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Entries for August 2022
On the Bright Side
By Bob Humphrey
What’s good for deer might not be good for hunters ... and vice-versa. QUESTION: We hunt on private property in the southeast corner of the Texas Panhandle. Last year we had record amounts of rain, and there was so much vegetation the deer did not come to the feeders very often. Now we are in an extreme drought but have been seeing more deer than t... READ MORE
When Growth Kicks In
By Bob Humphrey
Antler characteristics can be determined by a number of factors, including genetics. QUESTION: What causes all of these kickers, especially on the bases? ANSWER: Several things influence the shape, size and configuration of deer antlers, including age, nutrition, genetics and injury. For example, most yearling bucks sport spikes or 4-point racks – ... READ MORE
Another One Bites the Dust
By Bob Humphrey
Here’s yet another long-held belief that new data says is false. QUESTION: This spring I planted brassicas, and so far the deer don’t seem to be eating them. Someone told me they don’t eat them until frost hits and the starches turn to sugar. Is that true? ANSWER: For a long time, it was believed that after a hard frost the starch... READ MORE
Cold Shoulder
By Bob Humphrey
Hunters and biologists don’t always agree on deer behavior. QUESTION: I’ve always heard cold weather gets deer moving, but I recently read an article that disputes that. Is that true that deer don’t move more in the cold?– Daniel B. ANSWER: I’ll start by noting there’s not much in the way of peer-reviewed researc... READ MORE
Elvis Would Be Envious
By Bob Humphrey
Whitetail velvet is one of the most remarkable things in the animal kingdom. QUESTION: I know deer grow velvet on their antlers, but what purpose does it serve? ANSWER: Antlers are a remarkable adaptation and among the fastest growing tissues in the animal kingdom. The velvet serves as a circulatory system to carry blood and nutrients to the growin... READ MORE
Out With the Boys
By Bob Humphrey
Good habitat attracts and holds deer, but there are other factors involved. QUESTION: I have what appears to be two separate does herds on my property but no bachelor group. Can you attract and then hold a bachelor group on a piece of property that has food plots, water, hard mast, soft mast and bedding areas? ANSWER: The short answer is, yes, abso... READ MORE