Final answer:
You should wait at least 30 minutes before trailing a deer after it has been shot, unless you can see that the deer is already down. This waiting period allows the deer to expire peacefully and reduces the risk of pushing the deer further away.
Step-by-step explanation:
When hunting deer, it is often advised that hunters wait before trailing a deer they have shot, to give the animal time to expire and to not risk pushing it further away. The consensus among seasoned hunters is to wait at least 30 minutes (Option B) before following a deer unless the animal is in sight and down. This period allows the deer to bed down if it is hit and reduces the risk of the deer running further away due to the hunter's immediate approach. However, if the shot placement was not ideal, waiting 1 to 2 hours is even more prudent to ensure the deer has expired and is not pushed to run due to the pressure of being followed.