PENNSYLVANIA
BLOOD TRACKERS
The largest network of professional trackers
in the Keystone State.
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TRACKING LAWS* FOR THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
Know the rules before you track. These Pennsylvania laws help ensure ethical recovery, respect for landowners, and the future of our hunting rights.
Pennsylvania allows the use of tracking dogs to help locate and recover wounded big game animals. Dogs used for recovery must remain on a leash and under the physical control of the handler while tracking. Off-lead tracking is not permitted. Tracking dogs are used strictly for recovery purposes and may not be used to chase or pursue healthy game.
Anyone tracking wounded game must follow Pennsylvania’s fluorescent orange requirements for the season in which the recovery takes place. During seasons where hunter orange is required, hunters and tracking dog handlers must wear the appropriate amount of orange clothing while conducting a recovery.
Pennsylvania does not require a separate tracking dog license or certification. A person using a tracking dog must follow all applicable hunting license requirements for the animal being recovered. A tracking dog handler may assist with locating wounded game but must comply with all Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations.
Tracking dogs may be used to recover wounded game during legal hunting hours. Recovery attempts outside of normal hunting hours or outside the open season may require notification and approval from the Pennsylvania Game Commission before beginning the track.
Using a tracking dog does not give hunters or handlers permission to enter private property. If a wounded animal crosses onto land where the hunter does not have permission, the hunter or tracking team must obtain landowner approval before continuing the recovery.
Pennsylvania does not allow drones to be used for locating or recovering wounded game animals. Hunters may not use unmanned aircraft to search for deer, bear, elk, or other wildlife as part of the recovery process.
* 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 Pennsylvania
Hunters searching for deer tracking services in Pennsylvania rely on trained blood tracking dog teams to help locate wounded deer. Based on pricing information listed by Pennsylvania trackers in the TRAKR database, most tracking teams provide their services for free or operate primarily for tips or donations.
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59% of Pennsylvania dog tracking teams offer free tracking services or operate primarily for tips or donations.
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Among Pennsylvania dog tracking teams that list a fixed or calculable fee, the average listed price is approximately $103.
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Drone deer recovery is currently illegal in Pennsylvania. For that reason, drone operators and drone recovery rates are not included in this Pennsylvania pricing analysis.
How Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania deer tracking pricing data last updated July 2026.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PA BLOOD TRACKERS
PA Blood Trackers has become one of the largest and most recognized deer/bear recovery networks in Pennsylvania. The organization exists to connect hunters with trained tracking dog handlers to recover wounded big game animals that might otherwise be lost. The group maintains a statewide network of tracking teams covering the Keystone State, helping hunters quickly locate experienced handlers when a recovery is needed. Many listed handlers have years of experience behind their dogs, and some hold certifications through organizations such as United Blood Trackers.
PA Blood Trackers has grown beyond just a Facebook group into an organized statewide community focused on ethical game recovery, hunter education, and promoting the responsible use of tracking dogs. Through integration with the TRAKR app, hunters can quickly submit recovery requests and connect with available tracking teams throughout Pennsylvania.
Size and Impact
Some publicly available PA Blood Trackers information includes:
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The Facebook group has grown into one of Pennsylvania’s primary resources for connecting hunters with tracking dog handlers.
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The network helps coordinate recoveries throughout Pennsylvania’s diverse hunting regions, including big woods, mountains, agricultural areas, and thick cover.
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Pennsylvania has one of the largest deer hunting communities in the country, creating a strong demand for experienced tracking teams.
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The organization continues to promote ethical recovery practices and educate hunters on the benefits of using trained tracking dogs.
Pennsylvania Tracking Dog Regulations
Pennsylvania legalized the use of dogs for recovering wounded big game relatively recently (2018), providing hunters with another tool to help locate and recover animals that might otherwise be lost.
Pennsylvania regulations allow leashed tracking dogs to be used for the recovery of wounded deer, bear, and elk.
Why Pennsylvania Requires Leashes
Pennsylvania historically prohibited the use of dogs for pursuing big game. The leash requirement was established to clearly separate recovery tracking from hunting or chasing healthy animals.
Keeping tracking dogs leashed allows handlers to help hunters recover wounded game while maintaining control of the dog and protecting Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources.
Certification and Training
Pennsylvania does not require state-issued tracking dog certification. However, many PA Blood Trackers members voluntarily pursue additional training, testing, and certification through organizations such as United Blood Trackers.
Experience, training, and time spent on real-world recoveries remain some of the most valuable qualifications for successful tracking teams.
Interesting Facts About PA Blood Trackers
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Pennsylvania has one of the largest deer hunting populations in the United States.
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The network covers deer, bear, and elk recovery.
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Pennsylvania’s mountains, hardwood forests, and thick vegetation create challenging conditions where tracking dogs are extremely valuable.
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PA Blood Trackers has helped organize one of the strongest blood-tracking communities in the Northeast.
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The organization has expanded with technology through the TRAKR platform, allowing hunters to request help from multiple available trackers rather than relying only on individual phone calls or social media posts.
Most Popular Deer Tracking Dog Breeds in Pennsylvania
Among Pennsylvania tracking dogs on TRAKR with a reported breed:
#1 Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound - 18.5% | Average age: 5.2 years
#2 Bloodhound - 11.1% | Average age: 3.5 years
#2 German Shorthaired Pointer - 11.1% | Average age: 3.3 years
#2 Labrador Retriever - 11.1% | Average age: 3.4 years
#5 Catahoula Leopard Dog - 7.4% | Average age: 5.6 years
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds currently represent the largest share of Pennsylvania tracking dogs on TRAKR with a reported breed.
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.