Maloney

than deer activity. Many times the advice of “experts” is based on their particular experience or luck, or what we think whitetails would do based on human logic. However, the research done by Penn State University shows that overall, the weather does not play a significant in role deer movement patterns. Greatest movement will still be at dawn or dusk.

Certainly wind does play a part in deciding when and where to hunt since we want to avoid having our scent carried to nearby deer. But the wind does not limit deer movement. Instead, the deer moved more during the daylight hours than on days with slower winds or gentle breezes. However, they moved less at night during periods of high winds.

We often hear about the hunter moon but data from Penn State using GPS collared whitetails again shows that moon phase has little to do with deer movement patterns or trends.

When people do not see any buck activity or deer movement, we tend to say that the rut has not started because it isn’t cold enough. But as we discussed in last week’s column, the temperature has nothing to do with the rut. That is determined by hormonal change triggered by the decreasing amount of sunlight reaching a deer’s eye. In extremely warm weather, they may spend more time in the dense cover of the core area during the day or move more at night.

On opening weekend of the Southern Zone, we typically see more deer on the move because they are bumped by many hunters on the move, or deer drives, but normally, hunting pressure does not cause deer to move more. In fact, they are more likely to remain hidden in thick cover or move to nearby inaccessible spots (e.g. higher elevations) and decrease their movement.

Many hunters argue that deer move more (or less) during periods of rain. Penn State research showed no impact on the movement of does, but bucks did move considerably less.

It has long been the tale that when hunting activity starts, the deer will flock to private property, but studies show that in most cases, the deer don’t flee to areas of private land. If the area is large enough to contain varied habitat, they usually relocate to areas of public land that are harder for hunters to access. Most hunters choose locations within a third of a mile from where they park. By walking a bit further, uphill, or places harder to hunt, hunters are more likely to find deer.

Last weekend, local resident and avid deer hunter, Gary Bush had his pa- tience and skill rewarded with a trophy buck in the Adirondacks. Gary initially did not want to go the camp near Tupper Lake because of greater deer numbers and some big bucks that he knew of closer to home. He went because others urged him to join them.

Despite the cold and nasty rainy weather, Gary went out still-hunting on Saturday and had a big buck sneaking by him. Gary shot the big buck that had a great 10 point rack and weighed in at 190 lbs. After a two hour drag, he finished getting the buck to camp by canoe.

The extensive studies by Penn State University shows that many of the old beliefs about deer hunting and deer behavior are not valid. Circumstances vary and bucks are individuals just like people but a majority of deer in the studies did not follow the common beliefs about movement or lack of it.

When is the best time to go deer hunting? Any- time that you have the opportunity!

Short Casts

Deer Hides Wanted: This weekend and the following weeks should be a busy time with a lot of deer harvested locally. For the deer hunters who have been successful and are wondering what to do with the hide, Jim Ward of Oneida Trap Supply is again buying hides. Call Jim at 363-2913 for information and hours.

Venison Donation: Any hunter interested in donating a deer, please call 866-862-DEER or visit the Venison Donation Coalition’s website (www.venisondaontion.org) to locate a processor near you. Remember, you must call ahead before dropping off any deer for donation. There is NO cost involved since the Venison Donation Coalition pays the cost of processing.

You can also help by donating $1 or more. One dollar will feed four people. For every dollar that is donated to the Venison Donation Coalition, $.90 is used towards processing the venison.

Financial donations can be made anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. One deer or one dollar goes a long way to help curb hunger throughout New York State.

Ruffed Grouse Society Banquet: The Central NY Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society held another successful banquet two weeks ago. As usual there was excellent food, good company with lots of area sportsmen, and another very successful fund raiser. Money raised by the chapter goes to help fund habitat improvement. For example the RGS has donated significant funds to help the DEC create “young forest” and free up apple trees, etc. at several Wildlife Management Areas such as Tioughnioga WMA or Pharsalia WMA. Of course Norm and Mat Webber kept everyone entertained while ensuring that things went smoothly.