The Buck Stops Where?

[Andy S.]

Since we are discussing whitetail buck movements, figured I'd share this research too. Just read it and found it fitting. I think this Missouri buck takes the cake.

The buck stops where? Research records longest-ever deer distance

Why did the deer cross the road? According to research from the University of New Hampshire to keep going and going and going. Researchers have discovered the longest distance ever recorded by an adult male white-tailed deer—300 kilometers, or close to 200 miles, in just over three weeks. The...

phys.org

 

[TheLBLman]

Wowzer!

 

[Lost Lake]

Wow!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

My goodness! Before reading, I was thinking maybe 50 miles. Unbelievable!

 

[Andy S.]

Not a good thing when you think about containing or slowing the spread of CWD.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Not a good thing when you think about containing or slowing the spread of CWD.

True, but on one hand, I would say this is a completely rare event. The "science of random sampling" is EXTREMELY accurate and this situation is definitely a rare occurrence.

On the other hand, I would like to know the number of deer collared vs the wild population that is not collared. This would obviously be a VERY small percentage….BUT if we were to know the ACTUAL number of deer that made these ventures, I think we'd all be surprised (a higher number than we all would anticipate).

 

[Shed Hunter]

True, but on one hand, I would say this is a completely rare event. The "science of random sampling" is EXTREMELY accurate and this situation is definitely a rare occurrence.

On the other hand, I would like to know the number of deer collared vs the wild population that is not collared. This would obviously be a VERY small percentage….BUT if we were to know the ACTUAL number of deer that made these ventures, I think we'd all be surprised (a higher number than we all would anticipate).

I think both of you have pretty valid points. I'd imagine smaller migrations over a period of time are a large contributing factor and possibly even these random excursions some deer choose to make

 

[backyardtndeer]

That is pretty crazy. 200 miles in 3 weeks is nearly 10 miles a day.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

Here's the map with the deer's travel overlayed.