nocturnal whitetails
10-23-2002, 03:54 PM
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 6,921
RE: nocturnal whitetails
Nocturnal, is something we can't guess, predict or know...it just seems to happen and sometimes for no real reason. Deer tend to come later and spend less time in the open areas in full moon phase, in my area.
I know that baiting or feeding during season is best suited to am vs pm. Deer will often bed in the area of these sights, so booting deer off will happen, it seems that the earlier, quicker and most direct route is the best option when restocking. I know many outfitters, that only bait till noon, they will often not hunt that bait for a day or so to allow scent, etc to dwindle...in all cases these sites or baits prove to be successful for future hunts. Most of the deer taken at these baits are between 10-3...so hardly nocturnal. Now I must add these are in remote, forest location which see very little human interaction. I think a lot depends on the area and pressure. One thing I also have found that deer will pattern to that particular activity period if you will, meaning if hunter abound during first and last light deer will often lay low and venture out during mid day period & at night...so take all things in to consideration to decide when to bait or feed and when to hunt. I don't believe deer will only move a night or be totally nocturnal, especially during rut. It really a matter of patience and knowing your area to a T.
I know that baiting or feeding during season is best suited to am vs pm. Deer will often bed in the area of these sights, so booting deer off will happen, it seems that the earlier, quicker and most direct route is the best option when restocking. I know many outfitters, that only bait till noon, they will often not hunt that bait for a day or so to allow scent, etc to dwindle...in all cases these sites or baits prove to be successful for future hunts. Most of the deer taken at these baits are between 10-3...so hardly nocturnal. Now I must add these are in remote, forest location which see very little human interaction. I think a lot depends on the area and pressure. One thing I also have found that deer will pattern to that particular activity period if you will, meaning if hunter abound during first and last light deer will often lay low and venture out during mid day period & at night...so take all things in to consideration to decide when to bait or feed and when to hunt. I don't believe deer will only move a night or be totally nocturnal, especially during rut. It really a matter of patience and knowing your area to a T.
