Ask The Biologist

Entries for October 2021

Under Pressure

Under Pressure

By Bob Humphrey

Weather can get deer moving, but it’s not a simple formula. QUESTION: Several articles I’ve read recently said some weather fronts get deer moving during daylight. What should I be looking for? And is high or low barometric pressure better? ANSWER: There’s not a lot of supporting research, but my personal observations and those of... READ MORE

Bless You!

Bless You!

By Bob Humphrey

Deer sneezes likely caused by irritating flies. QUESTION: I was in my deer stand last weekend watching some does. One kept making a sound like a cough or maybe a sneeze. Do deer get colds? ANSWER: Most deer hunters are familiar with the cringe worthy sound a deer makes that we refer to as a blow or a snort. It’s very loud, caused by a rush of air t... READ MORE

Can’t Stand the Heat

Can’t Stand the Heat

By Bob Humprhey

There’s no one right answer to the question of spoilage. QUESTION: Archery season opens early and it’s often very warm where I live. I’m worried if I shoot a deer and have to leave it overnight that it will spoil. Will the meat still be edible if I have to do this? ANSWER: The quicker you can recover the deer, eviscerate it and co... READ MORE

Handle With Care

Handle With Care

By Bob Humphrey

Despite the smell, tarsal glands should not affect meat. QUESTION: Someone told me I should cut off the tarsal glands from my buck before I hang it or it will taint the meat. Is that true? ANSWER: No. Although the odor can be quite strong, especially during the rut, tarsal glands are external and won’t come in contact with the meat unless the... READ MORE

Not a Clue

Not a Clue

By Bob Humphrey

You can’t judge a book by its cover, nor a buck by a track. QUESTION: I have been scouting the area I plan to hunt this fall and I’m trying to determine where I’ll be more likely to find the bucks. I’ve found some big tracks and large scat, but someone told me you can’t tell the sex of a deer from its tracks or turds. ... READ MORE

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