Deer Numbers Down

recoil junky · July 24, 2017, 06:34:02 PM

I'm not sure of the cause, but deer numbers on RJ's Deer Ranch seem to be down. I've only seen one set of twins hanging around with 8 - 10 does and a couple 2 points. I usually see a bunch more by now. Maybe they are too hot, maybe not enough feed. I don't know, but I'm going to fill a water tank for the ones that are here in hopes word spreads that there's free water for all.

There is one dandy (in velvet) buck hanging around across the road where HB got his last year and he happens to be shading up in the same bed used by "Brutus"

I will try and get a picture better than the one I sent HB and Bug.

RJ

Hunterbug · July 25, 2017, 11:52:25 AM

Hopefully more show up. Bug has a buck tag and Pea and I have PLO tags for either one. The girls both want bucks and I don't care.

recoil junky · July 25, 2017, 04:05:40 PM

Quote from: Hunterbug;148429The girls both want bucks and I don't care.

Yeah RIGHT!!!

Here's the fawns playing by the drain field:

HB, do you or Bug still have the picture of "Bug's" deer I sent you? If so can you post it here so "everyone" can see?

RJ

gitano · July 25, 2017, 04:14:37 PM

Yeah RIGHT!!!

Correct response!:biggthumpup:

Paul

sakorick · July 26, 2017, 03:27:59 AM

If there be does around there will be Bucks at rut time and that's a fact!

recoil junky · July 26, 2017, 03:17:23 PM

There be bucks!! This 'un we will call "Bug's Buck"

and HB's doe because he doesn't care what he shoots. One for gGrampa Dale too!!!

and a couple more two and three points.

RJ

Elkhamr · July 27, 2017, 04:52:23 AM

Hello all, perfect timing for this topic. RJ and I have been talking for about a month about how we were seeing a bunch of does but no fawns yet. Then on July 4th, the first set of fawns appeared with a doe that hangs out in my yard all day. After that for about 2 weeks there were about 7 does and all had fawns with 2 of the does having twins. Since then I've been seeing the does daily but have not seen a fawn in at least a week. All the same does are in my yard everyday but what would they have done with their fawns? This is not normal as I watch them every year and normally once the fawns,are strong enough to walk, they are with the does constantly laying in my yard. I've walked around the field across from my house and have found no fawns laying in the deep grass or signs of predation. It's a complete mystery to me!

sakorick · July 27, 2017, 06:01:55 AM

Not to worry.....she's got them hid close by and goes out to eat then goes back to nurse them. They still have spots right?

Elkhamr · July 27, 2017, 06:30:20 AM

Yes they still have spots and were nursing right in the middle of the street last time I saw them. It's been awhile and I was curious why they would bring them out for a few dats then hide them again? In the past, once they were out they stayed out playing and romping around in my yard. They were chasing eachother like puppies last year around my neighbors old run down car.

gitano · July 27, 2017, 09:48:18 AM

I think that's a "bad sign". Once the fawns start showing up with the doe, they usually don't hide much after that. They are only 'odorless' for a few days, and "hiding" when your predator can smell you is a "bad plan". Once they get their 'deer smell', "hiding" isn't a viable anti-predation option. As for the spots, white-tail fawns keep those into the fall. I don't know about mulie fawns.

I suspect coyotes got 'em. Predators can do A LOT of damage to young ungulate populations. In Alaska, brown bears can take 100% of the dall sheep lamb production in a given locale. When black bear populations are up, they can take 80 to 90 percent of the moose calf production. One coyote can make a BIG dent in local fawn numbers.

Paul

Elkhamr · July 27, 2017, 10:56:19 AM

I live in a residential area so there's no predators like coyotes, fox, lions etc. Every other year once the fawns were out they stayed out. They're all mule deer too so they're really domesticated to living in town. I can see the does still have full milksacks too so I'm hoping that's a sign the fawns are still suckling. Maybe they've turned them nocturnal for some reason? Possibly the heat is keeping them down during most daylight hours? I sure hope it's something like that because the mule deer here are really struggling. Mismanagement is mostly to blame but getting the FW&P to admit that will never happen.

recoil junky · July 27, 2017, 03:33:40 PM

Sackwatches . . . . . . . has t be. Good thing I have my 35 Whelen loaded for sackwatches.

It's a conundrum is what it is. I've NEVER EVER not seen does and fawns literally running amok at this time of year. I have had them in the yard for Pete's sake. IN THE YARD and Paul you know how big my yard is!!! Even on the irrigated alfalfa on the way to town there are very few fawns and way fewer deer in general than normal.

I wonder, could it be something like distemper? Maybe chronic wasting disease but that would be in the paper maybe, but like Hamr said the CDOW wouldn't admit to that either. Just sell more tags .. . . . . . . . . Antelope fawns are non-existent as well. Plenty of those maggots, just no fawns.

RJ

gitano · July 27, 2017, 04:36:45 PM

Let's hope they show up in droves when the weather cools.

Paul

Elkhamr · July 27, 2017, 04:57:55 PM

I sure hope so because there were 7 does and 9 fawns all romping around in the small empty lot across from my house 50 yards away. Now it's just big fat old does grazing most of the day. RJ might be on to something with the Bigfoots running around...better load up a big gun and keep watch in case one comes after my little kitty cat.

Elkhamr · July 28, 2017, 06:12:21 AM

Has anyone been out knocking around checking out elk calf numbers this spring? I have not, and have not seen the big herd of cows that valve out close to town on a closed section of FW&P ground. They moved off early because of wolves I suspect and I wasent able to track then again.

recoil junky · July 28, 2017, 06:25:31 AM

That has me more worried than deer numbers really. Elk numbers were just starting to come back here after the winter of '07-'08.

RJ

Elkhamr · July 28, 2017, 06:44:45 AM

It worries me too, they're so stressed and on edge from wolf pressure that breeding is interrupted and I think alot of cows abort from stress.

Elkhamr · July 28, 2017, 07:14:19 AM

The other situation that's very upsetting, is the shoulder hunts for cow elk before and after the general season. They're being hunted when they're calves are 5 months old, then run to death during the general season and yet again into late January when they're pregnant again. They never get to rest and anyone that's spent anytime viewing elk can see the damage it's doing. My son and I have quit hunting Elk as of this year, I quit 4yrs ago. My 14yr old son can see where Elk hunting is headed and wants no part of it. On one hand, it's better people are eating the Elk instead of them becoming Wolf poo, but it's another stresser, at extremely sensitive times in their lives they can't handle!

sakorick · July 28, 2017, 12:18:45 PM

So what's the bounty on Wolves?

recoil junky · July 28, 2017, 12:31:39 PM

Quote from: sakorick;148504So what's the bounty on Wolves?

Satisfaction? Like shooting feral cats?

RJ

Elkhamr · July 28, 2017, 01:06:28 PM

That's the kicker, every piece is wildlife management area and winter range is closed to wolf hunting. The FW&P let's the wolves have free reign on the stressed out Elk on winter eanges etc. They've lost complete control of managing wolves. All the activists get in the way of any kind of legislation that would allow wolves to be shot on sight like a coyote or other predator.

Hunterbug · July 28, 2017, 01:50:52 PM

I may have to take a trip to RJ's and make the coyotes feel unwelcome. Bug will take that buck and I'd be happy for her, as long as it's smaller than the one I got last year.:D

recoil junky · August 01, 2017, 06:13:39 AM

As I texted HB, I had the Super Binoculars out a couple nights ago and with careful glassing

I was able to spot 6 fawns with four does and a NEW larger buck hanging out with them on huntable property. Deer are still scarce as hen's teeth and had I not been "whistle bit" last night at work I would have stopped to get water and fill a couple tanks to "slake" their thirst. I'm sure water is a problem and they are drinking out of the large pond a half mile or so up the road. Not that that is "far" for a deer to hike for water, but I'm sure it tastes nasty about now in the August heat.

RJ

gitano · August 01, 2017, 06:21:49 AM

Good news!

Paul

Elkhamr · August 01, 2017, 06:28:19 AM

Yes good you're seeing deer. The mature does are not coming to my yard anymore daily. Not sure where or why they've moved? Maybe they didn't like me calling them "Fat Momma" when they had their fawns down here?

recoil junky · August 01, 2017, 06:39:41 AM

Maybe they would like a more politically correct term like "Phat Momma"?

Or some "bait" The Phat Mommas here like a mix of rolled oats, barley, corn and molasses for dessert after munching on my ASPEN TREES or a quick nip on my expansive yard. They were quite put out after I put the (4 foot) chain link fence back up and the (then two) fawns couldn't join them. Since the recent rains I've noticed (even though it might be my imagination) the grass has greened up some.

RJ

Elkhamr · August 01, 2017, 06:44:53 AM

They were old bags with split ears, sides bulging like Hefers . They were FAT...not PHAT...lmao!!!

recoil junky · August 01, 2017, 06:56:45 AM

Quote from: sakorick;148476 They still have spots right?

Yes they still have spots but in another month they will begin to fade and by late October they will be totally gone as their winter hair grows in.

I will definitely miss Grampa Dale this year. His sharp wit and hunting stories are always entertaining.

Next year he will draw a tag .

RJ

Hunterbug · August 01, 2017, 07:47:04 AM

Quote from: recoil junkyI will definitely miss Grampa Dale this year. His sharp wit and hunting stories are always entertaining.

Next year he will draw a tag .

RJ

We were all pretty bummed that he didn't draw. The girls were looking forward to hunting with him.

recoil junky · August 04, 2017, 02:08:57 PM

These guys showed up and have been hanging around since hey have "fresh city water" to drink.

A "nothing fancy" 4X4 and a WIDE and HEAVY 3X2.

RJ

Elkhamr · August 04, 2017, 02:47:29 PM

Good to see bucks with a few years age. Hope they can survive another 2yrs and blow up into their full potential.

Hunterbug · August 04, 2017, 04:52:04 PM

Good to see, RJ. Now as long as they're there in October.

recoil junky · August 05, 2017, 10:15:08 AM

AS per Elkhamr's request (and my needling) he wants to share these pictures of deer in his yard in Anaconda MT.

I like the Ramcharger!!! Wonder if it has a Hemi?

Thanks Hamr!!

RJ

gitano · August 05, 2017, 09:37:25 PM

Paul

recoil junky · August 12, 2017, 02:47:54 PM

From last night. They were checking out the bird feeder/anti ring neck dove attachment.

The fawns are just starting to lose their spots Paul.

RJ

JaDub · August 12, 2017, 03:38:27 PM

Am I looking at a MOWED yard RJ ??

Elkhamr · August 12, 2017, 04:08:29 PM

Glad someone is still seeing deer, I think I mentioned to RJ that I haven't seen a single deer since the daily deer parade came and went last week. The weather has been in the low to mis 70s with a breeze everyday and smokey so I don't think the heat could have driven them away. Thank you for posting those pics buddy, prior years we would have had a handful of fawns with those does.

recoil junky · August 12, 2017, 08:13:05 PM

Quote from: JaDub;148705Am I looking at a MOWED yard RJ ??

Not in that picture, but I mowed it this morning. The lawn is so huge you know

Elkhamr, I hope the deer come back in your area. Not seeing fawns now is just odd.

RJ

recoil junky · August 16, 2017, 03:22:00 PM

HOLY :cens:

This bruiser was on the hill North of the house last night just before dark. I didn't know I got the rest of the Three Stooges in the picture until I downloaded them just now. LUCKY shot.

HB, make sure the girls see these?

Yes, the bruiser is the same buck as in post #6.

RJ

Hunterbug · August 16, 2017, 04:13:58 PM

Nice! Payton is excited. She's already said that she's not shooting a doe.

Hunterbug · August 16, 2017, 05:27:51 PM

Payton said that Hunter has to shoot faster and straighter than she does.

Elkhamr · August 16, 2017, 06:06:52 PM

Wow...that is a bruiser. Nice work RJ

recoil junky · October 10, 2017, 07:09:13 AM

I CAN DRIVE!! So yesterday after therapy I drove up the road to look for deer etc. No guns, but the deer don't really pay much attention to shooting anyway. I saw plenty of does and fawns but no bucks. NONE, NADA, ZIP, ZERO. Nope, not even a forked horn. I want to sit on the deck and really glass the sage but my deck chairs are too low to comfortably get out of yet. I know Brutus is still hiding out either on my property or Chuck's.

Nearly a month ago I did have a run in with a bow hunter who I let hunt last year. Chuck alerted me to his activity and he was saying he had permission to hunt my place, Jim's and Kevin's. I said no, Jim died, so you evidently can talk to th dead. Maybe I should get a deputy over here and you can tell your story to them. He claimed he shot a big buck on Kevin's and was just looking for it but I knew better.

RJ

Hunterbug · October 11, 2017, 01:49:11 PM

Quote from: recoil junkyNearly a month ago I did have a run in with a bow hunter who I let hunt last year. Chuck alerted me to his activity and he was saying he had permission to hunt my place, Jim's and Kevin's. I said no, Jim died, so you evidently can talk to th dead. Maybe I should get a deputy over here and you can tell your story to them. He claimed he shot a big buck on Kevin's and was just looking for it but I knew better.

RJ

Even if he did, you still have to get permission from the land owner. Period. End of story. That one I got last year had been laying low since archery season then he popped up in the middle of the season. The girls and I will be up a week from Friday. We are all excited to see you and have a good time.