Why is it that I find much more scat in the late fall then now. And no the answer is not because more deer are traveling at the spot I am looking. I am talking about as a whole. In mid to late November I find scat along trails a lot. This time of year I don't see much. Is it just because it breaks down faster this time of year so there is less chance for me to find it? Something else I am not considering?
Only thing I can think of is deer are feeding heavier for the winter and on the move more due to colder weather and bucks for the upcoming rut.
Right now, deer are generally laid up. There's only 2 things on their mind; food and bed. They will lay up as close to their food sources (and water) as they comfortably can. They have no need to travel much, as food is widely available during spring, summer and fall. Once November kicks in, they're rutting fools (midwest, anyway) and moving all around therefore, leaving droppings everywhere. By the time they're done rutting, frosts (or snow) has killed a lot of vegitation, crops have been harvested and fields picked clean. This means eating is once again their priority and the pickin's are slim -this keeps them moving, along with subfreezing temps. The more they move, the more droppings you'll see.
Also maybe in the fall there tends to be less stuff on the ground for the crap to be covered up in? IE: Grass/weeds?
