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Entries for December 2023
The Nose Knows
By Bob Humphrey
Q: While bowhunting this fall I heard a deer making a sound I’ve never heard before. It was kind of like a snort, but not like the blow a deer gives when it smells you. It was more like a quick sneeze, and it did this several times. Do you know what this might be?
A: It’s difficult to say for certain, but it very well could have been... READ MORE
Mane Line
By Bob Humphrey
Q: I noticed fine longer hair on this doe, on her head and a line down back of her neck almost like a very fine mane. Is this common?
A: Yes. Most deer show some type of hair line down the back of their neck. Most often it’s just a different color, usually darker. Sometimes it’s longer and bristly. This is what biologists refer to as... READ MORE
When To Use Can Calls?
By Bob Humphrey
Q: I’ve been told that can calls are very effective at calling in deer. I’m wondering when the best time to use it would be and how often.
A: Biologists have identified approximately 12 distinct whitetail calls, including vocalizations and variations of the snort. Can calls are designed to imitate a bleat. The bleat is most often mad... READ MORE
Over or Under
By Bob Humphrey
Q: The members of our hunt club are trying to decide how many does we should take this season. Without hiring a biologist, is there a way to tell if our population is too high?
A: There are many variables involved but there are a few things you could do that might at least give you an indication. State wildlife agency biologists generally have a... READ MORE
Hunter’s Best Friend
By Bob Humphrey
Tracking dogs are incredible, but how do they know which deer to follow?
Question: I made a bad shot on a buck during early bow season, so we backed out and called for a tracking dog. It turned out to be a long track through an area with lots of deer, and we didn’t find any blood until the end. I’m wondering how the dog was able to i... READ MORE
Are They Fibromas?
By Bob Humphrey
Q: We had this picture come up on our game camera and wondered if it was cutaneous fibromas or something more serious? She looks really horrible and on side views you can see its eyes but any forward sight is completely blocked. Will they go away eventually or stay on her, her whole life? Can you still eat the venison from her also? &nbs... READ MORE
Blow Hard
By Patrick Dunning
We’ve all heard deer snort, but what are they trying to accomplish?
Question: When a deer can’t see you and they puff [blow], what is the exact reason for it?
Answer: Deer react to real or perceived danger in different ways. They may run or sneak away, or simple hold tight and wait for the threat to pass. Sometimes they stomp thei... READ MORE