Deer Science Archives - Page 2 of 36

4 12, 2020

Hunt Late Deer Rut on Public Land

Clay Hanback2020-11-23T14:14:18-05:00December 4th, 2020|Big Deer TV, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Deer Rut, Deer Science, whitetail deer|Comments Off on Hunt Late Deer Rut on Public Land

Here’s an opportunity for you public-land hunters if you’ve not shot your buck yet. In a study awhile back, scientists at Mississippi State’s vaunted deer research program found that in early to mid-December (or into mid-January in Southern areas with a peak rut in December) you can often have good rutting action on a typical WMA or national forest where does far outnumber bucks. The biologists said that on uncultivated land where the buck:doe ratio is out of whack, there aren’t enough bucks to breed most of the adult does during the peak November estrus cycle. Some 28 days later the “missed” does come back into heat. But since there aren’t as many hot-to-trot does now, the estrus ones draw [...]

8 09, 2020

Hanback Named QDMA 2020 Communicator Of Year For Writing And TV Work On Whitetail Deer

Clay Hanback2020-09-08T08:52:32-04:00September 8th, 2020|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Deer Science, whitetail deer|3 Comments

Very honored and humbled to receive this award from the professionals at QDMA. Here’s the press release.—M.H. ATHENS, GA - The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is pleased to name Mike Hanback its 2020 Signpost Communicator of the Year. Hanback is a recognized and long-time outdoor writer and blogger who created and hosts Big Deer TV on the Sportsman Channel, now preparing to film its tenth season for television. “QDMA presents this award annually to an outdoor communicator who shares accurate information with deer hunters, works to ensure a strong future for whitetails, and supports the QDMA and its mission,” said Lindsay Thomas Jr., QDMA Director of Communications. “Mike has been doing all of these things for years through his [...]

25 08, 2020

When Do Bucks Shed Velvet?

Clay Hanback2020-08-25T09:42:44-04:00August 25th, 2020|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science, whitetail deer|Comments Off on When Do Bucks Shed Velvet?

In most parts of the country, the antler growth for whitetail deer is done for the year. Sometime between September 1 and 15 bucks will shed their velvet. The cue for antler hardening and velvet shedding is the change in photo-period caused by decreasing daylight and increasing darkness, which results in a significant increase in the bucks’ testosterone. Velvet shedding typically takes only a couple of hours, though it is not uncommon to see a deer walking around for day or two with bloody velvet tatters. One last thing you might not know: Bucks have been known to turn their heads and peel or even eat velvet that dangles off their new racks. Soon after shedding, the tree rubbing and [...]

17 08, 2020

Chronic Wasting Disease 2020 Update

Clay Hanback2020-08-17T16:35:45-04:00August 17th, 2020|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, CWD, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Deer Science, Hunting News, whitetail deer|Comments Off on Chronic Wasting Disease 2020 Update

Here is a sampling of news from the National Deer Alliance’s (NDA) latest update on all things Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Click here to read the full report. Kansas: In mid-July, the Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of CWD in a captive deer herd in Osage County. While CWD has been detected in wild deer populations in many western Kansas counties, this is the first documented positive case in eastern Kansas. Minnesota: The DNR announced a new process for hunters to get their deer tested for CWD. This year, testing will not be mandatory in an effort to mitigate the risk of spreading coronavirus during the pandemic. Last year, hunters in designated CWD zones were required to visit [...]

9 07, 2020

3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Velvet Deer Antlers

Clay Hanback2020-07-09T08:07:56-04:00July 9th, 2020|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science|1 Comment

Velvet antlers grow via a complex system of blood vessels, which causes them to be hot to the touch. Top whitetail scientist Dr. Grant Woods notes, “There is so much blood carrying protein and minerals to a buck’s antlers this time of year that even small antlers are easily detected by thermal imaging devices. Antler tines show up like neon signs when flying over with thermal cameras in summer.” Tiny hairs on the velvet stick out and make the antlers look bigger than they are. The hairs act as a radar system so the buck won’t bump into trees, fence posts, etc. and damage his soft antlers. Sebum, a semi-liquid secretion, on the hairs gives the velvet a shiny look. [...]