Believe it or not, deer are peculiar little creatures and can be pretty tough to actually get a handle on. In order to actually figure how to kill a deer, you must first determine where their home is. Once you have figured out where they sleep, eat and drink, all you need to do is determine when you should hunt and when you shouldn’t and then wait on the best conditions. In terms of location, every hunter needs to become familiar with the following seven things regarding the home range of a buck:
- They Aren’t Square, Circular or Even Rectangular
What comes to mind when you think of a home range? Probably a square block, right? Well, this isn’t the case for a buck’s home range. In fact, it isn’t any type of regular shape; instead, it is an organic shape – no regular form whatsoever. For deer, a home range is established based on needs and where it can be found.
- Bedding, Food and Water All Play Roles
The availability of bedding cover, food and water will play a huge role on a buck’s home range. Since these are the three primary needs of deer, they will significantly influence the shape, size and location of a deer’s home range.
- They’re Fluid
A deer’s home range can and will change. In many cases, there will be a different home range during the spring and summer than during the fall and winter. Sometimes, bucks will change from year to year.
- The Core Area Is Different Than the Home Range
A home range is the area where the deer lives. As a general rule, this consists of roughly 650 acres. The core area is the area where the deer will spend the majority of its time – roughly 75 to 80 percent. Usually, this consists of somewhere between 50 and 75 acres.
- Deer Like to Go on Excursions
It isn’t uncommon for deer to venture outside of their home range. There are even studies that have previously documented this type of behavior. In fact, this may explain why there are sometimes random deer that show up for a couple of days and then disappear forever.
- Pressure May or May Not Be a Factor
Although not all, there are some deer that are negatively impacted by pressure. Every deer has a different reaction to human intrusion. Ultimately, it is a theory that is best left untested. Try to stay off their radar.
- Each Deer Is Unique with Different Traits
Like humans, deer have their own personalities, which means that they have their own traits, habits, etc. So, each deer has its own bedding habits, food preferences, travel routines, etc. This also means that there are no two deer that have the same home ranges or core areas.
For more information on home ranges, get in touch with us at Full Draw Archery.
