If we know that he is using Federal 00 buckshot, the Winchester casing is probably not going to be significant. With shotguns, however, some other variables may come into play. Our subject may have had Winchester shells left over from last year and bought a new box of Federal for when they run out. If we are looking for a bow hunter, any arrow found in the woods looks like a clue. There are several variables that should affect the weight we give that clue.
Arrows come in different sizes and weights just like bullets.
Many are then cut to specific lengths for the particular bow and archer. While a hunter may have several types of arrows, the experienced archer will only use one type for hunting. No arrow that doesn't look like it has been left in the woods for a while can be ruled out, but finding an arrow that meets this description is a definite clue. If someone knows the location of the hunter's stand or blind, or even a general direction or location, that area is the obvious starting point in most cases. One exception would be a case where their vehicle has been located and there are tracks leading in a different direction.