Engineering Students / New Archers Losing Arrows

I received this rather unusual email from engineering students from the University of Toronto. Apparently they are working on a project to invent something that will make it easier to find lost arrows.

To whom it may concern,
Dear Madame/Sir:
We are a team of students from University of Toronto Engineering Science department. We are working on an in-class project about finding the off target arrows for people who are passionate in arrow shooting. We would you like to ask a few general questions.
1)From your experience, what are the main approaches to find arrows off the target?
2)Would you mind to give a quick description and comments about these methods?
3)What do you hope the design can achieve through the processes of finding arrows.

It would be so nice to hear from you.
Your time is much appreciated. Please let us know if you are willing to make further contact with us. Your help is important for this design.
Yang Yang
ARE Solutions from University of Toronto Engineering Science Department

Hello!

#1. The best approach is not to miss in the first place.

1B. The best way not to miss it to get archery lessons by an experienced archery instructor.

1C. If you do miss, keep your eye on where you lost your arrow and cease shooting. Keep your eye there and then track the arrow to the location. If you cannot see your arrow, drag your feet in the ground, walking back and forth until you hit it with your foot. (I have heard some people even do this barefoot so they feel the arrow easier.)

1D. Using brightly coloured shafts and fletching makes the arrow easier to find. Nothing like trying to find a camouflage arrow with green/black fletching.

RFID Chip Arrow Tracker

#2. There are other methods to find lost arrows. Rakes. Metal detectors. LED nocks and/or RFID chips in the arrow. Rakes work okay, faster than the feet method. Metal detectors, LED nocks and RFID chips get expensive in a hurry.

2B. I know a bowhunter who sprays his arrows with strong musk. Then if he loses an arrow, he just sniffs around for it. Or so he says. If someone invented an electronic device that tracks by smell, that would work I suppose. Or better yet, dip your arrows in bacon grease and bring a dog with you who loves the smell of bacon.

3. Achieve? Find the arrows obviously. If you are trying to design arrows so they don't get lost easily, the RFID chip system is too expensive. LED nocks work well at night, but can be glitchy. Metal detectors assume you are searching in the correct area. But I think I am on to something with the idea of a scent detection system. Invent that and spray a scent on the arrows, and you've got something that works.