Everybody Is Seeing Deer....Except Me!

Everybody Is Seeing Deer...Except Me
by Tim Smith

The Story: Is it just me? Am I plagued? Have I contracted a species of cootie that repels the North American Whitetail? Have I lost my mojo or did I ever really have mojo? Self-doubt and countless questions like these have recently invaded my psyche. It seems like every Tom, Dick and Harry in my neck of the woods is seeing deer-and a lot of them-except for this guy. Every bubba on my block feels compelled to tell me about "Buster-Big-Buck and their band of Buckaroos". The only response I've been able to muster lately is.... "I saw one heck of a grey squirrel the other day-I also got a glimpse of a Pope and Young chipmunk. Man, those big squirrels really get a guy fired up!"

Have the deer in my hunting area been kidnapped, abducted by space aliens that love tasty venison tenderloins or have they taken on the instincts of a Caribou and felt an unrelenting urge to migrate to the Alaskan Tundra? Although possible, I don't think these scenarios are probable.

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After breaking down all the possibilities, I think I have come up with a plausible answer. The deer on my property have moved to other areas because that's where they're getting the most nutrition. I've worked hard to create a great deer environment. However, I'll admit, it's not there yet. I've got some work to do. They don't have all the food sources they need. Although I have some great looking food plots, I believing surrounding properties have better nutritional browse and mast crops along with planted food plots. As such, the does go where the food sources are. This time of year the bucks follow the does. It ain't rocket science.

The Word: In a like manner, Moses reminded us and Jesus confirmed, "man can't live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God". (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4) We need the spiritual nutrition that can only be found in God's Word. Are you getting everything you need?

Field Tip: Auburn University has a phenomenal whitetail research program known as Deer Lab. "The goals of Deer Lab are: 1) conduct relevant research that improves current knowledge of the biology, ecology, and management of whitetailed deer and their habitats and 2) disseminate results and knowledge gained from this research to both the scientific community and general public." Their research can certainly help you in creating the environment and nutrition your deer herd needs. Check it out at Deer Lab Website.

If you're not already doing so, I would also encourage you to boost your own spiritual nutrition by taking part in a daily Bible reading plan. The following website has several plans that fit any busy schedule: You Version Bible reading Plan Website

Making Him Known,
Tim

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