#1946782 - 06/02/10 02:15 PM
Something changed; but what?
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ferg
Spider
16 Point
Registered: 07/29/04
Posts: 13701
Loc: At the TNDeer shirt factory %^...
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When I bought my place I always had does - on the cam - most of the year round - in the spring with fawns - etc - two different family groups - or so it seemed -
I made the assumtion that I had a pretty good 'area' based on my info that does always 'took' the best areas for fawning and raising up little onces -
RARE to see a buck - in fact - only once on cam - a small spike last fall -
This spring - I can't get a doe on cam nor have I seen one - preggo or otherwise - BUT BUT BUT
I'm seeing batchelor group(s) of 5 and six bucks cruising the property - heck I was looking out my bedroom window the other evening - around 6pm and six bucks walked up my dang drive way and out into my clover field from across the road -
I 'bout crapped - ranging in age (guessing here) from about 1.5 to about 4.5 years - all just starting to bone out -
The oldest was eatin up with ticks behind his ears and he was shaking his head like he was going to go nuts - felt sorry for him -
But anyway - I 'thought' I was making my area better for fawning - putting in some cool season grass and clover etc and letting it grow up tall (for hiding etc) - but seems the does have 'moved' and now - I don't see them -
Is it possible there are 'other' changes happening on the property someplace that I haven't // can't see that have caused this change in 'ownership' from fawning grounds - to batchelor pad ?????
Thoughts ????
ferg....
_________________________
"...deer are magnificent animals to be hunted by skill and knowledge, not large vermin to be shot over piles of garbage like rats at a dump." -Eric Sharp, DFP, 06/05/2011
U.S. Coast Guard, Retired !!
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#1946821 - 06/02/10 02:31 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: ferg]
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Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25229
Loc: TN
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Sounds like somebody close by has even better habitat Ferg, as the does will often run the bucks out and claim the best areas for fawning. Quite possible also that a highly sought after food source has been made available close by as well.
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#1946906 - 06/02/10 03:15 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: Winchester]
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Football Hunter
18 Point
Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 24550
Loc: Wilson Co/Perry Co
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Sounds like somebody close by has even better habitat Ferg, as the does will often run the bucks out and claim the best areas for fawning. Quite possible also that a highly sought after food source has been made available close by as well.
_________________________
The best day to plant a tree,IS TODAY!
You wont know,if you dont go!
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#1946932 - 06/02/10 03:29 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: Football Hunter]
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BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59548
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Yup, look at all surrounding properties for possible habitat changes.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
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#1946947 - 06/02/10 03:36 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: BSK]
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richmanbarbeque
16 Point
Registered: 07/17/03
Posts: 12771
Loc: Middle, Tn
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Great question. So far this year on cameras it is buck central. A few weeks prior it was tons of does. Could it be does are hunkered down to fawn? Iknow my place is thicker than my neighbors.
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#1947124 - 06/02/10 06:07 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: richmanbarbeque]
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BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59548
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Great question. So far this year on cameras it is buck central. A few weeks prior it was tons of does. Could it be does are hunkered down to fawn? Iknow my place is thicker than my neighbors.
Also remember that just at fawning time, the doe social groups all break up and each doe looks for her own unique fawning territory (in fact, this is the only time that deer are ever truly territorial--they will fight other does for the best spots). At this time, subordinate does may have to travel great distances (miles) to find an "unclaimed" territory for fawning.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
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#1947164 - 06/02/10 06:54 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: BSK]
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Wes Parrish
16 Point
Registered: 06/12/02
Posts: 16942
Loc: Knoxville-Dover-Union City, TN
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If you have some typical "hay" fields nearby, they are probably tall now, providing some heavy (but temporary) cover. These hay fields seem to be highly preferred utilization areas in May & June, both before and after the hay is cut. Unfortunately, many fawns across the state will have their short lives end with the hay-cutting season.
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#1947302 - 06/02/10 09:02 PM
Re: Something changed; but what?
[Re: Winchester]
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JCDEERMAN
14 Point
Registered: 07/19/08
Posts: 7633
Loc: NASHVILLE, TN
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Sounds like somebody close by has even better habitat Ferg, as the does will often run the bucks out and claim the best areas for fawning. Quite possible also that a highly sought after food source has been made available close by as well.
EXACTLY.....First thought that came to my mind
_________________________
Be nervous, but fear no one
In God we trust
God bless the USA!
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#1947600 - 06/03/10 06:01 AM
Re: Something changed; but what? ***UPDATE***
[Re: JCDEERMAN]
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ferg
Spider
16 Point
Registered: 07/29/04
Posts: 13701
Loc: At the TNDeer shirt factory %^...
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Well - hay is being cut in neck of the woods -
and LOW AND BEHOLD - last evening - a solitary doe - a huge, fat, VERY prego doe 'took over' my clover field - she came in about a half an hour before dark - I watched her all that time with the glasses - shes looks to be in very good health - (no ticks up on her ears, very shiny coat, alert, and very very ready to drop - in fact as she turned from side to side I could actually see the 'outline' of her young inside her -
I draw two conclusions here - (not sure if they are valid)
1. She's been 'moved' out from some other area by an older doe (she was 2.5) and
2. If number 1. is true and she's going to stay - I've seen the last of the bucks -
Question -
This girl was HUGH !!! - if she hangs around and uses the field for food and fawning -
Is there something to 'watch' for in anticipation of the birthing process???? or will she simply 'go missing' and come back in a day or two with her young????
thanks
ferg....
Edited by ferg (06/03/10 06:35 AM)
_________________________
"...deer are magnificent animals to be hunted by skill and knowledge, not large vermin to be shot over piles of garbage like rats at a dump." -Eric Sharp, DFP, 06/05/2011
U.S. Coast Guard, Retired !!
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#1947903 - 06/03/10 10:29 AM
Re: Something changed; but what? ***UPDATE***
[Re: ferg]
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Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25229
Loc: TN
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Is there something to 'watch' for in anticipation of the birthing process???? or will she simply 'go missing' and come back in a day or two with her young????
You wont actually see the baby for a while, as they keep them hid for a while and go back at intervals and feed them.
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