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Entries for March 2023
Forget the Script
By Bob Humphrey
Whitetails don’t always follow our neat little timetables. QUESTION: I was on a turkey hunt in central Florida last spring, and I swear I saw a hard-antlered buck chasing does. I thought the rut was in the fall. Is this possible, or was something else going on? And why didn’t this buck shed its antlers? ANSWER: Timing of the rut tends to be more sy... READ MORE
Putting a Hoof Down
By Bob Humphrey
Why do does stomp at danger? QUESTION: I’ve seen this several times where a doe gets nervous and stomps its front foot. I’ve always wondered what purpose this serves. ANSWER: Deer most often stamp when they sense a potential threat but have not identified it. Otherwise, they would simply flee. This behavior likely serves several purposes. First, it... READ MORE
Weak Side
By Bob Humphrey
Antlers can be affected by both genetics and nutrition. It’s just tough to figure out which. QUESTION: This is my first year hunting a new property and I am seeing bucks with their left side weaker than the right, or the left side is broke up. Is this genetic or lack of protein or minerals? ANSWER: It could be either or both. Yearling bucks especia... READ MORE
Non-Binary Buck
By Bob Humphrey
It’s not likely antlered does are a result of genetics. QUESTION: I harvested this antlered doe in southern Alabama. I didn’t realize what I had until my processor called a few minutes later. I’m curious to know if this deer could have possibly let other deer breed her or if she had such high testosterone levels that she socialized more like a buck... READ MORE