Archive for November, 2009
Deer Rut Body Signs
During the early stages and throughout the rut, deer will use different body signs and language than any other times of the year. A hunter needs to learn and pay attention to these signs as a means of understanding when the deer rut occurs.
Bucks
The bucks appearance will change towards the deer rut. The neck will begin to increase in size. The hair on the tarsal glands will become darker. Other changes include scars and broken tines due to fighting.
The deer rut also brings aggression into play. The bucks will often raise the hairs on its back, extend the ears back, and walk stiff legged. These are all signs that the rut is near.
While travelling the bucks will often keep nose to the ground searching for estrus does. The bucks may also be seen during daylight hours more frequently.
Does
The deer rut also changes how the does act. The does will often separate from the main herd of deer during estrus. A sign that the doe is coming into season is that the tale is held straight out as the doe walks.
When walking, the doe may frequently rotate the ears backward or keep a watchful look over her back trail. This can be an indication that a buck may be following. Both can be signs of the deer rut.
These are just a few signs of the deer rut. By watching the body signs and actions of deer, they can be used to better determine when the rut occurs.
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Recovering A Deer
After a shot is made on a deer, the best practise for recovery is to wait at least thirty minutes before approaching the location where the deer was standing. While waiting, make a mental note of that area as well as the last place in which the deer was seen.
Afterwards, quietly approach the area where the impact occurred. Look for any signs of the deer such as tracks, hair, disturbed ground, and blood. Don’t be too alarmed if blood is not found immediately. It often takes 10-30 yards before the blood will begin exiting the deer.
Blood And Hair
The following descriptions of blood provide color and possible impact locations.
- red – liver
- brownish red – stomach or intestinal
- bright red – arterial
- dark red – muscle, leg, groin, hind quarter
- pink red or bubbly – lungs
The following descriptions of hair provide color, length, and possible impact areas.
- white or brown – 1/4 to 3/4 inches – lower legs
- white or light gray – 2 1/2 to 3 inches – groin, stomach, intestinal
- brown or black – 1 3/4 to 2 inches – top of back
- gray or brown – 1 1/2 inches – chest, center hits
- thick dark brown – 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches – neck, brisket
- white – 3/4 to 1 inch – front leg
Signs of blood or hair that indicate a lung or arterial impact can be followed immediately and generally will produce the deer within 50 to 100 yards or less. Any other types of impact, it is best to wait 2-4 hours or more before trailing the deer. If the deer appears to be getting up after bedding down, stop and wait several more hours before continuing.
While trailing, use markers to indicate the direction of travel. This is important in case the trail is lost, a longer waiting period is required, or it is or becomes after sunset. On weak trails mark often, stronger trails can be marked less frequently.
If the trail is lost, mark the last signs found. From that point, divide the area into small sections ahead and to the right and left of the trail. Thoroughly search each section expanding the areas until the deer is found or until the trail resumes. Be aware that deer will sometimes circle back, so if a forward approach does not produce further sign, circle around the back trail to see if this may have occurred.
Regardless of how little sign is found, continue to search for the deer until located or until you are certain that the deer is not mortally injured. A slow approach is best and additional help in tracking is suggested.
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Handling Buck Fever
Defining And Symptoms Of Buck Fever
Buck fever is a term used by deer hunters that relates to becoming very nervous upon seeing or attempting to harvest a deer. Symptoms of buck fever include uncontrollable shaking, muscle pains or weakness, heavy breathing, a pounding heart beat, and an extreme feeling of mental pressure.
Mental Focus
To counteract these feelings, the hunter must learn to focus mentally and to control the emotions. Think positive, breath normally, and focus on the task at hand. There will be plenty of time after the shot for emotions to run wild.
- Focus – Picture in your mind making a good clean and accurate shot on the deer. This should be done not only when the attempt occurs, but also prior to and throughout the season. In a way you rehearse the events which helps prepare when the event happens.
- Positive Thinking – As with focus, positive thinking should take place prior to hunting conditions. Repeated positive thinking can improve on performance and allow the hunter to focus better.
- Breathing – To help control breathing, take long deep breathes and hold in for a few seconds before releasing slowly. This will also aid in the shakes and heart beat.
Practise Shooting
Regardless of the weapon to be used, repeated and consistent shooting skills will help ease buck fever. Shooting in the off season as well as throughout the deer season is required. This will prepare the body mentally and physically. Practise should be done under conditions similar to those found in the field. Place targets at different ranges and angles.
Add pressure to the practise by using a timer or have a friend tell you when and where to shoot. Work towards a five second rule, meaning from the word go to the actual shot is no more than five seconds long. The added pressure simulates deer hunting conditions and allows for better focus and attention.
There will always be some nervousness or excitement related to buck fever. However, maintaining composer through mental focus, breathing, and practising will help reduce and control the emotions.
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