Hardwood11
It is going to be a good fall!
If it does, this could be the "best" year as it is wet everywhere!!
100% makes a difference, however, winter hung on so long this year amd that has the opposite effect. To what degree do they offset each other..... I have not a clue
ReinertsonTaxidermy
Well-Known Member
After all this moisture, how is it possible Loneranger will be ok?? I’m seriously worried about his well being. Prayers for him
JNRBRONC
Well-Known Member
Rain causing lush spring growth might jump start antler development. But....
Locally, we had a brutal winter with very cold temps with food under ice. I’ve found multiple dead deer this spring, my bet is young and stressed deer succumbed to the weather. Now, we have a mulberry tree in the back yard that is just now starting to leaf. Also have a paw paw just now leafing out. So much for early green up.
Deer have been pounding the alfalfa field, which usually has a first cutting last weekend. One f’d up spring, haven’t got the garden muddled in yet. At least our corn acres got in, will worry about plant population later.
Not expecting better antler growth this year.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Locally, we had a brutal winter with very cold temps with food under ice. I’ve found multiple dead deer this spring, my bet is young and stressed deer succumbed to the weather. Now, we have a mulberry tree in the back yard that is just now starting to leaf. Also have a paw paw just now leafing out. So much for early green up.
Deer have been pounding the alfalfa field, which usually has a first cutting last weekend. One f’d up spring, haven’t got the garden muddled in yet. At least our corn acres got in, will worry about plant population later.
Not expecting better antler growth this year.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What is everyone's opinion on this scenario throwing in more than ample winter feed with excess standing crop left in the field?? Deer pounded the crops left in the fields from the prolonged harvest. You think this factor could outweigh the deep snow and cold for antler growth?? If so, and wet spring is also good, could make for some nice hunting this fall.
Tmayer13
Well-Known Member
i would assume a normal moisture spring would be a good thing for antler growth. But i think if you couple the harsh long winter with the high amounts of water would have to have a negative effect on both antlers and fawn recruitment. The high water and mud I would think would make it easier for predators to "catch" the fawns. The only reason I believe the ample water amounts are a good thing are because they dont have to stress to locate hydration. I think stress is most likely the number 1 factor in antler growth outside of proper nutrition. So if thats the case they it may just be an average year.......disclaimer**** I have no idea what im talking about, only speaking of what makes sense in my tiny brain
Tmayer13
Well-Known Member
I dont beleive so as these fields were so sporadic...so yes in some areas where these fields were located then yes it could have a positive effect but other areas not so much
Despite all our foodplot and cropping efforts, the bulk of a deer's diet is native browse. More rain= more browse growth. More growth = higher nutrient uptake by our favorite critters and better antler expression. Look up protein content on native plants and "weeds" and forbes. Many are crazy high.
Daver
PMA Member
FWIW, I am persuaded similarly ^^. I guess we will see, the tough winter put the deer herd "behind" I believe going into the summer. But EVERYTHING the deer are eating now is growing at near max rates...that has to be good IMO.
jjohnson
Well-Known Member
So many variables. But I tend to agree a wet yr produces a ton of browse. An early green-up definitely makes a big difference also. 2012 confirmed this. This yr was ok as far as green-up but snow was deep late.
A little worried about corn and beans being so far behind. Even a couple weeks would have to make a difference in crucial growing periods.
I know one thing for sure. By me there will be seas of corn all thru Nov and that blows.
A little worried about corn and beans being so far behind. Even a couple weeks would have to make a difference in crucial growing periods.
I know one thing for sure. By me there will be seas of corn all thru Nov and that blows.