Thread: Where are all the deer

Deer do move around at different times of the year. During winter they tend to get into the shelter of the bush and generally on the sunny side of the valley. They will feed on slips and clearings at this time of the year when the weather allows. Come spring and summer and deer tend to be everywhere and are looking for new growth. Stags are growing velvet and hinds are getting ready for fawning so both need plenty of food. This time of year the open tops and the riverbeds are good areas to hunt as the animals are looking at the high value food.
Generally if you are onto fresh sign the animals won't be far away, when fresh dropping ( numerous amounts)are found in areas these are feed areas and good areas to target, especially early or late in the day.
We have found on the trail cameras that deer are up and about at any time of the day and night so bush hunting all day will generally pay dividends.
When you encounter good fresh sign ( green, slimy, and possibly warm) you need to go at a snails pace with the wind into your face, spend a lot of time looking and listening as quite often you hear them moving around. Before your shot make sure you have a positive ID before firing.
It can be frustrating trying to get onto deer but you will soon learn to ID the areas that are productive and these areas stay productive always. Young deer are introduced to the feed areas by their mothers so these places are where the deer are likely to be.