Ask The Biologist

Entries for November 2023

How Much Meat?

How Much Meat?

By Bob Humphrey

There are some guidelines about how much meat to expect from a single deer. QUESTION: I generally process my own deer, but some of the guys I hunt with take theirs to a butcher. Last year they were complaining about how much meat they got back. Is there some kind of formula that will tell you how much meat a deer should yield? ANSWER: You sho... READ MORE

What’s the Best Shot?

What’s the Best Shot?

By Bob Humphrey

Shoulder or vitals, a well-placed shot should result in a clean harvest. QUESTION: I’ve always been taught to aim for the vitals on a deer. Last year I went down South where some of the locals talked about a shoulder shot and how it’s better because it drops the deer on the spot. Is it a better shot, and where should I aim? ANSWER... READ MORE

He Wore Brown Velvet

He Wore Brown Velvet

By Bob Humphrey

If you like antlers with fuzz, you might have to travel. QUESTION: I’ve always wanted to shoot a buck in velvet, but by the time our archery season begins most of the bucks have shed. What can I do to tick this off my bucket list? ANSWER: Unless you’re lucky enough to encounter a rare exception to the rule, your best bet is to tra... READ MORE

It Is Decidedly So

It Is Decidedly So

By Bob Humphrey

Sometimes getting an answer from Bob is like consulting a Magic 8 Ball. QUESTION: I’ve been getting pictures of a pretty good buck on my trail cameras this summer, and I hope he’ll still be around during hunting season. What are the chances this buck will stay around? ANSWER: For questions like this, my quick answer is that you&rs... READ MORE

Just One Week

Just One Week

By Bob Humphrey

There’s no specific best time to take vacation during a long gun season. QUESTION: Our state has a month-long gun season in November. I’m planning on using a week of vacation time for this upcoming deer season but I’m wondering which would be the best week to take. How can I decide? ANSWER: Rather than provide a direct answe... READ MORE

Danger Everywhere

Danger Everywhere

By Bob Humphrey

Deer fawns have to worry about predation, and a whole host of other dangers. QUESTION: I saw two fawns, but one of them had an unusual thing happening to both of its shoulders. Do you know what’s happening to this sweet animal? ANSWER: The best I can do is speculate based on the evidence provided. From the photos, the markings are most ... READ MORE

It’s What’s for Dinner

It’s What’s for Dinner

By Bob Humphrey

Fawn predation is a growing problem, especially in the Southeast. QUESTION: I’ve been hunting since I was 20 and am now 56 years young. Where I live in North Carolina, I have seen a bunch of new fawns dropping off my cameras. I try my best to keep up on the predator control and I would like to know if maybe seeing more hogs and bears would... READ MORE

Copyright 2024 by Buckmasters, Ltd.

Copyright 2020 by Buckmasters, Ltd