Deer Feeding great winter fun

February 4, 2010 10d Comments

Deer feeding has become my new favourite winter pastime!

 

Although I have much experience with big-game management and the running of a deer yard, it has been many years since I did it.

 

Now with 7 – 10 deer feeding regularly, I am getting to watch some great shows out my back window.

 

One thing I have noticed is how territorial and possessive deer can be. The females especially!

 

This poor family group below is only allowed to feed once another 4 member family group is done.  There is a hierarchy to it, it seems.

 

And if a fawn from one group feeds, or even or walks, too close to the doe from the second group, she’ll receive a sharp hoof to the head!

The funny part is, they all leave together and bed together in the same area every night…but when it comes to feeding, watch out!

 

Every deer has their place and you will be reminded quickly should you forget!

BLOGDEER1

10 thoughts on “Deer Feeding great winter fun”

  2. I am surprised to read that Jeff “enjoys hunting” whilst claiming to be a conservationist. I realize that they are not mutually exclusive, however, i do tend to wonder if Jeff would enjoy shooting some of these deer instead of feeding them? If anything, feeding the deer is encouraging them to be less wary of humans possibly, thereby making them more vulnerable to hunters?

  3. They are elegant, that’s for sure..and their ability to communicate through body language and vocalization is really neat too…for the few small sounds, bleats and grunts they make, other deer sure seem to know what they mean!

    Another great indicator is their tail..which can tell a lot about how they’re feeling – up to alert danger, down when content and twitching when other deer approach.

    Thanks for the note Jessica..I’ll try to get more pics up soon.

    Outdoorsguy

  4. Hi Daunna, thanks for the note of concern.

    Many people find it hard to believe I am such an animal lover. You know, most hunters are, in fact, great lovers of animals and of nature. One also needs to remember that hunting and trapping are indeed a big part of Conservation; it has always been that way.

    The definition of Conservation btw is “The wise use and harvest of our renewal natural resources, in order to benefit the most people for the longest period of time”

    Also, I do not hunt because I hate deer..I hunt becuase I love and respect them. And as far as the animals I feed at my home, they are like my pets and I would never ever think of shooting them. The thought has honestly never crossed my mind, and I would be heartbroken if someone tried. My joy truly is in observing and filming these beautiful animals.

    I suppose it is difficult to explain – as other hunters/conservationists will attest to – on one hand I feed and nurture the white-tailed deer, then in the fall I still go away deer hunting. It is difficult to explain, but I can tell you it has nothing to do with cruelty or disrespect towards these animals..

    I believe most hunters are like me. We do not go to the woods to kill..and most times return home empty handed. Over the past 6 seasons I have taken but one deer, not because I didn’t have the opportunity as there were many. I personally choose to wait until the time is right and do not feel the need to harvest immature animals. That’s just me, even though conservation dictates that we must keep all members of the herd in check..

    The property my deer live-on is posted ‘no hunting’ and is completely private. These animals have never been hunted, and if I have my way they never will be. Their only limiting factors are deep snow, harsh winters and cars.

    Thanks for the comment Daunna hopefully I have explained a bit more where I am coming from?

    Outdoorsguy

  5. I thank you for this info and perspective, Jeff. I, myself, am a staunch supporter of Peta, Sea Shepherd, and other animal activist (I embrace the word “activist”) organizations, and I have never been able to comprehend the taking of an animal’s life via the practice of hunting. Using cunning, sleuth, bating tactics, high powered rifles and the like, seems like such a cowardly approach. Considering that we no longer need to rely on hunting for our survival I do interpret it as a “sporting” event in reality.
    I would hope that some day you will be enlightened enough to allow your love of animals to guide you in giving up hunting?
    Regards.

  6. very well said Jeff 🙂

    and Daunna I really hope you reconsider you affiliation with groups who try to push their viewpoints through intimidation and illegal tactics.

    Can I ask if you eat meat or are you a strict vegetarian?? Do you wear leather? Do you have pets??

    Most hunters respect nature much more than the “activists”

  8. Dolly, it should make you feel better to know that today this three member family group
    fed freely with no trouble from the other group…

    I dont think deer take a hoof to the head as personally as, say, a human would.

    Outdoorsguy

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