"I would like to include a scene of a group of men/boys who go hunting deer to feed the people in a caravan."
I believe people traveling in caravans/wagon trains considered traveling 8 miles in a day to be an exceptional day's work. (depending upon hills, mountains, rivers, other natural obstacles, etc.) I also believe that travel stopped mid to late afternoon to allow wagons to be circled and hunting parties to be sent out for that evening's food. But as for your story line, I'm guessing that you're writing about a family traveling west from the relative safety of the colonies' cities out into the wilderness.
Back then there was plenty to be wary about, from nature itself, to bears, to unfriendly natives. I'll agree with a lot that Ronn has already written about each of your numbered items, disagreeing with little (if anything at all).
1) Hunting party would have to account for 1) number of men/boys in the party as well as 2) number remaining at the caravan to safeguard the women/children. I would venture to guess the party would number 5 - 10 depending on the size of the caravan/wagon train.
2) Horseback vs. on foot. Hmmm. . . that's difficult to say. Could be both, or either. I'd venture to guess being on foot would be a lot stealthier as the horse would/could spook any game. (Same said for the dog of # 3)
4) Definitely muskets or shotguns.
5) Hunt would not last over an hour or so in order to get back to the safety of camp before dark.
6) How was deer tracked? Same as I do today by looking at any signs left behind, i.e. tracks, droppings, deer trails, etc.
7) Agree with Ronn -- doesn't matter
8) Ronn answered this one pretty well
9) How to get back? Same as a lot of hunters do today when up in the high country -- quarter the deer and divvy the quarters to those in the party to carry. Some could be ingenious and rig a travois behind a horse like the native indians did.
Good luck on your story!
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