county, nearest town and the animal you are looking for.
Based in Sandpoint. See our service area and search pricing.