Questions tagged [deer]
Questions relating to interacting with ruminants of the family Cervidae in the outdoors (including hunting)
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For what reasons might a male deer in the wild approach a human?
Recently a large male deer who appeared to be perfectly healthy approached me while out for a walk. Would it be safe to assume this means someone has been feeding it regularly or is this behavior not ...
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I have read/seen a video that female deer (adults: does) in heat will approach humans -- do they even approach predators?
I believe I read that young (that is, inexperienced) female deer become so affectionate that they will approach human hunters in the wild (who I assume restrain themselves from taking such an easy ...
- 213
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Why do predators seem as abundant as prey in trail camera footage?
From basic thermodynamic principles, I would normally expect prey species to be much more abundant than predators. Applying that to North American species like deer, wolves and bears, I would expect ...
- 1,691
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Do deer have the ability to be predators of large animals?
Although it has been established that many animals formerly thought of as exclusively herbivores actually will eat meat, the examples of deer eating meat have seemed to be small animals like birds or ...
- 213
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Deer - growth mass identification
I was looking at my cellular trail camera and noticed this young doe with large mass growing on the front of her chest.
I've done some Googling but not convinced entirely it is infection or a ...
- 153
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Deer with strange growths
I have a trailcam set up and curious what these growths are on this specific deer. I don't think it's Chronic Wasting Disease but unsure what it could be.
- 153
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How do I whiten an old deer skull?
Yesterday I found a really old deer skull in a forest and I took it home in the hope to get it cleaned up. So I searched it up but I only saw how to clean up dead deer heads with skin on and those who ...
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Can you train wild deer to get "used to" your scent before the hunting season
United States (and more, specifically, NY state -- though that shouldn't matter at all) here.
I am brand new to hunting, and in a few weeks I will be going out into the woods and hunting public land ...
- 341
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Has Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) suddenly gotten worse in the United States?
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease that affects members of the deer family. It has always been something to watch out for when hunting because you don't want to eat meat from animals that have ...
- 69.2k
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How should I manage my woods to attract more deer?
We live on 10 acres (very small, I know) but we have got a deer and I was wondering how to bring more deer in. I am looking for advice on land management to achieve this. Some stat: we live in ...
- 139
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Are elk and deer colorblind to blaze orange/pink clothes?
During rifle season, hunters are required to wear blaze orange (some states also allow bright pink).
I have heard that deer and elk are color blind to blaze orange, is there scientific evidence to ...
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When is a good time to go hunting for deer antler sheds?
I have been told that the best time to look for deer antler sheds is during February or March when there is some snow on the ground so it is easy to spot the antlers. I do not have a dog, so I cannot ...
- 173
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Trustworthyness of a claim that a "not hung" doe can't be completely processed
I've field dressed a doe at 3 PM in Illinois. Due to bad storm and light, I had to leave it in the back of a pickup over night (it was about 30-40 degrees outside).
I finally had it at processors ...
- 91
17
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4
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Why are there separate seasons for archery and firearm hunting for deer?
I was reading up on Pennsylvania's hunting regulations and noticed there are different seasons for the hunting of deer with bow-and-arrow and firearms. Why is this?
I can understand hunting seasons ...
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Does it harm deer when I walk on their trails?
I've often walked on deer trails already. The last time I've done this I suddenly realized that it might not be the best practice. I was (and I am) concerned that the "human smell" might stop the deer ...
- 23.5k
3
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Does a small antler really mean "bad genes"?
I often here hunters talk about "bad genes" when it comes to bucks with a small antler. Is this kind of a running gag for trophy hunters or is this actually true? So, does the size of the antler tell ...
- 23.5k
11
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What is an appropriate caliber for hunting mule deer?
I am new to hunting and am looking at various options. I am considering doing some hunting for mule deer in Montana. But I am unsure of an appropriate caliber for them. To increase my shooting skills, ...
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Things to consider when approaching deer
I often approach deer to see how near I can get and to watch them (just for fun - not to hunt). I take care for the wind and of course to be silent enough.
What else should one consider stalking/...
- 23.5k
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Deer activity in the wet
Over the years, when out walking and on my commute through the countryside I've noticed that, when it's intensely pouring with rain, Roe deer seems to come out of the forests into open fields to eat.
...
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6
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How do I neutralise the smell of a human on a fawn/roe deer?
Let's say you are out for a walk with your little daughter. Strolling around you suddenly hear sounds of joy from her. As you turn around she's happily petting a (roe deer) fawn laying in the grass.
...
- 23.5k
4
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Can hunting dogs be trained to hunt multiple animals?
Basically, I am wanting my dog to retrieve birds, but also hunt rabbits and foxes. I may also want to use him to smell for blood trails from deer, elk, etc. Would this be possible, or would it just ...
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Tips for hunting nocturnal deer
I recently moved to a property on 20 acres and I'm a total noob when it comes to hunting. There are several deer stands setup all over the property mostly along the tree line overlooking some open ...
- 233
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What to do if you cross paths with a buck?
On my last bike ride I was riding on a trail and I was going pretty fast, fast enough that I went around a corner really fast and there was a doe right in front of me. I stopped as fast as I could. We ...
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If you get a "clean" kill on a deer how long do you have to field dress?
If you are out and get a "clean" kill on a deer, meaning that you have hit only its vitals, how long do you have to field dress the deer?
Also, beyond that how long do you have to get that deer ...
- 1,619
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Will bug repellent repel deer?
I was wondering whether the deer would be able to smell bug repellent if you are wearing some while out hunting. Is there a specific type of bug repellent that can be used that is less likely to make ...
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