From your general experience, how long does it take for deer to come back to a normal feeding spot after a blizzard? Keep in mind the feeding spot got about 3 feet of snow. Field camera didn't capture anything last night and the storm has been over for about a day and a half. Any info is is greatly appreciate!
I'm saying it will change for a while depending on the quickness of the snow melt. We have standing beans that are over 3' tall. In your case that would help. Do you know what they were feeding on mostly before the snow hit?
They may be bedded tight to cover 36" of snow and hooves really don't work that well for walking, they would burn more energy moving than what they would get from food a half mile away.
Hey everyone I don't know how to start a thread so haves anyone heard of the new afflictor broadheads
If you go to the title page where all the topics are listed there is a button to click on to start a new post. Upper left side.
I love starting the day with a good laugh. If you can check on the area where they were feeding before the storm just keep a eye out for fresh tracks and you will know when they're back. They will probably hold tight for awhile but between the cold weather and them having to remain bedded up during the storm they will have to eat sooner rather than later.
Thank you for the information guys. It might take some time to re-incentivize the area since the snow is thick and isn't melting. Patience is s virtue.
Without a trail, whitetails don't move much in snow that is over 18". Elk even slow down once it reaches 3'.
I'm wondering if my local herd even survived, area is a few hundred acres in a suburban tract. The deer have been feeding nocturnal and main food source is acorns from the many white oaks in the area. Looking at google earth this area doesn't have much in the way of decent structure for them to survive this blizzard - one of the worst on record.
Deer are going to be holding the thickest cover they can find. Here for instance they are hanging out in big pine stands, they will eat the bark and needles of certain types of evergreens as well as other trees. They also hang out in briars, again cover and food all in one. Best thing to do is not pressure them and wait for the snow to melt.
The wind has petty low. It's not generally windy spot in general. The snow shoes are an interesting idea I might give that a shot. Thanks very much guys!
Deer are lazy in the snow. Do what Sota said and make a trail. You'll be surprised how many deer follow it. They will lay low for a day maybe, but they still need to eat. They will browse close to cover if they can. Suburban deer will likely hammer people's shrubs If you really want to draw them in, snowblow, shovel or plow a 1/4 acre-ish area of the field right in front of your stand. Then make snowshoe trails leading off to wards cover. Make sure you do this all optimally for their approach past your tree.
Without the assistance of man made trails, they will be pretty slow to get out moving. They will start by browsing in their bedding area and slowly expand it outwards. I've walked into bedding areas after the snow cover gets heavy and it is amazing how big an area they will clean down to the dirt. As they find easy paths or trails created by other deer or animals they will move about more. Expect more deer to be using the same trails so if you can bust a trail into your feeding areas from multiple directions, you can get deer moving into your area more consistent.
