hyperflow Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 Im just wondering what would make deer nocturnal? This year for some wierd reason deer we;re not comming out in daylight. I had a trail camera there from early sept to end of november and i only got a hand full of daylight pictures and a tone of night time. 90% of the deer that i had pictures of never showed themselfs in daylight hours all fall. Its not hunting pressure cuz there is just me and my wife hunting are 1000 acher property and we are weekend hunters. I hunt over a approx 5 acher foodplot and the prior year i would allways see 5-15 deer in a 3 hour seating, this past fall i never saw a horn the hole fall comming out in the food plot in daylight hours Also somthing i found wierd is my doe to buck ratio is way out of wack, i would have 8 buck pictures for 1 doe. i found that odd? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 People. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyperflow Posted February 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 We hunt in a remote area that is gated. Id understand maybe when we would be there that it would maybe make a few deer nocturnal, but all of them? Also they wouldn;t even come out in daylight hours when we wern;t there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 Hunting over a food plot is usually a bad idea as you will either get bagged going in or bagged coming out. Also checking trail cameras makes disturbance and puts down scent regardless of how you try to eliminate them. You have to resist the temptation to be checking cameras and watching food plots. Are you sure no one else is hunting your fringe areas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 Well deer are naturally nocturnal in the first place. Getting 8 bucks to 1 doe picture is weird but most of the buck pictures I get are at night here too, especially after they sense humans are in their domain. If they weren't coming to that food plot during daylight hours there probably were other food sources in the cover that weren't available or far less abundant last year. That situation happens on my hunting grounds during some years. Whenever we have an abundant acorn crop, daylight sightings at food plots drop off dramatically. They basically feed on acorns and the vast majority of the deer utilizing food plots don't show up until after dark. Also, if you're just hunting weekends, are you sure there aren't others helping themselves to your happy hunting grounds during the week? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Well deer are naturally nocturnal in the first place. Getting 8 bucks to 1 doe picture is weird but most of the buck pictures I get are at night here too, especially after they sense humans are in their domain. If they weren't coming to that food plot during daylight hours there probably were other food sources in the cover that weren't available or far less abundant last year. That situation happens on my hunting grounds during some years. Whenever we have an abundant acorn crop, daylight sightings at food plots drop off dramatically. They basically feed on acorns and the vast majority of the deer utilizing food plots don't show up until after dark. Also, if you're just hunting weekends, are you sure there aren't others helping themselves to your happy hunting grounds during the week? I have to agree with Al .... and I wouldn't be surprised if you had hunters visiting the area in question, a high amount of human presence will be the #1 factor for your hunting woods becoming a nocturnal haven ,,, I know have alot of trespassers on the family farm I hunt, and have just faced the facts that this is part of hunting, whether you want them there or not .. Just make the best of what you have and enjoy the time in the hunting woods you have .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorden Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 People would definitely be my guess. Our deer around here are very nocturnal and it definitely is because we are in our woods too much. My brother checks trail cameras like every other day and thinks he knows it all so he doesnt listen when we say that he is spooking the deer but hes 16 and thinks he knows it all:rolleyes:...and my grandpa is up there constantly doing something but it is his land so I really cant argue with him:D Neighbors definitely could be tresspassing on your land to. One of our neighbors must have a screw loose or something because he thinks he can walk on our land wherever he wants and we have caught him a few time. When deer change their patterns so drastically like you explained it most likely could be attributed to a increase in human pressure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS whitetail Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 When deer change their patterns so drastically like you explained it most likely could be attributed to a increase in human pressure. __________________ just what he said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Deer are actually crepuscular, so I don't think your situation sounds out of the ordinary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Deer are actually crepuscular, so I don't think your situation sounds out of the ordinary. Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active during twilight, that is at dawn and at dusk.[1] The word is derived from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning "twilight".[1] Crepuscular is thus in contrast with diurnal and nocturnal behavior. Crepuscular animals may also be active on a bright moonlit night. Many animals that are casually described as nocturnal are in fact crepuscular.[citation needed] Within the definition of crepuscular are the terms matutinal (or "matinal") and vespertine, denoting species active in the dawn and dusk respectively. The patterns of activity are thought to be an antipredator adaptation. Many predators forage most intensely at night, while others are active at mid-day and see best in full sun. Thus the crepuscular habit may reduce predation. Additionally, in hot areas, it may be a way of avoiding thermal stress while capitalizing on available light. Crepuscular mammals include the red panda, cat, dog, deer, moose, rabbit, chinchilla, ferret, guinea pig, hamster, common mouse, skunk, rat, and capybara. Crepuscular birds include the common nighthawk, chimney swift, American woodcock and spotted crake. Some animals that are extinct were also crepuscular such as the Tasmanian Tiger. Some species have different habits in the absence of predators. For example, the short-eared owl is crepuscular on those of the Galápagos Islands that have buzzard species, but diurnal on those without. Many moths, beetles, flies, and other insects are crepuscular as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active during twilight, that is at dawn and at dusk.[1] The word is derived from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning "twilight".[1] Crepuscular is thus in contrast with diurnal and nocturnal behavior. Crepuscular animals may also be active on a bright moonlit night. Many animals that are casually described as nocturnal are in fact crepuscular.[citation needed] Within the definition of crepuscular are the terms matutinal (or "matinal") and vespertine, denoting species active in the dawn and dusk respectively. The patterns of activity are thought to be an antipredator adaptation. Many predators forage most intensely at night, while others are active at mid-day and see best in full sun. Thus the crepuscular habit may reduce predation. Additionally, in hot areas, it may be a way of avoiding thermal stress while capitalizing on available light. Crepuscular mammals include the red panda, cat, dog, deer, moose, rabbit, chinchilla, ferret, guinea pig, hamster, common mouse, skunk, rat, and capybara. Crepuscular birds include the common nighthawk, chimney swift, American woodcock and spotted crake. Some animals that are extinct were also crepuscular such as the Tasmanian Tiger. Some species have different habits in the absence of predators. For example, the short-eared owl is crepuscular on those of the Galápagos Islands that have buzzard species, but diurnal on those without. Many moths, beetles, flies, and other insects are crepuscular as well. I learnt ya, didn't I. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Yep ,, 43 and still hitting the books when needed .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Yep ,, 43 and still hitting the books when needed .. LOL. Keep reading my posts and you will have people looking at you funny the way people look at me funny when I pull out a word like crepuscular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirkV Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Chris you kill me!!!!!!!! LOL but yes deer are mainly nocturnal and their eyes work best during these hours. They also get worse as they age and learn that us big bad people with the bang sticks are after them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Well Professor Pileski I must agree to disagree with you. Deer may have been crepuscular critters at one time but since hunters took over the role of the wolf hunting their prey intensely during twilight hours, deer have become far more nocturnal, diurnal or whatever you want to call it. Trail cameras operating 24 hours/day don't lie. Thus...hunters are for the most part crepuscular predators. However, with that said deer do return to being crepuscular critters in the absence of hunter pressure. That's pretty easy to ascertain by simply glassing food sources, setting out trail camers, or however you choose to scout them in the months preceeding the opening of hunting season. It doesn't take deer long for them to adapt to the presence of these crepuscular predators though. I hope I got all of your lingo straight. :rolleyes: BTW...pigs are essentially nocturnal but occasionally exhibit crepuscular traits. If you don't have them...count your blessings. With that said...you're created an urge for me to grab an adult beverage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PA_Spike_King Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Hey you guys are going to have to try typeing and thinking on a different scale here as I can't keep up with you all and I just may have to find another forum that I can relate to. :D. You guys sure can make a man laugh. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 When was the last time you observed deer in their 100% natural surroundings ? I'll bet NEVER. Someone builds a new home, someone clears a patch of woods, a new road goes in, their environment is always changing and usually for the worst. The deer will change along with it in order to survive. By nature deer are crepuscular, however this will change in order to react with their surroundings. Deer are also ruminants. This means that they will feed every six hours regardless of the time of day. Remember, they don't have watches or calendars. I also believe that certain deer are more nocturnal than others and that they are born that way. If you live in an area where there are no natural predators, they nocturnal deer stand a better chance of living to a ripe old age. I'm fortunate enough to be able to watch a pretty large deer population right where I live. Mornings, mid-day, evenings, and night are all active feeding times. The "big-boys" usually move more at night and twilight. The more I think about it, they don't do this BECAUSE they are big...........They are big BECAUSE they do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyperflow Posted February 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Geez, now that i think of it the deer that i got mounted, the guy that is mounting is swares up and down that theres a .22 bullet hole in his ear. I personaly think that it was a branch draging him out of the woods, But he says its a burn mark. If sombudy hunting my land they are very smart, There is one way in and one way out. And im allways worried about sombudy hunting so im allways checking for ATV tracks and i allways boobie trap my treestands to see if sombudy went in them. And if they walk from the outsides well his in really good shape cuz it would be a lonnnngggg walk. For the trailcam coment, haha as hard as it is i do not run and check my trailcams all the time. What i do is have a extra SD card for all my camera's and when i go in the stand to hunt i switch the SD cards and then check the pictures when i get at camp after then hunt with the labtop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Well Professor Pileski I must agree to disagree with you. Deer may have been crepuscular critters at one time but since hunters took over the role of the wolf hunting their prey intensely during twilight hours, deer have become far more nocturnal, diurnal or whatever you want to call it. Trail cameras operating 24 hours/day don't lie. Thus...hunters are for the most part crepuscular predators. However, with that said deer do return to being crepuscular critters in the absence of hunter pressure. That's pretty easy to ascertain by simply glassing food sources, setting out trail camers, or however you choose to scout them in the months preceeding the opening of hunting season. It doesn't take deer long for them to adapt to the presence of these crepuscular predators though. I hope I got all of your lingo straight. :rolleyes: I concur with the esteemed gentleman from Mississippi. With that said...you're created an urge for me to grab an adult beverage. Glad I could help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active during twilight, that is at dawn and at dusk.[1] The word is derived from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning "twilight".[1] Crepuscular is thus in contrast with diurnal and nocturnal behavior. Crepuscular animals may also be active on a bright moonlit night. Many animals that are casually described as nocturnal are in fact crepuscular.[citation needed] Within the definition of crepuscular are the terms matutinal (or "matinal") and vespertine, denoting species active in the dawn and dusk respectively. The patterns of activity are thought to be an antipredator adaptation. Many predators forage most intensely at night, while others are active at mid-day and see best in full sun. Thus the crepuscular habit may reduce predation. Additionally, in hot areas, it may be a way of avoiding thermal stress while capitalizing on available light. Crepuscular mammals include the red panda, cat, dog, deer, moose, rabbit, chinchilla, ferret, guinea pig, hamster, common mouse, skunk, rat, and capybara. Crepuscular birds include the common nighthawk, chimney swift, American woodcock and spotted crake. Some animals that are extinct were also crepuscular such as the Tasmanian Tiger. Some species have different habits in the absence of predators. For example, the short-eared owl is crepuscular on those of the Galápagos Islands that have buzzard species, but diurnal on those without. Many moths, beetles, flies, and other insects are crepuscular as well. I was thinking the same thing....really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layin on the smackdown Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 its too darn early for me to be spitting out large words, much less reading and comprehending them... so im goona stay away from words like craptacular and so on... I agree with alot of what everyone is saying on here, but I cant believe no one has mentioned moon phases...moon phases have a lot to do with when deer will move/feed/bed etc... very interesting thread nonetheless...i have learned some new exciting words today, and now my brain hurts:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 its too darn early for me to be spitting out large words, much less reading and comprehending them... so im goona stay away from words like craptacular and so on... very interesting thread nonetheless...i have learned some new exciting words today, and now my brain hurts:D :D:D Roflmbo! :o:rolleyes: I do have to agree with Dan, moon phases definitely play an important role in deer movement. Dakota Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyperflow Posted February 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 i think nobudy said moon phaze because i had my trail cam up from the starting of sept to the end of november. I was hoping for this big technial awnser about how the moon and stars didn;t line up and the angle of the sun was all wrong etc... It was just a wierd year for the hole zone i hunt in this year, nobudy was seeing/killing deer this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 I think I remember stepping in some of that crepuscular once. It was all over the soles of my shoes. What a mess!!! Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 I wouldnt worry about a hole in your deer's ear. Even if it was a .22 (more likely buckshot), doesnt mean you have company. Bucks cover A LOT of territory during the rut, and your buck could have been shot from 5 miles away from your place. Deer are just naturally going to have some nocturnal feeding. Hunting pressure, and deer population have a lot to do with this. More has to do with feeding patterns. When they're moving in the evenings, they'll move, but some periods your going to be hard pressed to see deer in food plots. But like was mentioned, deer adapt. To a degree the more human activity the more deer move comfortably. We always have deer in the camp yard in the evening eating grass while we BS, and they pay us no mind. It's not people deer fear, it's change in their everyday souroundings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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