Why is it recommended to let a shot animal rest before tracking?

Letting a shot animal rest before tracking is important for several reasons, primarily to ensure that the animal has actually died, which significantly reduces the chances of losing it. When an animal is shot, it may not immediately succumb to its injuries, and it often takes time for it to pass away. By allowing the animal some time to rest, hunters can minimize the likelihood of it moving to a location where it could be difficult to find or recover.

This waiting period also avoids unnecessary pressure on the animal, as tracking it immediately could cause it to run further and hide, complicating the recovery process. By providing a brief pause, hunters can increase their chances of a successful and ethical recovery, ensuring that the animal is located in a state where it can be retrieved without distress or extended suffering.

The other options do not align with the principles of responsible hunting. Waiting for help to arrive or preparing for another shot are not primary reasons to let an animal rest, and allowing the animal to get away contradicts the goal of ethical hunting practices.