Ask The Biologist

Entries for December 2022

No Certainties

No Certainties

By Bob Humphrey

When it comes to judging a shot, hope for the best but plan for the worst. QUESTION: I’ve heard you can tell where you shot a deer by the way it reacts. Is that true, and if so, what do you look for? ANSWER: Even under the best of circumstances, you can never be certain where the animal was hit until you lay hands on it (or watch clear video). Howe... READ MORE

Lady or Dude?

Lady or Dude?

By Bob Humphrey

Tarsal gland staining is usually associated with bucks ... usually. QUESTION: While hunting during the rut, I saw a deer with no antlers that had dark tarsal glands. I’ve always been told this only happens with bucks, so I thought it must be a button buck, but I couldn’t see anything on its head that looked like nubs or buttons. What else might cau... READ MORE

Good Genes

Good Genes

By Bob Humphrey

Yes, yearlings can have racks with 8 or even more points. QUESTION: My son recently shot his first deer. It had a small 8-point rack but only weighed 125 pounds dressed. That’s about the same weight as spikes and fork-horns I’ve shot. I’m wondering if this was some sort of runt or mutant deer. What are your thoughts? ANSWER: Altho... READ MORE

When Mama Ain’t Happy

When Mama Ain’t Happy

By Bob Humphrey

We still don’t understand a majority of deer vocalizations. QUESTION: While deer hunting over the weekend, a doe and fawn approached my stand. The doe continually bleated and low grunted the entire time she was in sight. I was wondering if this was a sign that she was coming into estrus. First time seeing this. ANSWER: In over 40 years of deer hunt... READ MORE

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