Squirrel's effect on deer.

[Reefdonkey]

This question may apply more to hunters in the South-East. Do you guys think that squirrel activity hampers deer movement? This was just something that I was thinking of yesterday as I was sitting in my stand watching no less than a dozen squirrels getting fat off of this years bumper acorn crop. I didn't see any deer, but I know where I am going squirrel hunting after deer season.

[VAhuntr]

That's a good question. I have wondered the same thing about the flocks of turkeys I have been seeing this fall. Man they make more noise than anything in the fall woods! Now back to your question. Ihave never seen deer pay any attention to squirels but I have watched several times as squirrels barked at deer.

[weakie]

they dont have an effect. i wondered the same thing but have watched deer walk up and feed with them 3-4 ft away. i think the deer hear the difference. squirrels seem to make noise for like 5-6 seconds then stop. its like rustle rustle.....pause.....rustle rustle. i think the deer know it when they walk towards them.

[one on one]

man i hope they don't, if they do i'm going squarrel hunting hard and heavy,must be mating season cause i've been seeing three and four chasing each other.

[Reefdonkey]

I really didn't think thatthey did, but the Oak ridge that I have been hunting is wrapped up with them. Like I said after January 1 I will be scouting the area with my newly rebarreled 10/22 so that I can cook up some fried squirrel and gravy.

[jestan007]

I've heard that turkeys make a deer feel more comfortable.

[frizzellr]

Squirrels should make deer feel more comfortable too since they are some of the best watchdogs in the woods. I have shot deer with squirrels only a few yards away.

[FirstBow]

There can be too many squirrels. [:'(]
I had too many at one time and they wood raise sand when the deer came out or atME. They were too noisy. The deer would be more jumpy and would just leave or travel aroundavoid that area all together.
But a few is good. I use them to alert me of things. Shoot I have seen Eagles thanks to the squirrels yackin out.
So the answer is to many is not good, but a few is great. That is unless you makin squirrel PIE!
Dag-burncrows get on my nerves [:@]

Use all of nature for a better hunt and a good lesson in.............................SURVIVAL!!

[Tree climber]

I was just thinking about the birds and squirrels feeding over the weekend. sat. it was quiet and no birds or squirrels around.then in about 45 min. or so all of a sudden I heard the birds singing and the squirrels started to feed. lots of brush noise.
then in about 10 to 15 min. a nice 6pt. came into a lane and started to feed.now I can start to feed on him.

it is a good thing to watch whats going on around in the woods. if things start to move, keep a close eye.

I have taken deer with squirrels feeding right with them,several at a time. so I don't think they bother them,I think it helps to have them around.they all take Q's from one another. JMHO.

[FlDeerman]

I agree with Tree Climber,they are just part of the woods and the deer no they are there.