The largest network of experienced trackers in the Tar Heel State
NOSE TO THE GROUND NC
WOUNDED GAME RECOVERY &
NC BLOOD TRAILING NETWORK
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Are you a North Carolina resident interested in creating a tracker
account on TRAKR? Please contact Clayton Johnson at 704-706-7579.
Find a tracker in your area using the TRAKR app!
TRACKING LAWS* FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Know the rules before you track. These North Carolina laws help ensure ethical recovery, respect for landowners, and the future of our hunting rights.
North Carolina allows hunters to use tracking dogs to help recover wounded game animals. Dogs used for recovery must remain on a leash and under the control of the handler while tracking. The dog is used only to help locate a wounded or deceased animal and cannot be used to chase or pursue healthy wildlife.
Hunters and tracking teams must follow North Carolina's hunter orange requirements during seasons where they apply. When recovering game during firearm seasons, wearing the required safety clothing helps ensure tracking teams remain visible to other hunters.
North Carolina does not require a special tracking dog license, permit, or certification. Hunters are responsible for having the proper hunting license, tags, and meeting all harvest requirements for the animal being recovered.
Tracking dogs may be used after a legal shot to help recover wounded game, including after dark until 11 PM. Night recoveries are allowed under North Carolina regulations, but tracking activity must remain focused on recovery and not the pursuit of unwounded animals.
Using a tracking dog does not give hunters or handlers permission to enter private property. If wounded game crosses onto another property, permission must be obtained from the landowner before continuing the recovery.
North Carolina does not allow drones to be used as a hunting tool to locate, pursue, or take wildlife. Anyone considering drone use for recovery should review current North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulations before operating.
* Disclaimer: The information provided by TRAKR is intended as a general summary of state tracking laws and regulations and is not legal advice. Because laws and regulations may change, hunters and trackers should always verify current statutes, regulations, and agency guidance before using dogs, drones, or other recovery methods in their state.
Average Deer Tracking Fees in North Carolina
Hunters searching for deer tracking services in North Carolina will find a mixture of fixed-fee tracking teams, donation-based services, and trackers whose rates depend on travel distance or the circumstances of the request. Based on pricing information listed by North Carolina trackers in the TRAKR database, dog tracking fees vary considerably across the state.
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Approximately 31% of North Carolina dog tracking teams offer free services or operate primarily for tips or donations.
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Among North Carolina dog tracking teams that list a fixed or calculable paid fee, excluding free and tip- or donation-based services, the average listed price is approximately $190.
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Since drone deer recovery is illegal in North Carolina, drone operators and drone recovery rates are not included in this pricing analysis.
How North Carolina Deer Tracking Rates Were Calculated
These averages are based on rates and pricing instructions supplied by trackers through their TRAKR profiles. When a tracker listed mileage charges or travel-based pricing, the estimated rate was calculated using a standard travel distance of 50 miles each way.
Fee ranges were calculated using the midpoint. Separate recovery or finder fees were added to the initial tracking fee. When separate rates were listed for bucks and does, the buck rate was used because more than 80 percent of tracking requests involve bucks.
The rates shown are estimates based on available information and do not represent fixed, required, or recommended prices. TRAKR does not set tracker fees and does not guarantee the accuracy or availability of any listed rate. Individual trackers independently determine their own pricing, service areas, travel charges, deposits, recovery fees, and other terms. North Carolina deer tracking pricing data last updated July 2026.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA'S BLOOD TRACKING NETWORKS
North Carolina is home to two well-known wounded game recovery communities: Nose To The Ground NC Wounded Game Recovery and the NC Blood Trailing Network. Together, these organizations help connect hunters with trained, leashed tracking dog teams across the state, improving the chances of recovering wounded deer and other game that might otherwise be lost.
Both groups primarily operate through Facebook, where hunters can request assistance, locate available trackers, and learn more about responsible game recovery. They also promote ethical hunting practices by encouraging hunters to avoid unnecessary grid searching before contacting a tracking dog team. The NC Blood Trailing Network also maintains an interactive map that helps hunters quickly locate trackers throughout North Carolina.
Size and Impact
Together, Nose To The Ground NC Wounded Game Recovery and the NC Blood Trailing Network have become valuable resources for North Carolina hunters. Their combined communities include experienced volunteer and professional tracking dog handlers who respond to recovery requests throughout the state.
These organizations help:
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Connect hunters with trained tracking dog teams across North Carolina.
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Promote the use of leashed tracking dogs in accordance with state regulations.
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Encourage ethical game recovery and reduce the number of wounded animals that go unrecovered.
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Share educational information, recovery experiences, and best practices with hunters and handlers.
North Carolina Tracking Dog Regulations
North Carolina allows hunters to use a leashed tracking dog to help recover wounded game. Tracking activity must remain focused on recovery and cannot be used to chase or pursue healthy wildlife.
Why North Carolina Requires Leashes
North Carolina’s leash requirement helps separate recovery tracking from hunting or pursuing game with dogs. Keeping the dog leashed allows the handler to stay in control while following the trail of a wounded animal.
Certification and Training
North Carolina does not require state-issued certification for tracking dogs or handlers. However, serious tracking teams often build experience through training, mentoring, and real-world recoveries.
Interesting Facts About North Carolina Tracking Networks
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North Carolina has a strong hunting culture and a long tradition of using dogs in the outdoors.
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The groups focus on leashed tracking dog recovery.
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The groups help hunters find tracking resources when a blood trail becomes difficult to follow.
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Both Nose To The Ground NC Wounded Game Recovery and the NC Blood Trailing Network provide valuable resources that help hunters locate experienced tracking teams.
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Modern tools such as TRAKR can help hunters quickly connect with available tracking teams instead of relying only on Facebook posts or individual contacts.
Most Popular Deer Tracking Dog Breeds in North Carolina
Among North Carolina tracking dogs on TRAKR with a reported breed:
#1 Dachshund - 21.7% | Average age: 4.8 years
#2 German Shorthaired Pointer - 17.4% | Average age: 5.0 years
#3 Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound - 13.0% | Average age: 4.0 years
#4 Bluetick Coonhound - 8.7% | Average age: 5.6 years
#5 Beagle - 4.3% | Average age: 6.9 years
Dachshunds currently represent the largest share of North Carolina TRAKR dogs with a reported breed, followed by German Shorthaired Pointers.
TRAKR breed statistics are based on dogs whose breed has been reported by trackers in the TRAKR app. Percentages and average ages may change as trackers add or update their dogs.