A Change in Deer Dynamics
Since this forum has the word, “miscellaneous,” I figured it was the closest I could file this post under.
For about 10 years(2013-2023) I hunted a piece of land in SE Arkansas that belongs to my in-laws.
The particular spot was always an hot bed for does. (I’ve killed a couple of bucks in the spot). However, it’s always been an easy spot to go bag a doe and put meat in the freezer. Around 2023, my mother-in-law wanted to start hunting again and claimed the spot. It’s her land, so I moved to my own property that I just purchased.
This year, very last minute, she decided that she didn’t want to hunt anymore. So, happily decided to rehunt a favorite spot of mine. I set up a stand. I didn’t run cameras. I also set up a last minute corn feeder for my wife. By last minute, 4…
My neighbors have large amt. of crops, plus feed a lot. My farm is only 100 acres. I only gun hunt on it during buck season, but bow hunt on it 1 1/2 months. That is a plus for deer activity, BUT I have massive amounts of white oak acorns. During doe season I saw over 150 does, 50+ fawns, a dozen spikes, 4 4pts., 1 6 pt, and a 8 pt. that I shot with my bow as well as one doe.
During buck season I, my friend from PA, & my son-in-law killed 6 bucks & 2 does. The bucks came from other farms looking for "my does".
So, bottom line is less activity year around, natural food supply, and enhanced food (planting), which I dont do, but my neighbor makes hay on my 2 massive fields & fertilizes them yearly. I have fantastic grass that the deer really like.