A ranch I have been hunting for the last 5 years or so had a helicopter survey last week and it seems all the mature deer we have seen from the ground have disappeared(only one mature deer was spotted). We have video taped at least a half dozen mature deer so far this year and know from last year there should be about 12-15 bucks at least 5+ yrs old, so where did they go? Hard to believe they could escape the chopper. Anyone have any experience with their big deer vanishing? One other question for you guys. This ranch has been intensely managed for about seven years and there is a large number of solid 2.5-3.5 yr old deer with VERY few middle aged deer, so how many years does it normally take for a ranch to really show the effects of deer management if things are done right? The ranch (in northen McMullen county) is around 2000 acres and has all natural genetics, it has been high-fenced for about 12 years. Deer density is good, buck to doe ratio is almost 1:1, and there is year round water with plenty of natural forage. We are stumped, just can't seem to break any deer over the 175" mark. Any input or info you all could share would be greatly appreciated.
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Not sure about your genetics, but regarding the chopper survey, we quit doing them about 10 years ago. Our ranch is right on the Rio Grande and the Border Patrol started flying choppers regularly and after a year or two of that, the deer got used to them and would not run from them any longer. Our biologist told us the last two years we did it that it was really a waste of our money so we quit. Today, the BP will fly over our stand locations and if there are any deer at the feeders, they don't even stop and look or flinch... they just completely ignore the choppers... Don't know how often you have been flying the place or if it is close enough to the border to see BP choppers regularly, that might be your problem.. could be your deer are just used to them now too... -
Hunkered down with does I would imagine. Chopper sometimes won't get the big boys up if they have seen it before.
You should be seeing some results after 7 years - getting the age structure right should only take 5 or so years if you're limiting mistakes. Any external factors worth considering - any potential for die-off following the rut in the drought a couple years ago? Anthrax - I know there were a couple small cases immediately following the drought? Also, @ a 1:1, your buck mortality is going to be a little bit higher from the rut as well.
175 is a pretty high mark even on a fenced place. What have you been shooting (on your trophy bucks), IMO, you have to have deer with those genetics in the herd to be producing them, and if you don't, you have to let your best bucks walk to hope that the right paring will occur to throw something better. If you're shooting your 155-165" 5.5 yr olds, don't think you'll consistantly get there.Comment
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Have not shot a trophy there in three years that I can remember. We also are trying to let them go till they are at least 6.5 yrs old. Lots and lots of culling though. Maybe we culled too many of the middle aged deer when we first started strictly managing the ranch. The last two years we have seen at least ten deer between 145-160 and they were 4.5-5.5 yrs of age. I guess I just expected a better than average year and we have not seen that yet. Thanks for the info.Originally posted by Txnrog View PostComment
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A fair amount die from natural causes so just because you didnt kill him doesnt mean he made it to the next year. Im sure their are still some around but who knows where they are.Comment
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chopper just didn't budge them. They're in there. Will start showing in another 15 days
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My experience with the choppers the Big bucks usually stay bedded down and like OL Thumper said some do die from natural causes. The one's that survived they are there just give it a few more days they will make a mistake.Comment
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