ghosthunter
Well-Known Member
Do you notice a correlation between mast crop and buck sign? Years with less mast having less buck sign and vice versa?
Mast Crop / Sign Correlation?
- Thread starter ghosthunter
- Start date
8 POINTS OR BETTER
Well-Known Member
Yes
BSK
Well-Known Member
Yes, that is a documented correlation, especially in "acorn driven deer herds"--areas where acorns are the primary fall food source, like big expanses of hardwoods.
When I was conducting my decade-long rub density study, I had to keep two data trend lines: one for good acorn years and one for poor acorn years. The good acorn year rub densities were generally double those of poor acorn years.
When I was conducting my decade-long rub density study, I had to keep two data trend lines: one for good acorn years and one for poor acorn years. The good acorn year rub densities were generally double those of poor acorn years.
bigtex
Well-Known Member
Yep, we have zero mast here on my farm, and I've found a total of two rubs and zero scrapes. I've NEVER seen less sign or fewer deer sightings since I moved out here 15 years ago.
I just hope that what few deer we have survive the winter with enough reserves to carry their fawns.
BTW we have zero agriculture in my area, the deer depend on mast and browse for their survival. I do have a few small food plots out which the deer are hitting now but unfortunately not during daylight. Going to move a couple of trail cams out today to see what's coming into them.
I just hope that what few deer we have survive the winter with enough reserves to carry their fawns.
BTW we have zero agriculture in my area, the deer depend on mast and browse for their survival. I do have a few small food plots out which the deer are hitting now but unfortunately not during daylight. Going to move a couple of trail cams out today to see what's coming into them.
