Ask The Biologist

Ghost Deer

Ghost Deer

By Bob Humphrey

How is it possible to see so many tracks without seeing the deer that made them?

QUESTION: Please, please help. I have been hunting for 20 years and I have just received permission to bowhunt two properties in northern Ohio. Both are small properties: 5 acres and 10 acres. I was more excited than I had ever been about deer hunting. They are in suburban areas and within 10 minutes of my house. Both places are loaded with deer tracks. Both have powerline fields and both have a water supply. I have hunted each of these spots at least 10 times each in morning and evenings. I have not seen a deer! I use cover scents and don't use calls because I never have. Why are these deer only moving at night and what can I do to change it?

ANSWER: Wow, that’s a tough one to answer without a whole lot more information, but I’ll try. Because you state deer are only moving at night, I’ll assume you have trail cameras out to confirm this. Otherwise, they could simply be moving during the day when you’re not there.

The first thing to look at is your approach. How you approach your stand can be critical, especially when hunting small properties. People also tend to underestimate deer in suburban areas, assuming they’re used to human presence. They are, but they’re also keenly aware of our routines and will quickly pick up on any variations. You should set your stands well in advance of when you plan to hunt, and in locations you can approach with the least possible disturbance, being particularly mindful of wind direction.

You might also investigate what’s occurring on adjacent properties. If the neighbors also hunt small properties, it won’t take much to drive deer out of the area altogether. You might also consider using some type of supplemental food attractant. Find out who owns the powerline right-of-way and ask if you could put in a small food plot, or simply put out protein blocks or set up a feeder.

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