When a deer stomps its hoof, it is a signal to other deer that something is wrong. At the same time the deer leaves a larger than normal amount of interdigital scent from between its hooves on the ground. That scent may be interpreted by other deer as a warning signal. Deer may also leave metatarsal scent (from the outside of their hind leg) when they are alarmed. Again this may spook other deer.
The foot stomp and head bob are the deer's attempt to get a possible predator to jump and give its position away. When they do it, don't move. If the deer can't smell you or see you, hold still, still. If you stay still for 3-4 minutes, without them seeing or smelling your, they usually forget you are there, or exactly where you are.
I usually tell my hunters to wait a day (if they can) or move to another site for a few days before using that site again. The same thing holds true when you call or rattle in a buck. If it doesn't see a deer or a decoy when it comes in, it usually won't come in to the same spot more than three times. They do learn.

If you have more or specific questions post a new question addressed to me here, or e-mail me.

Look for my upcoming articles in the e-magazine.

T.R. Michels, writer, seminar speaker
Trinity Mountain Outdoors
[email protected]



T.R. Michels