Ask The Biologist

Entries for January 2023

Get a Saddle!

Get a Saddle!

By Bob Humphrey

Whitetails with manes are an oddity you don’t see every day. QUESTION: What exactly is a mane on a deer? The photos I’ve seen on Google were no help. On a Lion or even an Elk, I get it, but on a whitetail I’m at a loss. ANSWER: While rare, white-tailed deer with a mane on the back of their neck do occasionally show up. I harvested one in 2020. This... READ MORE

Fox Trot

Fox Trot

By Bob Humphrey

Foxes are not a threat to adult whitetails, but they’re still predators. QUESTION:I was a hunting piece of property and had a doe run to me full speed. I could hear something coming behind her, so I got ready thinking it was a buck, but it was a red fox chasing her. I’m not quite sure he would’ve been able to take her down, but he was giving it a g... READ MORE

What’s for Yupper?

What’s for Yupper?

By Bob Humphrey

Some food plot staples are safe bets regardless of your location. QUESTION: We just bought property in the upper peninsula of Michigan and would like to start a couple food plots. What type of mix would be good to start? ANSWER: That’s a simple question with a complicated answer since so much depends on local conditions like slope, aspect, climate,... READ MORE

Zebras and Stripes

Zebras and Stripes

By Bob Humphrey

You can’t change a zebras stripes, nor a whitetail’s feeding schedule. QUESTION: The deer on my property will be captured on my camera feeding between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. (since before September). They have little to no pressure on them that would force them to be nocturnal. The site has adequate cover, and they are not in the wide open. I have chan... READ MORE

What Are the Odds?

What Are the Odds?

By Bob Humphrey

Extra main beams are an uncommon bonus. QUESTION: What are the odds of a whitetail having an extra beam? In the past several seasons, we have seen or have pictures of three different bucks with extra beams. One has a whole additional beam and tines, while the other two just have an extra beam. One is a 10-pointer, and the other is an 8-pointer. ANS... READ MORE

There’s the Rub

There’s the Rub

By Bob Humphrey

Don’t confuse buck rubs with activity associated with licking branches. QUESTION: Will a buck rub limbs 5 to 6 feet high in a tree, and will a buck rub in early February? – Tyler N. ANSWER: The answer depends partly on your location. Dr. John Ozoga is credited with being the first to recognize the importance of an overhanging limb in re... READ MORE

Fool Me Once ...

Fool Me Once ...

By Bob Humphrey

We know deer respond to hunting pressure, but what about wounds? QUESTION: What are the chances of a deer with a non-fatal gunshot wound returning to the same location it was shot during the same hunting season? – Clarence S. ANSWER: There are many variables in play, including the type and severity of the wound, the circumstances involved an... READ MORE

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