I am hunting in Western Maryland and in West Virginia. All of our past hot spots are showing little sign. Everyone seems to be saying the same thing. Thinking maybe last winter took it's toll. Acorns are plentiful in some spots and not so much in others. One of the worst years I've seen in all my life. Seems to be less deer than past. What's your thoughts on this. Anyone else seeing same?
thats ashame.i was thinking of going out there to hunt now im having second thoughts.we have plenty of does and small deer down here in southern maryland but not many bucks.our permits allow us to kill 10 does and two antlered deer.
I live in mineral county and we have the best acorn crop in 47 years they are every where you go.I haven't seen many huge bucks but I have seen some prutty nice ones this year. My hot spots aren't what they used to be either they gave gone west of mine and my fauthers but we still have seen our fair share of deer this yer. The big snow did hurt tho I didn't see the 12 point I was hunting last year and noone has shoot him or saw him but a week befor the big snow
We have a ton of acorns down here in Southern MD this year and if you look at the mast survey for Western Maryland they are having a very good year also. I think that has definitely affected deer movement/habits/patterns this year in a big way. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/pdfs/2010_WMD_Mast_Survey.pdf
Good mast crop has an effect. Where I hunt in Garrett County, the acorns are spotty. I've only seen a few red oak and chestnut oak that have any acorns. Off of the mountain, there seems to be more acorns.
According to the mast report the surrounding countys are having a good year and that could have encouraged the deer to migrate over to those countys even if it's temporary.
