Tony from Missouri (half mile from the Missouri River) asks,
Hey Bill. Hope you're having a good holiday season. I'm sort of at a loss for one of my small hunting permissions (12 acres). After putting a camera up a couple weeks ago it is abundantly clear that our hunting spots are only getting activity between 12-4am. And very little during daylight. We are close to big ag as well. I was wondering if this might have something to do with the weather being is the 50s a lot of this winter. I'm just not sure why it is only used at night as we are maybe 300+ yards from thick typical bedding. I'd love to hear your thoughts on why this is the case.
Bill responds,
Topic: Late Season Nocturnal Bucks:
The late season can be very desolate for a deer hunter unless you have the right conditions. You need colder temps and deer that aren’t feeling hunting pressure if you hope to see them in daylight.
Tony,
What you are seeing is common during the late season. The deer you are hunting are living at least 300 yards away (that’s a long ways) and feeding closer to you, but they are only getting there after dark. This is the result of two things. As you say, the weather is a big factor. If it is really cold the deer will feed more aggressively and that brings them out in daylight much more often.
Also, the deer will still be wary from the regular firearms season. It takes time for them to relax enough to travel in daylight again. Your hunting should keep getting better as the season goes on. I would not start hunting until one of two things happen – either you start to get deer pictures in daylight or the end of the season is approaching.
If you hunt that small area too much, the deer will definitely know it and they won’t stop their nocturnal habits until the season is completely over. Good luck and Merry Christmas. (12/24/21)
