So every morning last year from August 1 – December 1 when I was driving to work and then back home from work, I would bet money that I would see a group of deer in two different spots along the trip.  In those exact same spots this year, nothing.  Not one.  Once I think about it, I haven’t seen nearly as many deer when I am out an about as I did last year.  Where have they all gone??  Why are they not out in the open fields like they have been in years past around this time of year?  I have done some researching and here is what I can gather…

One of the main reasons would have to be the weather.  The summer that we had this year was unlike most summers that Iowa sees.  We did not have one day of 100° weather this summer and usually we have at least 10 or so.  This summer was also a very wet summer.  The wet summer caused the deer to stay locked to the timber moreso than open fields.

Another reason would be the transition that we are having from Summer to Fall.  Well actually, we haven’t really had a transition.  Within the past week, we had 90° for a high and then the next day the high was 70°.  Now the highs have been around 60° for a week or so and are expected to stay there is not dip a little.  We haven’t had a gradual slow down from Summer to Fall.  Deer are smart, but they get also get confused by the weird changes in the weather.

Not only do we have to look at the weather of this summer, but we have to look at last winter and summer as well.  Last winter was horrible with snow and ice.  It was one of Iowa’s worst winters in history!!!  Last summer was very hot and very dry.

All these changes in the climate from year to year changes the actions and patterns of deer.

All I hope for is that deer patterns will get back to normal for bow season and the muzzleloader/shotgun seasons.

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Filed under: Bow Hunting, Deer, Iowa, Weather