The Top Ten Myths of Deer Hunting
In talking with hunters all over the US, I have found that even
some great hunters still hold on to common myths of deer
hunting. In this article I would like to expose what I consider
to be the top ten myths of deer hunting.
Myth #1 Big bucks roam frequently roam.
Truth #1 Big bucks have a home territory that they usually stay
in. They may roam some during the rut in search of does in
estrus.
Myth#2 Bucks bed in the thickest cover.
Truth #2 Bucks will bed in thick cover but they will also bed in
thin cover on hills and ridges where they can view approaching
predators
Myth #3 Finding frequent scrapes close together means there is a
big buck in the area.
Truth #3 This is most likely the work of a younger buck that is
showing off his prowess. A mature buck will make big scrapes but
not as many as a 1 to 2 year old.
Myth #4 and #5 Big bucks don't walk in doe trails.
Bucks follow behind does to avoid danger.
Truth #4 and #5 Big bucks normally don't walk in doe trails
except during rutting season. A dominant buck will walk a doe
trail and behind does when he is following a doe in estrus.
Myth #6 A full moon is bad for hunting.
Truth #6 Scientific research has found that the second full moon
after the fall equinox starts the rutting season in central and
northern states.
Myth #7 Spooked deer run for miles.
Truth #7 While deer can run 35 - 40 mph, they will run for only
a couple of hundred yards when frightened.
Myth #8 The rut lasts only a few days.
Truth #8 Does come into estrus individually. Does that do not
breed during their first estrus of the season will enter into
estrus again in about a month.
Myth #9 The size of a buck's antlers indicates his age.
Truth #9 While antler size usually increases with age, the age
of a buck cannot be determined by the size of his antlers.
Antler size and number of points varies with the individual
based on genetics and nutrition.
Myth #10 There's no need to stay out hunting in the middle of
the day because the deer are resting.
Truth #10 Especially under the pressure of the hunting season,
deer (including bucks) will be on the move all day.
I hope you enjoyed the Top 10 Myths of Deer Hunting!