Ask The Biologist

Disappearing Act

Disappearing Act

By Bob Humphrey

How is it possible to see so many bucks during the late summer and then none in the fall?

QUESTION: I hunt my farm in Kentucky. It has a clover field, wheat and oat fields and in a good season we’ll have turnips and no hunting pressure. I have many pictures of big bucks during the summer, but they soon disappear. There are plenty of does. What is the problem? — Rick S.

ANSWER: My initial response would be to ask what else you have on the property, or more correctly, what’s missing?

I just finished working on a feature for Buckmasters’ July issue called ”The Hole in the Bucket” in which I address this topic. In addition to food, deer also need cover and water. Additionally, the more diversity of each, the better the habitat and the more deer you’ll attract and hold on your land.

If you have plenty of does and they remain through the fall, the bucks will come. You just need to be patient. In the meantime, look for ways to create more bedding and security cover.

— Recent Ask the Biologist Question:
Is there a reason so many big, mature bucks are taken in the late seasons?
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