I've been thinking about getting and using a tradtracker. I've lost a few animals over the years and had the coyotes ruin the meat on an elk that a string tracker might have helped me find before they did. I've messed around with the old string trackers and just don't like the noise.
For those of you who have used the tradtrackr, how has it gone? Is it as quiet as it seems on the videos? Has it been helpful finding game? Would like to hear your stories. Thanks.
I've used the tradtracr for 3 years now. I was a bit sceptical at first because of the lightweight line. I've killed 5 deer with it on my bow. I hunt by myself 90% of the time, and at almost 72yo my eyesight isn't what it used to be. On 3 of the 5 deer i was able to walk to them within 5 minutes. It was dark and thick where these deer ended up. I would have found them eventually but it would have taken awhile. The other two deer were dead in less than 50 yards so the tracker wasn't needed. A lesson i learned on a 6th deer. I shot a little back and made a liver shot. My buddy and I decided to give it time, but we kept hyunting. I took the tracker off my bow and laid it outside my blind. When it got dark we got out of the blind and the tracker was gone. Apparently when i took it off the bow the string stuck on the velcro. Apparently something spooked the deer from it's bed (about 150 yards away) and broke off the string when it took off. We were able to track the deer to its bed, my arrow was there with its lighted nock on, but we never found that deer.
Mike Mitten (Herdbull) uses one also and is a firm believer. They are very quiet shooting them also. I've bought extra ones and gifted them to some of my trad buddies.
I used one for the first time this spring and it really wasn't needed as my turkey went only 30 yds and didn't fly. It is truly quiet compared to the older styles and worked good. I will use one this fall for big game.
I used it on several deer, turkey, and two bear with success. I shot this bear in liver. Arrow broke at 75 yards, bear was laying 35 yards from that. Get comfortable with them before hunting with it. They help me start tracking sooner, before coyotes find my deer. Mike
Deer I found with tracking string help. Mike
If you lose shooting confidence, they can help you gain it back.
Thanks guys for the stories. Do you all use the original orange thread or the stronger, but shorter white thread?
Quote from: Herdbull on July 20, 2025, 12:12:11 AMIf you lose shooting confidence, they can help you gain it back.
Quote from: Herdbull on July 20, 2025, 12:12:11 AMIf you lose shooting confidence, they can help you gain it back.
Hey, Mike. I'm not quite sure what you're saying here. Can you explain how this can help with shooting confidence? I can't quite picture how that would work.
I injured my shoulder, and I my arrow groups don't seem quite as tight. So, a little doubt creeps in. The string adds a little security buffer mentally allowing me to know I've done everything to help facilitate recovery, should a less than perfect hit result. It is not a replacement for poor shooting, but once I recover shot game, my confidence returns.
Do you want to see a naked lady?????
This is as close to, as you can get without
I dunno. It's a bit disheartening to watch that orange string play out over a turkey's back. :goldtooth: On the other hand, the string led me to my arrow, which I would have had a very difficult time finding in the thick alfalfa.
Obviously, no complaints about the tracker. It's unobtrusive and works well. My shooting sometimes leaves a bit to be desired though. :dunno:
I use the original orange string. So far it seems strong enuff!
I've used both, no concerns with either
I bought one last year, but the way my season went, I never got to loose an arrow with it attached. that said, I love the design, and have full confidence it will do the job this fall when called upon. it's light, and doesn't bother me a bit to have it on my bow.
I bought one this spring for turkey season. I've been blessed to shoot quite a few turkeys with the bow, but figured it's only a matter of time when I'll need the tracker. While practicing with the tracker my arrows flew great. Was able to call in a tom and get a shot. Arrow flew perfect and he only went a couple yards. Definitely a cool little tracker.
Jay
Super cool to read these stories. I believe that anyone who has talked to me realizes how much I believe in them.
I honestly do not see a downside in using it and on occasion the upside is tremendous. I personally prefer the orange string because of length, visibility, and the fact that it glows in the dark with a UV light.
Thanks all!
After taking my first deer with a trad tracker it instantly became a piece of essential equipment. The very next morning I hunted I was leaving in the truck. Made my first stop in the neighborhood. The do I have everything thought flashed through my head. Wait. I need another spool in the trad tracker.... Turned around and got one before heading to the woods.
My first trad tracker experience is documented on YouTube. You should be able to search endless season traditional and find it.
I just use YouTube to save the memories for my friends and family to enjoy. So no flashy social media stuff there, just a hunt video.
Quote from: Herdbull on July 20, 2025, 05:32:44 PMI injured my shoulder, and I my arrow groups don't seem quite as tight. So, a little doubt creeps in. The string adds a little security buffer mentally allowing me to know I've done everything to help facilitate recovery, should a less than perfect hit result. It is not a replacement for poor shooting, but once I recover shot game, my confidence returns.
Ahh, I gotcha. Thanks for the explanation. Have fun on your adventures this year. I always enjoy reading your stories (and books).
Quote from: Piercfh on July 24, 2025, 11:06:28 AMAfter taking my first deer with a trad tracker it instantly became a piece of essential equipment. The very next morning I hunted I was leaving in the truck. Made my first stop in the neighborhood. The do I have everything thought flashed through my head. Wait. I need another spool in the trad tracker.... Turned around and got one before heading to the woods.
My first trad tracker experience is documented on YouTube. You should be able to search endless season traditional and find it.
I just use YouTube to save the memories for my friends and family to enjoy. So no flashy social media stuff there, just a hunt video.
Thanks, Frank. I have seen your video with the tracker. Very nice to see it in action on a hunt.
My second deer (doe) last year came from the same stand as my buck. I had saved that spot for good weather and a good moon.
I had been wondering how a pass through would work out with the tracker. I run the orange string because it's the longest. I have also seen Norman shoot into a foam target with the string attached and darn near pull the target over. I have plenty of faith in the strength of the orange.
For the doe she was right on top of me. I waited until she passed by and I wouldn't be seen drawing. By the time I was drawn and ready to shoot she was behind a bush. It wasn't extremely thick and the shot was close and quartering away. I shot right through the bush and the arrow impacted back further behind the ribs. Very quickly she had run back the way she came and behind me. In just a second or two the string stopped. My first thought was that it had broken. After I studied where she stood, I could clearly see the arrow and the string going from the bow to the arrow and then doubled up the direction she ran.
She went about 50 yards and the string passed through body while she ran. It didn't break. I followed the string along with a good blood trail which took me straight to her.
These things simply work and can save you so much time.
I have included a picture from before and after I field dressed the doe. You can see the arrow went through several organs and the string was still there. Entrance behind right side ribs, exit in front of left side shoulder.
Ok, you guys talked me into it. I just ordered one. My season here starts in just over 2 weeks so we'll see how she does if I get a chance at a bear or blacktail.