vBCms Comments

Welcome To Hunting Country

    Site News & Announcements (34)
    New Member Introductions (142)

General Hunting Forums

    After the Hunt - Recipes / Cooking (59)
    Waterfowl, and Small Birds (15)
    Big Game General (47)
    Turkey Hunting (60)
    Small Game (11)
    Whitetail / Mule Deer Forum (149)
    Pigs & Exotics (11)
    General Gear and Hunting Accessories (59)

Archery & Bowhunting

    Archery Gear Talk - Compounds (80)
    Archery Gear Talk - Accessories (28)
    Bowhunting (153)
    Archery Gear Talk - Crossbows (7)

Shooting Sports

    Gun / Rifle Target Shooting (17)
    Archery Target/Tournament Shooting (5)

Manufacturers' Corner

    Product Announcements (2)
    Promotions and News (6)

Firearms

    Black Powder (1)
    AR Talk (15)
    Guns & Rifles (88)
    Reloading (12)

Classifieds

    Fishing Gear (1)
    General & Misc (3)
    Archery Equipment (17)
    Guns & Firearms (11)
    Camping & Hiking (0)

Not Hunting / General Chit Chat

    Podunk Corner (1588)
    Photography (118)
    Fishing Chat (46)
1.) Swamp Fox - 02/20/2014
This is pretty interesting…big woods environment (surprise!), looking at movement, going nocturnal, “locking down” or going into a lull, what hunters think is going on (conventional wisdom) vs. what might really be happening.

Is the Lockdown Phase a Myth?---an article from QDMA:

[url]http://www.qdma.com/articles/is-the-lockdown-phase-a-myth[/url]


On a side/semi-related note, I’ve often wondered why hunters think there’s a time to begin hunting deer in the morning, after that supposedly wasn’t such a good idea a few weeks earlier. The conventional wisdom is that afternoons are more productive in the early season (whatever that is). Are they really?
Assume you have more than one hunting strategy and that sitting on the edge of a crop field, acorn flat, or food plot isn’t your only pony trick. It’s easier to get up out of bed after daylight savings time goes away, and that might explain some of it, LOL, but the mornings are cooler than the afternoons early on where I hunt. Wouldn’t deer want to utilize that time? Do deer (especially bucks) really bed before sunrise in the early season, the way we’re often told? I’d like to see any studies on that.

I wonder if this alleged increase in the productivity of morning hunts isn’t just a combination of more guys hitting the woods and deer more on their feet as the rut approaches, or begins if you prefer. On the other hand, I have plenty of stories of fruitless mornings in the early season that were only brightened by the sight of the first deer of the day creeping around at 11, as the temperature rose to or beyond the 80 degree mark and I’d already done my six hours on my fanny staring at lifeless woods, and wanted no more excitement other than lunch and a nap.

Recently I read someone who stated he’d rather bump deer off food in the morning going in to hunt than to disturb them in the afternoon when they might be bedded near the food. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and at least one crazy idea, I suppose, but what about bumping those deer off the food when you’re leaving for the night? Maybe he doesn’t care about hunting that stand again? A head-scratcher.
2.) bluecat - 02/20/2014
If the Bedding Cover is Rocking, Don’t Come Knocking

LOL!
3.) bluecat - 02/20/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;16887]If the Bedding Cover is Rocking, Don’t Come Nocking

LOL![/QUOTE]

fifm
4.) Deerminator - 02/20/2014
It all boils down to time;
Deer can't tell time.
We have to be out of the woods at sunset, they don't.
The sun sets earlier and earlier in the fall so we have to leave the woods and they just go about their business.
The same deer we see at 7:30, 8:00 in the summer and just before hunting season are still coming out at those same times.
5.) Swamp Fox - 02/20/2014
Is there something that drives deer to move at sunset but something else that tells them not to move at dawn in the early season?

Maybe the hunting authorities do not approve of morning movement until after the fall equinox or International Talk Like A Pirate Day?
6.) Deerminator - 02/20/2014
Everyone knows ya have to drain the lizerd in the morning
7.) Swamp Fox - 02/20/2014
"Next month in [I]North American Whitetail[/I]: 'Find the Buck's Bathroom.'"
8.) Floyd - 02/21/2014
"Next month in North American Whitetail: 'I can't kill deer any other other day of the week, so I want to try my luck on Sunday.'"

C'mon.... that's funny, right? :-)



"Next, next month in North American Whitetail: 'I quit - Can't figure them out.'" :cf:

"Next, next, next month in North American Whitetail: 'Before you quit - Try something new.'" :pray:
9.) Swamp Fox - 02/21/2014
Look for my musical tribute to THE WORST DEER SEASON EVER in the Friday Music Videos thread...Coming soon...I hope....That's what I'm saying now...It's taking me some time to get over it...LOL
10.) Floyd - 02/21/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox. 6919]Look for my musical tribute to THE WORST DEER SEASON EVER in the Friday Music Videos thread...Coming soon...I hope....That's what I'm saying now...It's taking me some time to get over it...LOL[/QUOTE]

Worst ever? hmm over analyze much. You got jinxed. More than likely by someone you know.
11.) Swamp Fox - 02/21/2014
As powerful a position as President of the Misery Loves Company Club is, I'm sure Luv2 had nothing to do with it...

Well, pretty sure...
12.) DParker - 02/21/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;16922]As powerful a position as President of the Misery Loves Company Club is, I'm sure Luv2 had nothing to do with it...

Well, pretty sure...[/QUOTE]

Hey, Romeo...what about your promise to the He-Man Woman Haters Club?

Oops...wrong reference.
13.) Floyd - 02/21/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;16922]As powerful a position as President of the Misery Loves Company Club is, I'm sure Luv2 had nothing to do with it...

Well, pretty sure...[/QUOTE]

That's a head-scratcher. :cf:

I'm sure too. You hadn't said anything about receiving a fish or a horsehead or shoefly pie.
14.) Swamp Fox - 02/21/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;16923]Hey, Romeo...what about your promise to the He-Man Woman Haters Club?

...[/QUOTE]



I'm sorry, Spanky. I have to live my own life...:grin::grin:


15.) DParker - 02/21/2014
Remember, she doesn't like the tough guys.
16.) Ventilator - 02/21/2014
It was probably just the pressure of the hunting contest. :tu:
17.) Floyd - 02/21/2014
Agree. Makes sense.
18.) Swamp Fox - 02/21/2014
Greetings and Good Luck to everyone receiving heavy anesthetics today!

If your altered states allow any glimpses or "new thinking" into the question of deer movement, just blurt it out. I'm sure someone will remember what you said and can post it here for you.

Remember, not saying anything on this thread may lead to abuse the next time you claim your deer have gone nocturnal or are shacked up...

:wink
19.) Floyd - 02/21/2014
Whoa cowboy, don't discount hunter stress in manufactering deer intent concerning deer movements. You know all kinds of thoughts crosses one's mind in one sit when no deer is sighted. Never mind all the thoughts and second guessing during a particular phase.

I won't go so far as to discount researcher Andy Olson or any particular observation made by a hunter, but would say that it's very interesting. The singular definitive answer from imperical evidence or observation maybe the myth.

Given the huge number of verious environemetal factors that come into play.

It's intriguing when two or more hunters can't decide what is happening in the same woods.
20.) bluecat - 02/21/2014
I hunt, therefore I am.

Rene in the Dark.
21.) DParker - 02/21/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;16965]I hunt, therefore I am.

Rene in the Dark.[/QUOTE]

22.) Ventilator - 02/21/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;16965]I hunt Rene in the Dark, therefore I am.

[/QUOTE]

^^this
23.) Swamp Fox - 03/04/2014
Here's another topic for your consideration:

You sometimes hear that out-of-whack sex ratios negatively affect rutting behavior. I think people take this to mean fewer scrapes, rubs, chases, daytime buck movements, etc.

Many, many moons ago I wrote to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission noting that I was finding very few rubs and scrapes, even though I was scouting all over creation. A biologist wrote me back explaining this theory. Although I probably still have his letter 30 years later, give or take, I'd have to drag it out to see if he said anything to qualify how scraping might be affected differently. If he did, I don't remember it. I just always assumed if bucks don't have to look too hard for does, they wouldn't scrape a lot.

Now I think either this may not be true, or that a high number of bucks may keep scrape numbers high even in areas where there are "too many" does. Or, third possibility: does are doing a good bit of pawing the ground, which may or not be considered "scraping" depending on how you define it. For perspective, let's say this is all in an area that no one would say the deer herd is optimally "in balance", in regards to sex ratios and/or age structure. (Caveat: But I mean, like, who really nos all this stuff anyway?)

However, I don't think I've seen the number of rubs you'd expect if the buck numbers are high enough to boost the number of scrapes. This disparity doesn't make sense, unless you believe bucks only rub or "tickle" during a short window in the fall. Maybe bucks are flooding onto a property to make scrapes as resident does come into heat, but did their scraping elsewhere beforehand. Personally, I don't believe the "short window" theory. I think bucks rub throughout the period that they are hard-horned, though perhaps they make the majority or their rubs during a specific period. Regardless, if many bucks (nomads or residents) are making many scrapes, why aren't they making a proportionately high number of rubs?

Here's a good overview of scraping behavior. I haven't gone through it with a fine-tooth comb, but didn't notice any mention of doe scraping or pawing.

[url]http://www.imbmonsterbucks.com/info.php?id=213[/url]

If anyone knows of or can put their hands on info regarding herd dynamics and how it affects scraping and rubbing activity, post it up.

:tu:
24.) luv2bowhunt - 03/04/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;16919]Look for my musical tribute to THE WORST DEER SEASON EVER in the Friday Music Videos thread...Coming soon...I hope....That's what I'm saying now...It's taking me some time to get over it...LOL[/QUOTE]

I'll see your worst season and raise you a hundred.
25.) Ventilator - 03/04/2014
You were on injured reserve......far as I know.....swampster was fine. :tap:
26.) Swamp Fox - 03/04/2014
Oh, I had my issues, LOL...
27.) Ventilator - 03/04/2014
Swampy, you may be interested in knowing I will be getting into a lease this fall in Cross Hill, SC. Right next to the old Joe Kelly stompin ground. Trophy club 2800 acres, 12 members when I join. Call me if you think u may be up for a change. Covered up in deer and they have a damn nice lodge. Price is right too. Ol buddy. :)
28.) Swamp Fox - 03/04/2014
I'm committed up to my eyeballs this year, I think, but I'll call you later today/tonight or tomorrow. :tu:
29.) bluecat - 03/04/2014
Vertislicer, Swampy wants to know if they have hot tubs and saunas but he was afraid to ask because of the ridiculing that would take place.
30.) Swamp Fox - 03/04/2014
LOL...That's more of a KYHunter or Luv2 thing, but it's always good to know what kind of club you're getting into...:laugh:
31.) Ventilator - 03/04/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;17514]I'm committed up to my eyeballs this year, I think, but I'll call you later today/tonight or tomorrow. :tu:[/QUOTE]

Well, you like the gun club because of the cabin, check.... u like the archery lease because of the solidarity....check. Do you want to join one that has both.....and deer to shoot?? :wave::-)

And save a wad of cash??
32.) luv2bowhunt - 03/04/2014
That would make too much sense, he's out.
33.) Swamp Fox - 03/04/2014
LOL...Sounds like the only thing missing is my girl here...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]401[/ATTACH]
34.) DParker - 03/04/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;17526]LOL...Sounds like the only thing missing is my girl here...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]401[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

And here I thought that hat looked good on Alex.
35.) bluecat - 03/04/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;17526]LOL...Sounds like the only thing missing is my girl here...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]401[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

Oh Swampy!

36.) Floyd - 03/05/2014
I'm thinking DP is referring to Swampy's 'out-of-whack sex ratios negatively affecting his rutting behavior'.
37.) DParker - 03/05/2014
[QUOTE=Floyd;17529]I'm thinking DP is referring to Swampy's 'out-of-whack sex ratios negatively affecting his rutting behavior'.[/QUOTE]

I thought I was referring to the fact that the hat looks a lot better on her than it does Alex. But what do I know? :wink
38.) Ventilator - 03/05/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;17526]LOL...Sounds like the only thing missing is my girl here...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]401[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

At this point....Im sure some company out there makes a blowup doll of her. :tu:
39.) Floyd - 03/05/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;17531]I thought I was referring to the fact that the hat looks a lot better on her than it does Alex. But what do I know? :wink[/QUOTE]

I bet you scratched your head; Myths and Head-Scratchers

[QUOTE=DParker;17531]I thought I was referring to the [U]fact[/U] that the hat looks a lot better on her than it does Alex. But what do I know? :wink[/QUOTE]

Post both pictures. Let's see. Not that I'm questioning your expert authoritative opinion. But, I'm thinking, just a guess really, that the lady's on Sustainable Country and the McCombie women may or may not agree.

Tough call, but I'm with you on this.
40.) luv2bowhunt - 03/05/2014
Good call on your part Floyd, excluding the women on SilentCountry.

....they hate everything.
41.) Swamp Fox - 03/05/2014
Feel free to post your own myths and head-scratchers, hunting related, of course...

LOL
42.) Wild Bob - 03/06/2014
Head scrather: Why do some hunters feel they know it all...:cf:
43.) Wild Bob - 03/06/2014
Insert c before someone calls me out on the carpet as not even being able to spell...:re:
44.) Floyd - 03/06/2014
:-) ...
45.) luv2bowhunt - 03/06/2014
Wild Bob, what makes you think he DOESN'T know everything?

Why do you think you know everything about what he knows?
46.) Swamp Fox - 03/06/2014
LOL....Hey, don't look at me. If I thought I knew it all, I wouldn't have posted a thread called Myths and Head-Scratchers, now, would I? ... LOL
47.) Wild Bob - 03/06/2014
I wasn't picking on anyone in particular... (I think...)

Seriously, there was a time in my life that I thought I was a big deal (imagine that LOL, not necessarily talking about any one topic).

"The older I get, the more I realize that I know nothing." - I.P. (The wisest old person I've ever had the privilege of knowing.)
48.) Swamp Fox - 03/06/2014
LOL...I know you weren't...I was just gonna put a stop to Luv2's pot-stirring "right quick-like."

He's trouble, I tell ya...Trouble with a capital "F" :bang:


LOL
49.) luv2bowhunt - 03/06/2014
Actually I was thinking of another hunter who occasionally posts, who I'm SURE knows everything.

But Chris would do in a pinch.
50.) Swamp Fox - 03/06/2014
That's what [B]she[/B] said!