Nocturnal Deer after the Rut
Filed under: Ask Grant, Hunting Tactics
I’m an active bow hunter and I can’t understand why there are no more deer around after the rut. I see tons of tracks. I figure they are moving at night. It is -3 to 20 degrees. They should be moving around and then bedding down in this weather. Any ideas? Ken (Chicago)
Ken,
Deer, especially mature deer, are extremely good at avoiding danger. If the hunting pressure has been heavy where you hunt, then the deer may be conditioned to moving at night to avoid danger. However, deer do tend to move more during the daytime in periods of extreme cold to take advantage of the warmer temperatures during the day, if there is ample food available such as ag fields, etc. In areas where quality food is not available, deer will sometimes conserve energy by limiting their movement.
Most hunters tend to stay home when the temperatures are near zero. You should be able to pattern some deer by locating an area that has feed available and that has received less hunting pressure relative to your area.
Stay warm!
Growing Deer together,
Grant
