How do you define a bedding area?
Filed under: Deer Biology
I very much appreciate your program, land management, deer management and most especially your sincere appreciation for all that we have been given and the credit as to who it came from.
My question is regarding bedding areas. You frequently identify bedding areas. Do you regard every area that is not a feeding area as a bedding area, or are there specific signs you look for to identify land areas as bedding areas.
Appreciate your time and knowledge shared.
Also I just became aware that at my age (65) allows me to use a crossbow. Though I will not run right out and buy one, are there any brands or features that you would recommend? I am in no hurry, enjoy using a compound bow today and it continues to serve my needs.
Thanks
Joe
Joe,
Thank you for sharing the kind words!
Deer tend to bed (seek cover) in areas that fit their needs for the current conditions. Some common scenarios may be deer bedding on a north or east slope when the temperatures are warmer than normal and a south or west slope when they are warmer than normal. Humans tend to adjust their environment by changing clothes, the thermostat, etc. Deer must change their environment to be comfortable and/or survive.
Deer like cover that is thick from 0′ to 3′ or so above the ground, especially when it’s cold. Deer may seek areas where it’s open from 0′ to 3′ above the ground so there’s good airflow if it’s hot or bugs are bad.
The bottom line is that deer will using the best environment for the current conditions when seeking a location to bed and that bedding locations often change frequently based on environmental conditions.
Enjoy creation,
grant
January 6, 2016
