Where did they go?
08-09-2016, 10:38 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 4
Where did they go?
I've been watching a group of bachelor bucks the whole month of July, with the last photo taken on July 26th. Now 14 days later and not a single photo of a buck. I'm still seeing many does and fawns but no bucks. Do you think they're still in the area? It's strange that the group of 7 bucks were around like clockwork for the whole month only to disappear.
Last edited by rlhans00; 08-09-2016 at 10:54 AM.
08-09-2016, 04:41 PM
#3
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
The OP didn't say where he lives and what the bucks were in where he got those photos, but I would agree that they found another food source better than what they were on. I've seen up to 19 bucks and not a single doe in one lush soybean field in late August here in southern MI and they were there every night until the field turned yellow and was about ready to be harvested.
08-10-2016, 08:25 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Audubon & Red Rock, Penna.
Posts: 4,472
I would go with food source change as well, but.....he said he's still seeing plenty of doe and fawn.
Another thing that's going on now is that the days are getting shorter and the bucks' testosterone levels are going up. They still have their velvet, but not for long. They may be starting to abandon their bachelor herd mentality and looking into establishing their territories in preparation for the upcoming fall. Maybe.
Another thing that's going on now is that the days are getting shorter and the bucks' testosterone levels are going up. They still have their velvet, but not for long. They may be starting to abandon their bachelor herd mentality and looking into establishing their territories in preparation for the upcoming fall. Maybe.
Al
08-11-2016, 04:33 AM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Audubon & Red Rock, Penna.
Posts: 4,472
Already losing velvet in MI? Ours don't shed until the first week in September. I guess every buck is different. I got a picture of a buck from August 4th who still had his tips shiny and bulbous.
08-11-2016, 10:15 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Germany/Calif.
Posts: 2,664
Just a thought, but when the Antlers start to harden they need extra calcium and phosphorous in there diet. If they aren't getting it where they usually feed, they will move.
They can follow their nose for long distances trying to find needed trace elements in their diet.
Flood plans and anyplace that gets washed out on a regular basis is likely to be Calcium deficient.
They can follow their nose for long distances trying to find needed trace elements in their diet.
Flood plans and anyplace that gets washed out on a regular basis is likely to be Calcium deficient.
