Deer Science Archives - Page 26 of 43

7 07, 2016

Deer with Huge Growth: What is This Thing?

admin2020-06-10T09:16:47-04:00July 7th, 2016|Big Deer Stories, BigDeer, Deer Science|2 Comments

Blogger Danny sent this image he got recently, and here’s what he said about it: "I sent this picture to a local game warden who sent it to one of his biologist friends who thinks it is a cutaneous fibroma caused by a virus. I looked back on your blog at a similar post, and that is what you said was the real name for the growths or warts can appear on deer. "But I’m not 100% certain that this isn’t her eyeball bulging. I remember last fall seeing a doe in the front yard that appeared to have a swollen eyeball, but nothing near the size of what it is now. That thing is huge! "But I guess it’s possible [...]

5 07, 2016

3 Tips to Age Summer Bucks

admin2020-06-10T09:16:47-04:00July 5th, 2016|BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Deer Science|Comments Off on 3 Tips to Age Summer Bucks

From Cody: I recently put up my trail cam and captured a picture of a deer I have never seen before. I have more than one photo of this deer so I know he is continuously coming back into my area. I can’t seem to age him and was wondering what your thoughts were? I am from the great hunting state of Iowa and also wondering if this is a normal size for a buck this time of the year. Whitetail bucks can be tricky to judge in late spring and summer when they are happy, lazy, fat and stress-free, especially in high-producing agricultural areas with great nutrition. Many people overestimate the age of a buck now. I ran [...]

20 06, 2016

June 20, 2016: Strawberry Moon & Summer Solstice

admin2020-06-10T09:16:47-04:00June 20th, 2016|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Deer Science|Comments Off on June 20, 2016: Strawberry Moon & Summer Solstice

We talk a lot about moon phases on BIG DEER Blog because I believe the moons in the fall especially the full one in November sparks big bucks to move and hence is a great week to hunt. My ongoing interest in the moon turned up this: Today’s full moon, which coincides with the summer solstice, is a rare and once-in-a-lifetime event. The last time the full moon lined up with the longest day of the year was back in June 1967. Today there will be approximately 17 hours of light. This Full Strawberry Moon gets its name from the Algonquin tribes, who took it as a signal to gather strawberries and ripening fruit. As far as fish and game [...]

14 06, 2016

7 Facts About Summer Velvet Deer Antlers

admin2020-06-10T09:16:47-04:00June 14th, 2016|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science|1 Comment

This buck’s rack is coming along nicely. Did you know and those antlers will grow another 1/8- to ¼-inch per day for the next 2 months? Here are more interesting facts about the whitetail’s summer antlers: --Antlers are made of bone, consisting mostly of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals. Although some of the minerals needed for antler growth are taken from food, scientists note that lot of them are sucked from the buck’s skeleton, which may cause him to develop osteoporosis during the summer. Setting mineral licks for the deer can help. --Throughout June and July, velvet antlers grow via a complex system of blood vessels, which causes them to be hot to the touch. Top whitetail scientist Dr. [...]

13 06, 2016

What Causes Warts and Tumors on Deer?

admin2020-06-10T09:16:47-04:00June 13th, 2016|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Hunting, Deer Science|4 Comments

Big Deer Hunt Teamer and Montana bowhunter Lucas Strommen was haying on his ranch near the Milk River a few summers ago when he found this buck next to a dike, “gasping for breath and suffering, apparently near death.” The buck had large warts or tumors that nearly covered one side of his face. One growth had sealed his right eye shut. The largest one was about the size of a tennis ball. He had other numerous growths on his back, some around his groin area, a larger one on his leg, a bunch more behind his head and others on the left side of his head and face. Montana law prohibits a citizen to put an animal out of its misery, [...]