Common Myths Concerning Deer Movement

Common Myths Concerning Deer Movement

By Ryan Graden

In 1953 Iowa held its first modern deer season for hunters and there has been a deer season of some sort ever since. In those passing years, we’ve learned a lot about deer behavior, habits, nutrition, needs, and more. Experts in wildlife biology have used that information to help us understand more about the species, thus, giving us the knowledge of how we can better pursue this quarry when the season comes.

Yet, after all those years of study and conclusion, sometimes we just cannot reason with 100% accuracy certain deer behavior and movement. Most of the time the information that we have does prove to be helpful and will lead us to a successful hunt. However, there are those times when you can do everything right and still end up standing there, scratching your head, and empty handed.

I’d like to address some of these movement myths in an effort to prepare you for those moments when all the advice says, “there’s no chance”, and yet, there might be! Here we go!

Myth #1 Big Bucks Like Less Pressure
In my earlier years as a hunter, I spent a lot of time with a bunch of great guys doing the traditional deer drives during the shotgun seasons. I loved those days and looked forward to them like Christmas. However, during our hunts we rarely saw any “trophy” bucks in our area.

Occasionally, we’d see one from a distance, or get lucky and bag a buck in the 130’s. Despite all of our hard work and walking, you could bet that you were never going to bag a Booner.

It led us to believe that the giants were leaving these high pressured areas because of all of the hunting pressure in the area we hunted as well as the surrounding areas. We didn’t have to look very far or travel far to run into a nearby hunting party of guys. During shotgun season, hunters were everywhere. Everybody seemed to have the same thought. Big bucks ran to safer areas when the hunters came to town!

Here’s the truth about this myth. Bigger deer, although more keen from years of development and education, do not usually leave their established home range. There have been countless studies that have tracked deer and shown them to be loyal to their “home” range. They might venture a little farther than normal during the rut. However, they will still be near their comforts of home.

Why would they stay? They know the bedding areas. They know the food. They know the other deer living nearby. They know where the dangers are. Why would they leave all that knowledge for more risk in a new area? I’m sure when hunting pressure begins, they know where to hide! Do they always leave to less pressured areas? No.

Myth #2 – The Older the Buck, the More Territory He “Controls”.
It’s no lie that mature bucks will establish a territory and conduct most of their daily activity within that area. Sleeping, feeding, seeking, etc. However, the myth that an old buck will “control” a larger territory than younger bucks is a myth.

Many recent studies have proved that a buck’s age does not dictate the amount of area he patrols. The studies showed there was no consistent evidence to prove the myth. In fact, there were many factors that seemed to determine how much territory bucks would patrol. Items mentioned in the previous paragraph such as cover, bedding areas, food sources, the number of does to breed all played a part in how far a buck was willing to travel and patrol.

So, if you are thinking that an old buck is controlling your hunting area, just know that younger bucks might also be frequenting the area too. Territories will overlap and competition will happen. Take advantage of that!

Myth #3 – Moon Phase Breeding Behavior
I might raise a ruckus with this myth, but I will tell you truthfully, after all the studies, there still is not 100% concrete proof that the moon phase controls the breeding pattern of deer.

Over the years, as a hunter, I have tested these theories in hopes that it will enhance my chances at catching that trophy buck on his feet during the day time. When the moon phase theory started catching popularity, I put it to the test. Although there was action that led to prove the theory, there was always action that proved otherwise too.

As a result of years in the stand I have come to this. Deer hunting is still a sport of “chance”! There are no guarantees that you will fill your tag.

What I have learned is I know hunting in November is a better time to hunt. I know that colder temperatures seem to keep deer on their feet a bit more for feeding. I know that certain areas are better in the morning and some are better in the evening. And I know, for sure, there is not a man out there who has concretely figured it all out!

So, know your area and the deer you are after. Figure out when it’s best to be in there for a better chance at a wall hanger!

Myth #4 – Gut Piles, Carcasses, and Blood
This myth believes that if deer ever encounter or smell gut piles, carcasses, or blood, they will flee the area. However, deer are curious creatures by nature. It’s true. If you’ve spent a good amount of time in the woods, you’ve probably had an encounter when you spook a deer and yet it stops to try to figure you out.

Studies have tried this very myth out by the use of trail cameras and gut or carcass piles. Surprisingly, the first visitors to some of these scenes are often deer. The smell of piles seemed to peak their interest and the pictures and videos showed proved it.

Now, having that knowledge, here’s why I still avoid leaving gut piles, carcasses, and any other traces of death. Those things will bring predators. If predators are in the area that will certainly decrease the amount of deer you see under your stand.

So, know this, it is not the deer that fear the scent of death. The deer however, do fear the predators that will come with it. Hunt accordingly.

Myth #5 – Winds will Stall Movement
I have always struggled with this myth. Even to the point that I don’t often hunt when there are high winds in the forecast. Some of that has to do with my experience of just not seeing much activity during windy days. Some of that has to do with the fact that I don’t like hunting in the wind! It’s too cold, can’t shoot straight, blows my scent everywhere, and makes for a scary sit in a stand!

Wind will not cancel deer movement as some hunters assume. However, it will affect how they move and that’s what we need to think about a bit more.

Deer, especially in the hunting seasons when it’s colder, have to move. To maintain a core temperature to survive, their body has to move, eat, and sleep. When they are surviving through our fall and winter temperatures, they don’t have the option to stay put for days at a time because they don’t like the weather.

So why do we see them less? Here’s some possible reasons why. Deer will minimize their exposure to the wind if possible. Like us, wind brings on a cold feeling. It takes heat from the body. Although deer are much better equipped to handle winter temperatures, they still don’t mind dealing with a little less wind in order to stay warmer. So, open fields and spaces are probably out of the question. But, ravines, timbers, and hillsides offer a good alternative.

Wind also does a number with your scent. As I’ve said in previous articles, there is no way to completely eliminate your scent when you are hunting. If you’re breathing, you stink! High winds will spread your scent over a greater area and a greater distance! If they know you’re there, they won’t be making an appearance.

Myth #6 – Less Deer Movement During a Warm Rut
Does a warm forecast put a damper on the rut? It sometimes seems like it. For me, over the years, I’ve always seen more action in concurrence with colder temperatures during the rut. However, I don’t think that warm or cold temperatures dictate whether the breeding between bucks and does will or will not happen. I mean, come on! These bucks get one season a year to breed! You can bet they aren’t going to pass that up!

There could be a little truth to this one however. Again, studies have shown that there is not a bottom line finding on this.

Deer, unlike humans, do not sweat. On a hot day during the rut, you can bet they will heat up. Getting too hot is not something that an animal enjoys. Deer have to do things in order to make sure they aren’t getting too hot in their pursuit of does.

I’ve seen bucks plop down and lay in a puddle right under my stand to cool off. Most, when hot, will be seeking shade. And my guess, during the rut, they are doing things during the cooler time of day which is night.

Less movement, probably not. The movement is still happening. It’s just at a different time of day.

Myth #7 – The October Lull
Some hunters believe that the month of October, although open to bow hunting, is a hard time to kill a good buck. I would say it might be more challenging in some ways, but not impossible.

October does not bring on a lack of activity in the life of a roaming buck. In fact, during that month of time, just the opposite is happening in a buck’s life. The testosterone in kicking in, does are coming into estrous, and bucks are on their feet seeking out a doe that is ready to breed!

This is the month that patterns begin to change during a bucks day in preparation for the rut that will begin somewhere near the end of October through November.

If you are experiencing a “lull” in October, you shouldn’t be. Perhaps, with a little homework, you might change your stand location and find out your chances are better for a harvest in another part of the timber.

Myth #8 – If You Spook, They will Never Come Back
I have, over my years in the stand, tested this very myth too many times. That’s right, sadly I’ve had my fair share of “spooks” when pursuing bucks in the timber. Most of the time it’s my fault too. Maybe I tried to be in stand when the wind direction was “questionable” for that area?

Maybe my stand placement didn’t really offer the cover it should have? Sometimes I think that I can “make” things work only to be defeated in this game of cat and mouse.

Deer are cautious and no doubt smart. They will remember, for a time, what happened in an area and might possibly avoid coming there because of it. However, eventually they will begin to “test the waters” and when they know the area is safe again, they will come back. It may not be the next day. It may be a little bit of time before they are comfortable returning. Nevertheless, you can bet, they will be in that area once again and you might have a chance at a harvest!

Conclusion
Is it good to have theories? Sure! Is it good to have questions? You bet! Questioning things like this always leads us to more knowledge and hopefully, more success.

I, personally, read all that I can in the outdoor magazines that I subscribe to. I’m one of those guys that wants to learn something new before I venture into the woods for another season.

I will also tell you this, most of my skills and knowledge have begun with something I read, and has been perfected by my experience. Starting with an idea, trying it out, and making it your own is the path that leads to success.

Keep at it! Myths and truths all lead to experience. Experience is where success happens. Good luck!