What factor is most important when tracking an injured animal?

When tracking an injured animal, the most important factor is the time elapsed since the shot. This is crucial because the longer you wait after the shot, the more challenging it may become to track the animal effectively. An injured animal can move quite a distance after being shot, especially if it is not immediately incapacitated, and the signs of bleeding or movement can diminish over time. Tracking shortly after the shot allows the tracker to follow fresh signs, such as blood trails, disturbed vegetation, or tracks, that indicate the animal's path and condition.

The other factors, while potentially relevant in specific scenarios, play a secondary role compared to the time aspect. For instance, wind direction can affect the ability to scent track but isn't as critical as knowing how long it has been since the animal was shot. Weather conditions can also influence tracking, such as rain washing away tracks or blood, but again this is secondary to the immediate timing after the shot. The animal's size may have some impact on the ease of tracking, especially with larger animals leaving more visible signs, but tracking success is dramatically improved by acting swiftly after the shot.