Deer observers need to stay alert

Jerry Davis For Agri-View

White-tailed deer enthusiasts are always alert to deer activity regardless of the calendar season. Deer seasons never end, they say – what changes is only the places, and what is watched and gained month to month. Enthusiasts are many in addition to hunters, who have already installed their trail cameras – some that transmit images directly to a deer enthusiast’s phone.

Each group of watchers can probably learn from other deer-likers about what to notice, what to look for, and where and when to watch in preparation of peak activity seasons. It’s up to the watcher to determine what all those actions mean about the deer.

Most citizen scientists have a stake in the knowledge being recorded mentally, digitally and on informal “spreadsheets.” The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hears plenty from hard-core hunters but would also accept opinions and information from other deer lovers.

“The statewide Conservation Congress spring hearings are a great place to start getting those opinions and that information to us,” said Jeff Pritzl, WDNR deer-program specialist. “In addition, citizens can contact me or their county wildlife biologist with questions and observations.”

The WDNR really does value the information, he said, because it’s literally coming from boots on the ground, from those who care and are in a position to gather.

Deer coats are beginning to change. Going away are the beautiful summer red and spotted fawn coats as September looms toward the archery season opening Sept. 13. Those spots tend to fade away as new hairs replace the older, white hairs. Spots are also farther apart now.

Buck-antler growth is slowing, and may even have stopped. Antler tips are no longer rounded knobs but more pointed in spite of the velvet covering. Admirers speak of the most beautiful animals – red coats, velvet antlers and well-fed animals. A month from now, all that will have changed.

Adult does change coat colors, have bulked up some, and look prime and stately, even without an antler rack. Some years and some animals in some habitats have had their share of biting insects, rubbed areas from environment’s many objects, and maybe an ear-flesh injury. Anything deviating from the stately condition may be symptoms of disease, including chronic wasting disease, CWD.

It’s informative and eye-opening to note who is doing what out there and why, because we all have a stake in the population. Opinion and observation are important to Wisconsin’s deer biologists.

Observers have different concerns and biases. Farmers are concerned whether their outside rows of field corn are absent most ears; partially eaten ears might have developed corn smut fungal disease. Travelers wonder about flies and water sources, or whether playful fawns are going to dart out of nowhere into traffic lanes. Food-pantry managers wonder if regulations will encourage venison donations. Outdoors outlets worry about ammunition and hunter-supply availability. Convenience-store managers contemplate new lunch packages that might bring hungry hunters, and ordinary folks, looking to fuel up. New hunters scan checking accounts and credit-card balances. Engaged couples move nuptials away from opening dates. And even peak rut periods of adult deer are holidays that push aside human holidays.

Deer in general, look healthy, well-fed and stately as Wisconsin’s state wildlife animal should at this time of summer. And there seem to be many deer in most areas, and why not? The does had fawns and most factors that diminish the herd have just begun to kick in.

Trout fishers may pretend to give a blind eye to deer, but some have noticed and commented that they have seen more deer in more places – even wading in shallow pools and streams. Water in yard fountains has mysteriously disappeared overnight.

Bret Schultz of Black Earth, Wisconsin, said several features are generally on a fisher’s side – water flow, water temperature, bothersome insects, maturing grasshoppers and streamside vegetation that influences trout fly-fishing.

“Flows on most streams are good, but the streamside vegetation can be a nightmare,” he said. “Terrestrial insects, particularly grasshoppers, are maturing and there are incredible populations. One has to fish at a time when the water temperature in not detrimental to a hooked fish. Hopper fishing is going to be fabulous in a few days.”

Trout fishing with terrestrial-insect fly patterns started 75 years ago in Pennsylvania, Schulz said.

“Guys wrote about lying along the stream and looking for any insect that fell or jumped into the water and then copied that insect with a fly-fishing pattern,” he said.

Hopper fishing has become one the best fish-catching periods of the season, but at times the water temperature, flow and mosquitoes are against the angler.

Actual gathering is somewhat limited now, other than eating a fruit breakfast in the woods beside a blackberry-bramble patch and taking a fish home for lunch. Photography is always in season.

Watching and assessing hard-mast development can be tricky, but bur oaks top most lists and should give early archers and fall turkey hunters a location come Sept. 13. Reports of oyster mushrooms, sulfur shelves, maitake and puffball mushrooms have been limited but cooler days and nights should be ideal. Stir fries will follow.

Last, and most importantly, personal preparation for scouting treks and actual gathering should include measuring physical condition, mental preparation, land-access approvals, and gear and clothing for upcoming seasons – including first aid kits.

This is an original article written for Agri-View, a Lee Enterprises agricultural publication based in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit AgriView.com for more information.