David Feist

Daytime Movements of Minnesota Deer David Feist

Culmination and compilation of an amazing 26-month white-tailed deer behavioral study. Includes very plausible conclusion, backed by scrupulously-collected data, about the timing of the rut in Eastern Minnesota's mainly pinewood ecosystem. The study takes place in an approximately 60% softwood two-mile study area, which also includes hay, oats, peas, and corn agricultural fields, and where the soil needs liming for acid neutralization. Areas of more sand versus more silt in the fields cause farmers to plan and adapt according to soil element concentration. Includes 908 Fall 2017 deer movements compared to 892 Fall 2018 "late afternoon-only deer" observed. Study also includes movements of more than 56 bucks observed across three autumns. Astounding conclusions reached as to whether archery season or rifle season is the main time to observe (hunt for) peak-rut behavior-exhibiting antlerless and antlered deer. Diverse habitat which includes mammals such as gray wolf, bear, beaver, and bobcat. Bird life includes raven, bald eagle, waterfowl, at least a dozen sand hill crane, and a tremendous array of songbird and woodpecker species.