I think I asked this question a little while back...not sure where that thread went. I also posted this in the "Official Tennessee Thread". Thought I might get quicker replies as well as more replies posting this here. A few years back, the TVA (??) brought back to Tennessee, the Elk. On the North Cumberland WMA, they have a tower where the public can view these incredible animals. The first two hunts on this WMA, I have encountered the bachelors...3 elk bulls one day and one elk cow the second day. What an incredible experience being that close to an amazing animal. They all were 10 yards away. My question is, does anyone know anything about how that might affect the deer? I am hunting this ravine that is located between these fields. There is some water and a bunch of thick brush surrounding the ravine. Looks 'real good' for what deer would like. Hard to see any sign due to the massive prints and dung by the elk. Someone told me that if I am seeing elk, I should see deer. I should add that I have not seen any deer yet. What does everyone else think? Thanks for the replies.
After taking a few days off during this cold front that came through my area, I am getting back in the stand on Friday morning. Due to my disability, anything below 30 degrees, I can't even draw the bow back because of the amount of clothes I have on and due to it just being too cold. I have tried researching this question on the 'net'. Can't find anything that answers my question. I would think that deer 'might' use the same trails as the elk, just not use them at the same time. I did read somewhere where elk are aggressive eaters. They don't like anything else getting in where they feed. Sometimes pushing deer out of that area. Not sure if this is true, but... I was hoping that some of the mid-western guys on here could help shed some light on this subject for me. Don't think a lot of good deer hunting states have elk. I could be wrong. I am going to be asking the wildlife management people, they should know about how elk will affect deer. Thanks anyways everyone. Guess I will have to keep ya'll posted.
