My wife stomped at deer
The other day my wife was making the rounds of a field station where she works. She startled a small herd of deer, which ran about 25 yards. One of the deer snorted and stomped the ground with a front foot. My wife slowly raised her foot and after about 20 seconds stomped back. The deer slowly raised its foot and stomped back. This continued for about 5 minutes with perhaps 8 exchanges. Is this a terratorial expression in deer langauge? Anyone have a similar experience? Regards.
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Is you wife's name "Fawn?" Is she "doe-eyed?" 0 -
I was walking through the woods one day and normally all I ever see is deer ass heading the opposite direction, but this day the deer lowered his head thrashed, snorted, and scrubbed the ground, I had no firearm with me other then a .22 Mag derringer in my pocket. I couldn't believe this deer was not running away so I backed off and went back to the truck and got a gun. When I returned the deer had left the area. I assumed he was standing his ground and was willing to confront me, but I certainly did not push the issue with him! So yes similar however I did not mimic him your wife is braver then I 'am.[:D] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by scubabobf
The other day my wife was making the rounds of a field station where she works. She startled a small herd of deer, which ran about 25 yards. One of the deer snorted and stomped the ground with a front foot. My wife slowly raised her foot and after about 20 seconds stomped back. The deer slowly raised its foot and stomped back. This continued for about 5 minutes with perhaps 8 exchanges. Is this a terratorial expression in deer langauge? Anyone have a similar experience? Regards.
No...it's a sign that they sense danger...they were probably confused as to why your wife was sensing danger too. Deer will stomp like that when the catch wind of an unusual sent or if you jump them up or startle them in any way.0 -
Several years ago, I had a doe walk out of the thicket about 3 feet from where I was sitting on the ground, Startling both of us. She stood there and stomped her front paw on the ground, then she would snort at/on me. After watching this for a few minutes, I shot her. After all I was deer hunting. [:D]
But it was really neat while it was going on.0 -
It is a gesture with two purposes. They are trying to figure out what you are, the stomp is to startle you into moving. Also it is a signal to others that something is not quite right. When a deer snorts, it is trying clear its nose so it can get a better smell of what's making them nervous, at least that's what I was told by a little doe. 0 -
I have played this game with deer on many occasions. They often do it when they are unsure of the source of a disturbance. It's often a bluff to get you to reveal yourself. I usually don't move or respond and most eventually settle down. I have on occassion snorted and stomped back causing the deer to become further confused and often investigate the source. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by muss
Several years ago, I had a doe walk out of the thicket about 3 feet from where I was sitting on the ground, Startling both of us. She stood there and stomped her front paw on the ground, then she would snort at/on me. After watching this for a few minutes, I shot her. After all I was deer hunting. [:D]
But it was really neat while it was going on.
You should contact Disney. That is a rivoting story line.0 -
A possible " Bambi " remake with same ending --- DEAD BY HUNTER ! 0 -
I've always heard (and pretty much accepted) that snorting is a challenge or question to try to find out what you are, and stomping is to get you to make your move. It sure is facinating to hunt and try to figure out what is going on with deer. Probably the real authorities know what is going on, but it is fun the try to figure it out on our own. 0 -
I should try that next time a deer catches wind of me while I'm hunting in the field. 0 -
One time I was on the edge of a field at an old Ghost town homestead type place that had apple trees and tons of deer sign.
I sat down with my back against one of the trees and just waited.after quite a while I spotted deer enter the field from the woods on the farthest side of the field from me.
The field grass was what seemed like 3 to 4 feet tall and all I could see was the deer heads as the bounced up and down coming across the field.
They came to a tree about three trees from the tree I was sitting under and started eating apples. 3 Does and 2 fawns. They gradually worked their way towards me and thats when one of the does winded me.
She stood 20' feet or so in front of me and stomped. As soon as she stomped all the others took off back across the field except her. she stomped about 4 more times while staring right at me, trying to get me to move, then she bounded off.0 -
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
I should try that next time a deer catches wind of me while I'm hunting in the field.
Try getting a snort call. If you startle one and it snorts and runs, snort at it. About 50% of the time they will stop to see where the other deer is. It also works well if you live in a state that allows you to shoot multiple deer and a herd of does shows up. Shoot one then snort for all you are worth. You can usually get one or two to stick around long enough for another shot.0 -
Been doing a bit of deer studying the past 5 years or so since I had to give up deer hunting. I think ECC hit it on the nose though. To me also it is a signal of danger nearby. Mostly, deer will signal or run off with tails up, BUT, in rutting season beware of a rutting buck. Strange thing is I feel they like to be talked to when close. Going out to feed them I always say " Hi Guys" before going out. One time while riding my electric ATV (soundless) I spooked 5 of them which started running. I yelled out "Hi Guys" and they stopped and slowly came up to withing 20 yards of me. This really made my day. And no, they aint tame deer. Dont want them tame. They are multiplying nicely for all the hunters and doing my part to keep the herd of about 30 + growing for harvesting and my enjoyment. Yes, it does cost me for feed, but the enjoyment is well worth it. Also, if I get hungry here is fresh food if need arises. Until then I will just shoot with a camera. 0 -
It happened to me. A doe appeared, snorted and did a four leg spring to the side still facing me and continued to snort. Does weren't legal there and then so I just kept lined up on it till it went away.
I guessed she was looking to mate and I disappointed her.0
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