Ask The Biologist

Entries for March 2022

Pining for Better Habitat

Pining for Better Habitat

By Bob Humphrey

Habitat options are plentiful with time, money and permission. QUESTION: Some of my buddies and I recently leased a property in Alabama for deer hunting. It’s mostly pine plantations with a few fields in CRP and some bottomland hardwoods. Is there anything we can do to improve habitat for deer? ANSWER: Much depends on the terms of your leas... READ MORE

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

By Bob Humphrey

Antlers aren’t the only thing deer shed. QUESTION: I’ve been scouting a new property for turkeys this spring and deer hunting this fall and have been finding clumps of deer hair. I search the area but haven’t found any bodies. I’m wondering if deer get mange and if this could infect the herd. ANSWER: Mange is transmitted b... READ MORE

Not Just the Weak

Not Just the Weak

By Bob Humphrey

Coyotes and other predators aren’t as selective as you might think. QUESTION: While shed hunting this winter, I came upon the remains of a large buck that looked like it had been taken down by coyotes. I thought predators only take out the sick and weak deer. This deer looked like it was healthy before they killed it. ANSWER: Coyotes, like ... READ MORE

Tall, Tall Trees

Tall, Tall Trees

By Bob Humphrey

They work for Alan Jackson, and for deer, too. QUESTION: I plan on planting some mast trees this spring and was thinking about sawtooth oaks. Is that a good choice, or should I consider something else? ANSWER: Sawtooth oaks are a good choice since they mature quickly and, in time, will produce prolific crops. However, don’t limit yourself to just o... READ MORE

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