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Post by lsf on Jan 10, 2014 17:04:00 GMT -4
OK folks lets cut the cheese and get right to the tough questions/topics what is your opinion on the state of the NS deer herd in your area??
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Post by lsf on Jan 10, 2014 17:13:33 GMT -4
In my area of the Annapolis Valley the population seems to be very good I seen deer almost every time I was out ...lotsa does and young bucks...I have seen some mature bucks while travelling and pheasant hunting but not while deer hunting ...what I havent seen is alot of fawns but I have seen some. The problem with the valley floor is that there is not much room to legally hunt as it is either agricultural land that is being worked or its residential. Another problem here, and is elsewhere I'm sure, is an abundance of road hunters...they drive around just before dark throughout the farm/house areas looking for feeding deer to shoot. What do I think is the biggest problems facing our herd? Bad forestry practices and first and fore most LACK OF ENFORCEMENT.
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Post by CanadianGoldenEagle on Jan 10, 2014 17:45:15 GMT -4
I agree with the lack of enforcement section. With living at the start of the trails into the woods at Antrim I see all the hunters going in but usually only see the CO's or RCMP about once during the season.
Getting back to the topic question I feel that the population is very good around here as I used to see them when going to and from Search and Rescue, or on a Sunday. Around here they seem to know what day of the week it is as they hide well on Monday to Saturday then come out in broad daylight on a Sunday. We got a few on the trail camera though and after this bad weather spell is over I'll be putting the camera back out again to start trying to catch the does and fawns coming round, also monitor the bucks that started to appear.
One of the biggest issues facing the herd at the moment, and it's not just around the Musquodoboit Valley or HRM, is the constant clear-cutting. Companies are going in and clear cutting hectares of land then just leaving it with not doing any development or other work. This is causing the deer to be moved from their home ranges and have to start looking for somewhere new. Ordinarily this wouldn't be an issue but if you consider that a deers' home range can be about 500-5000 acres, with a core range of 50-100 acres, they have trouble finding other areas that aren't affected by the clear cutting.
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Post by mwo on Jan 12, 2014 6:26:10 GMT -4
The Deer herd in my end of the valley is very healthy IMO. This is the eastern end of the valley. During my three weeks of rifle season I saw, coming, going and while in the woods somewhere around 100 deer. Passed on many, really had no intentions of actually shooting as meat was no issue this year. Saw,like Mike, many a doe with fawns. Currently on my woodlot, which is at the start of the Mountain area , there is a significant amount yarded. I am sure that Poaching was occurring, it always will, but in the big picture IMO the Deer herd is not in trouble. Each season I just move around a mile or two until I find them.
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Post by soletitbe on Jan 12, 2014 14:10:09 GMT -4
The Doe herd is great in my neck of the Province, but the lack of bucks and fawns with the does is another story. Glad to see December gone.....it was in the 50's when i seen that much snow and cold but they made a comeback in the 60's. They never had the yotes back then so i don't think they will recover as much now. Hate to see the pictures of the dead deer they are finding already down here. To end on a good note, the rain got rid of most of the snow and we will have a week of warmer temps. Just hope we don't have a deep freeze and make the woods into a skating rink. The yotes will have a ball with the deer, if that happens.
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Post by lsf on Jan 12, 2014 17:09:31 GMT -4
Hopefully this warm spell helps
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Post by pheasantfanatic on Jan 13, 2014 10:27:16 GMT -4
I am in 103 and have seen a marked increase in deer where I hunt. Or at least I am seeing more. A trapper took 9 Yotes off our road last winter and I have only heard them once all year and that was during the hunting season. In my opinion this why the heard has stayed healthy in my immediate area. I do a lot of traveling around the province fishing and come across a lot of deer sign around the rivers nearly everywhere I go. But I am sure there are plenty of areas where they are not so plentiful. I have observed that deer have changed their patterns over the last few years and hang pretty close to houses. I think this is due to coyote pressure and is part of the reason people don't see what they used to in the back country. If you want to find deer in our neck of the woods just look in peoples back yards. Saw five run across the road in a group Saturday morning. One was pure white from head to toe. I have seen quite a number of piebalds over the years but this one was absolutely pure white. Quite a sight really.
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Post by mwo on Jan 13, 2014 11:10:02 GMT -4
I am in 103 and have seen a marked increase in deer where I hunt. Or at least I am seeing more. A trapper took 9 Yotes off our road last winter and I have only heard them once all year and that was during the hunting season. In my opinion this why the heard has stayed healthy in my immediate area. I do a lot of traveling around the province fishing and come across a lot of deer sign around the rivers nearly everywhere I go. But I am sure there are plenty of areas where they are not so plentiful. I have observed that deer have changed their patterns over the last few years and hang pretty close to houses. I think this is due to coyote pressure and is part of the reason people don't see what they used to in the back country. If you want to find deer in our neck of the woods just look in peoples back yards. Saw five run across the road in a group Saturday morning. One was pure white from head to toe. I have seen quite a number of piebalds over the years but this one was absolutely pure white. Quite a sight really. Kind of the same deal here as well, zones 104 and 105. The deer, years ago left the big wood and found new homes in and around the rural/agriculature areas. As well around the coastal areas too. What i have noticed however the last couple years, big time this year, is I am seeing more deer sign back in the big woods again. like you I do a lot of fishing, seeing deer way back in is once again become the norm. Seeing those Piebalds is a rare treat also.
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g0rd0
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by g0rd0 on Jan 13, 2014 14:11:01 GMT -4
lots of deer around here. And they are in good health. As for the yotes, I have only seen 2 in the last 18 years but, we do hear them regularly.
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Post by lguthro on Jan 13, 2014 14:18:20 GMT -4
Locharber has tons of deer, question is are they going to survive this winter this early thaw may be a saving grace, I would like to see the herd better balanced Does i believe are out numbering the bucks quiet heavily although me and my buddy seen 2 bucks two the one doe in our stand im sure if the camera was there it would be a different story, the land owner was surprised we got one buck let alone two
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Post by soletitbe on Jan 13, 2014 16:39:00 GMT -4
In my area of the Annapolis Valley the population seems to be very good I seen deer almost every time I was out ...lotsa does and young bucks...I have seen some mature bucks while travelling and pheasant hunting but not while deer hunting ...what I havent seen is alot of fawns but I have seen some. The problem with the valley floor is that there is not much room to legally hunt as it is either agricultural land that is being worked or its residential. Another problem here, and is elsewhere I'm sure, is an abundance of road hunters...they drive around just before dark throughout the farm/house areas looking for feeding deer to shoot. What do I think is the biggest problems facing our herd? Bad forestry practices and first and fore most LACK OF ENFORCEMENT. Lack of enforcement in Cape Breton also. When they are jacking deer right by the airport with cameras on them and nothing done......come on. When i started that thread about the deer not increasing, i was talking about CB not the mainland. But i don't think they will decrease here....it should remain about the same here in CB and a small increase on the mainland. IMO Not right for hunters coming out about stopping the 2 deer season because they found a few dead deer down here. That was a fluke of nature....if it continued for the entire winter then that would be bad, but Mother Nature took care of that with the rain, and some mild weather. Let the winter play out first before they talk like that. Today was a nice t-shirt day down here with the sun beating down.
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Post by lsf on Jan 13, 2014 17:27:15 GMT -4
I think there can be a 2 deer harvest in selected areas of the province if thats what DNR wants to do but not the whole province....My area can handle it thats why I took 2 deer. I don't believe this idea that the bad winter is going to hurt the deer population ...I worked out in Alberta and let me tell you they get winter and its cold with lotsa snow, and the area that I was Fort Mac has no big tree cover its so far north..the deer do just fine out there actually they are better than fine.
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Post by mwo on Jan 13, 2014 17:48:00 GMT -4
I think there can be a 2 deer harvest in selected areas of the province if thats what DNR wants to do but not the whole province....My area can handle it thats why I took 2 deer. I don't believe this idea that the bad winter is going to hurt the deer population ...I worked out in Alberta and let me tell you they get winter and its cold with lotsa snow, and the area that I was Fort Mac has no big tree cover its so far north..the deer do just fine out there actually they are better than fine. Bingo. Our Winters are not bad compared to other areas that have extreme weather, with great Deer Populations.
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Post by soletitbe on Jan 13, 2014 18:45:22 GMT -4
The top 10 snowiest cities in Canada where snow always prevails!Saguenay Average snowfall: 342cmDays of snowfall: 96 Also known as the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean area of the province, Saguenay is located 200 miles west of the capital of Quebec City and gets the most snowfall of any big city in the country, with an average yearly snowfall of more than 11 feet. St. John's Average snowfall: 322cmDays of snowfall: 84 This coastal town in Newfoundland/Labrador is considered to be the oldest English-settled town in North America. It's also one of the whitest from December till April, with the second-highest yearly average snowfall. Quebec City Average snowfall: 316cmDays of snowfall: 76 Steeped in history (and mounds of snow), Quebec City receives about 316cm of snow every winter. It's always been known as a snowy destination, which is probably its draw with tourists – it is one of the most visited cities in the province (after Montreal). Sherbrooke Average snowfall: 294cmDays of snowfall: 79 A southern Quebec city with lots of wintertime precipitation, Sherbrooke, which is also a big college town, is the fourth biggest municipality in the province – and fourth on the top 10 snowiest cities in Canada). Sudbury Average snowfall: 274cmDays of snowfall: 78 Sudbury, Ontario is known for two things: its booming mining industry and its massive amounts of snow. It should come as no surprise that it's also renowned for being a hockey town. Barrie Average snowfall: 238cmDays of snowfall: 46 A cozy city nestled along Lake Simcoe, Barrie has been called one of the fastest growing cities in the country. It's also a regular stop for Jack Frost, with above-average snowfall. Ottawa – Gatineau Average snowfall: 236cmDays of snowfall: 66 Canada gets a lot of snow and the capital region is no exception. The average snowfalls rank them within the top 10 snowiest cities in Canada – it's no wonder they're popular for winter getaways, with the longest skating rink in the world and tons of seasonal festivities Halifax Average snowfall: 231cmDays of snowfall: 60 It must be the ocean breeze that brings the snowstorms to this Nova Scotia city. Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada, and next to St. John's, it's the one with the most snow. Montreal Average snowfall: 218cmDays of snowfall: 60 All that snow in Montreal doesn't slow down this hopping city – locals as well as visitors take advantage of all that white stuff by skating in the Old Port or on Beaver lake, playing shinny at a local outdoor rink, or just meandering down one of the many snow-covered downtown streets. London Average snowfall: 202cmDays of snowfall: 66 The south-western city of London, Ontario is one snow-blanketed city for several months of the year, but it's also becoming a booming tourist locale, with a budding arts scene as well as loads of festivals. weatherspark.com/averages/28151/Fort-McMurray-Alberta-Canada
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Post by CanadianGoldenEagle on Jan 14, 2014 13:30:37 GMT -4
My wife spooked a deer last night in the orchard when she went out onto the deck and I spooked a couple this morning when I went out to the chickens. Don't know what sex or size but they made quite a racket when running through the alders.
Hopefully I'll be able to get out onto the deck early enough tomorrow night to see if there's any come in before 2200 when it's the full moon. Be great if I could see what's coming in (brought the trail camera in as it was getting too cold and nothing moving with all the snow around)
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Post by lguthro on Jan 14, 2014 18:37:31 GMT -4
this orchard you speak of has my attention ahahhah
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Post by CanadianGoldenEagle on Jan 15, 2014 8:40:12 GMT -4
I thought it would do. I may put the TC back out again if they're starting to come back round and the weather is going to get milder.
Looking forward to putting some images up and hopefully get some fawns as she used to bring them in.
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Post by lguthro on Jan 15, 2014 8:46:35 GMT -4
is this Orchard huntable? do the birds come in and feed after the apples drop?
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ddd
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by ddd on Jan 17, 2014 18:38:04 GMT -4
Was out for a walk today, saw a lot of deer sign, tracks, scat and where they were feeding on small tree buds. No sign of predators at all and no carcasses. Beautiful day again today. But just got word another storm will be hitting here Sunday night with over 20 cm, hope there wrong though.i'm way back in the sticks of NE cape Breton.
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Post by lsimms on Jan 17, 2014 19:14:14 GMT -4
Quite afew deer in my neck of the woods. I live in quite an agricultural area so, as others have said, there are quite afew road hunters around. On a plus note my wife was pulled over one evening by co's looking for a poacher so I know they are at least around trying their best . I know of quite afew deer shot in my area, mostly young deer. But this warm spell has shown me there are still quite afew around. Hopefully they get a break from the ice for abit
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g0rd0
Junior Member
Posts: 68
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Post by g0rd0 on Jan 25, 2014 12:43:53 GMT -4
saw another pibauld deer this morning, it was just in the first row of trees I thought that it was an awful weird shaped snow drift but when it started walking I realized what I saw. This is only my second time seeing 1 and it did take me by suprize. Wish I had the camera
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Post by mwo on Jan 25, 2014 14:09:10 GMT -4
A piebald would certainly blend in well today, no doubt about that. Was at my woodlot today, saw two bedded as well and tons of new trails through the new soft snow. They appear to be getting along quite nicely. No Trail cam pics today, for some reason there were no pics on the card? Maybe I forgot to press the button....stranger things have happened?
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Post by lguthro on Jan 26, 2014 12:16:08 GMT -4
seen a doe and fawn today looked healthy
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Post by soletitbe on Jan 26, 2014 13:57:11 GMT -4
I'm concerned about how are bucks will do this winter in Cape Breton:
I learned alot about different areas of our Province when it comes to climate,rainfall and most of all snowfall, from one end of the Province to the other, and all places in between. It's been a very enlightening experience for me. Just for example:
Average yearly snowfall in Nova Scotia:
Days Place Inches Centimetres 29 Annapolis Royal 63.9 162.4
54 Baddeck 122.8 312.0
What concerns me about Bucks in CB:
Bucks go into winter without body fat on them.That body fat has been largely depleted during mating season as bucks cover a lot of ground to leave their scent and to breed does.They need the Month of December to replenish their body fat, and they never got it last Month in Cape Breton. In general, deer are well-adapted to cold. Their coats are made up of hair that’s hollow to trap air and insulate well. But extended cold takes its toll, as does deep wet snow that restricts movement like we got here in Cape Breton.
The pictures of dead deer in Cape Breton on another site was not from starvation, because it happened in a 3 week period. IMO is was from overexertion, by trying to get to better cover after getting 82 inches of snow in a 3 week period. That would be 35 inches over the deer. We are only allowed to harvest bucks here and the pressure by hunters and the record breaking Dec. we had in snowfall got me very concerned , on % of bucks that will survive the winter this year in Cape Breton.
Its looking fair, to good, to very good in other areas of the Province.IMO
Johnny
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Post by lguthro on Jan 27, 2014 7:40:15 GMT -4
thanks for the info Johnny, Learn something knew everyday
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Post by CanadianGoldenEagle on Mar 13, 2014 17:10:07 GMT -4
Total today was approximately 30 does and fawns in 3 fields at the side of Antrim Road. All looking healthy and feeding well.
Long may this continue but it looks as if they may be through the worst of it. Next time I'll take my camera so I can try for some photos.
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Post by lsf on Mar 13, 2014 17:20:21 GMT -4
There were a dozen deer in the orchard at work yesterday ....the first time in alot of years that I have seen any in there. At this end of the valley there is little cover and the deer roam alot ...there are lotsa deer contrary to whet some may say but they travel quite a bit. Unfortunately they won't be there long once my boss (the farmer) catches up with them cause he will, and I Quote " shoot every one of the f'n things through the guts and let them run off to die some where!!"
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Post by mwo on Mar 13, 2014 17:55:17 GMT -4
Lots of Deer seen in the east end of the Valley. Trial Cam Pics do not lie. Have started seeing them along the 101 in Ellershouse/Uniacke in the last two week particuartly in afternoons feeding on open ground along the Hwg. They are starting to move. My Friend found that out the hard way this week. Brand New SUV totalled.
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Post by lsf on Mar 13, 2014 18:08:12 GMT -4
I seen 4 yesterday right here in town by the Annapolis River they looked fat and healthy
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Post by Charmain on Sept 25, 2022 15:53:53 GMT -4
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