My buddy and I did some post season scouting this past weekend. In and around my set there was a lot of deer poop and it was mostly in a solid form. For the lack of a better term, in large turds... My buddy said its that way because they are bedding a lot. Loose poop, mostly on the move... So my guess is that they were bedding in or around my set...I am on the edge of a bedding area. Is this a fair assumption? Any one got an opinion on this? Or is just crap...
Droppings are a better indication of diet than activity. Although your buddy's hypothesis may cerry some weight, typically deer pellets when found round and separated usually indicate the deer has been browsing on items like bark, twigs, acorns and other more "hardy" food items. Deer droppings which are more clumped usually indicate a "softer" diet of greener vegetation, herbacious grasses and forbs, apples...etc.. I am a wildlife biologist and there is actually a lot that droppings from many game animals can tell you.
So you mean to tell me that every clumped up turd isn't a buck turd? ...that one always cracked me up.
This is why you should always carry the candy sugar baby's in your pocket just pop one in your mouth and tell him they have been eating acorns... And watch his face.
My buddy is a lifelong farmer. Wise and seasoned to hunting as well. I thought his cattle farming observations are being applied. I don't have an opinion. But I appreciate the discussion and your take on this.
I booked marked this article a few weeks ago about deer poop. Very short and informative stuff. http://bowsite.com/bowsite/features/armchair_biologist/poop/
Though there are exceptions - your buddy is right and typically large logs (index finger touching thumb tip diameter) are mature bucks. They are rumnants, not digestive tracks like us....and things like hormones effect them way more. This is based off my experience....and it seems only people with articles and TV shows have opinions that matter so draw your own conclusions
What... I believed this until I read this post.... I have been lied to for so many years. I thought my spot was covered up with big bucks pooping logs...