Will deer cross a river?
 

The property I hunt is bordered by a small river, its no more than 15yds wide at its biggest point and 6ft deep at the most. I was wondering if deer would cross that in order to get to food or bedding areas. I have seen some really nice bucks on the other property and was just wondering if it would be possible that the bucks may cross the river during the rut in search of does.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

They definately will cross the river. I was putting a stand up a few years ago near a creek about the same size during the rut and a nice 8 pointer came running through and went right through the creek. he was hot on the heels of a doe!!

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Thats awesome!! Hope they do the same for me!

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

I've seen deer swimming accross the Mississippi river before, where it's almost a mile wide. If they'll cross that, there isn't much they won't do.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Yep, had one I bumped too hard while still-hunting a few years ago jump into the Mississippi and swim it. Deer are excellent swimmers.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

It is amazing how fast deer can swim with those skinny legs

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

They will cross river or a lake just like any other animal. I live on a lake and often see deer swimming. They must cross to get to the other side.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

absolutely they will cross the river - I have seen them crossing the Mississippi when we are duck hunting.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Deer use rivers as natural travel routes, and cross them all the time. They do not have to be pushed. I Hunt couple stands where they cross. You can really hear them coming, LOL

Once you learn how the deer in your are use and travel the river, you will see some pretty cool stuff.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Deer will swim a lake.

We've all seen the buck swimming lake Erie pictures.

We've all seen the buck swimming out in the ocean rescued.

Deer are great swimmers, I wouldn't say they love water but they sure don't mind it. ;)

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

I can definitely attest to the fact that they will cross/swim a river. I used to hunt just off the edge of a river as the does and yearlings would cross the bridge every morning and every evening. The bucks swam the river 10-80 yards downwind. The bucks never used the bridge.
Never shot one there as some guy claimed that the crown land was his and insisted on standing and talking/threatening/yelling at me while I was in my stand. I don't hunt there anymore, as I took my stand down that morning and haven't been back. I hunt for the peace and quiet, not to hang around idiots. I could stay in the city for that...

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Yes, deer will cross rivers.

I saw about 25 deer swimming across Lake Springfield years ago when I was leaving Bass Pro.

I also hunt an island back home in the middle of Lake Dardanelle. Deer swim back and forth from it and to it for cover.

Deer are actually pretty decent swimmers. Unless it's the Mississippi or some other huge roaring river, most deer won't think twice about crossing it.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

in dog hunting country they love the rivers. theres a piece of property i hunt in viginia thats surrounded by hunt clubs who run deer dogs in gun season. if you sit on the river you will see more deer than in the woods! they just jump in and take a ride to a new spot when they are tired of being chased i guess.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Here is a pick of deer swimming across lake springfield in MO.

RE: Will deer cross a river?
 

Absolutely!!! If you get the time walk the entire shoreline of the river that is ontheproperty you huntand look for some consistantlyshallow andnarrowareas thatwould be easiest for the deer to cross the riveron a routine basis. Look for tracks coming in and out of the waterand you have yourself a sweet stand location come the rut! More B&C and P&Y class deer are harvested from creek/river bottom settings than any other type of environment in field. As opposed to fence rows, in the middle of a "big woods", overlooking a field, ect...'''

However, pieceof advice,sitting in a stand,bya river, with rushing water,forhours at a time, will make you want topee every five minutes so make sure you limit your drinking while in the stand anduse the restroombeforeyou start your hunt!!!Other than that you'll be in for a real treat!!!

Good luck!

This is my 2006 Buck with the river in the background