will deer move in 5" of snow?
12-04-2002, 12:45 PM
#1
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Jackson, Missouri
Posts: 7,051
will deer move in 5" of snow?
We got blanketed with 5" of snow as well as some sleet, and I'm thinking about going out this afternoon... but, I'm wondering if everything will just stay bedded. Any thoughts/experience?
Discipline -- not desire -- determines destiny.
Discipline -- not desire -- determines destiny.
12-04-2002, 12:58 PM
#3
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Deepwoods Treestand WI
Posts: 902
RE: will deer move in 5" of snow?
If your waaaay down south the deer may be in shock!
It may depend on the rest of your weather. High winds tend to "hole em up". In WI I've had excellent hunting after a snow. Sometimes they move alot after the front. Other times they are in shell shock for a brief period. Hunt em anyway.
It may depend on the rest of your weather. High winds tend to "hole em up". In WI I've had excellent hunting after a snow. Sometimes they move alot after the front. Other times they are in shell shock for a brief period. Hunt em anyway.
12-04-2002, 12:59 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Oh USA
Posts: 1,584
RE: will deer move in 5" of snow?
We got hit with snow recently. The deer are still at it in my woods. They've been digging around for the acorns here.
Phil.
"Could you guys be quiet, my dad's trying to shoot."<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>
Phil.
"Could you guys be quiet, my dad's trying to shoot."<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>
12-04-2002, 05:52 PM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Jackson, Missouri
Posts: 7,051
RE: will deer move in 5" of snow?
to answer my own question... Yes!
Problem is, lazyarcher, you're exactly right. By the time I got to the woods, the deer had already moved from the bedding areas, and I ended up bumping four going into the woods (it's really cool how you can see them slink away so much easier against the white background), and another group of three or four (possibly the same group) under my stand.
There were tracks everywhere, and several looked a couple hours old, while some were fresher. That would have put the start of the movement during the early afternoon, around 1 or so.
Next time I'll get out earlier. Thanks for the help though.
Discipline -- not desire -- determines destiny.
Problem is, lazyarcher, you're exactly right. By the time I got to the woods, the deer had already moved from the bedding areas, and I ended up bumping four going into the woods (it's really cool how you can see them slink away so much easier against the white background), and another group of three or four (possibly the same group) under my stand.
There were tracks everywhere, and several looked a couple hours old, while some were fresher. That would have put the start of the movement during the early afternoon, around 1 or so.
Next time I'll get out earlier. Thanks for the help though.
Discipline -- not desire -- determines destiny.
12-05-2002, 06:43 AM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fredericksburg Virginia USA
Posts: 13,672
RE: will deer move in 5" of snow?
I killed a buck last year right after it had quit snowing about 4 inches.
The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club
The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club
12-05-2002, 07:54 AM
#10
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blossvale, New York
Posts: 21,199
RE: will deer move in 5" of snow?
In places like here, Maryland, where we don't get much snow they'll belly up while it's going hard. They may get up from their beds and feed around, but they'll stay within a few yards of where they bedded. When it stops they'll be moving. Right now we have 5 inches of fresh stuff and it's still going to fall throughout the day. They aren't moving unless someone pushes them. If the snow stays for a few days and a second blast comes they'll be a little more custom to it and will infact feed later and start earlier. Once the initial shock of it is over they go back to normal but have to scratch longer in daylight and harder for food. In places like NY where snow is a normal thing... they go about business as usuall but again have to scratch more for food. If you have any food sources NOT on the ground.... like honeysuckle, standing corn and things like that..... they'll hit it first and stay close.
