Fewer deer sightings this season linked to weather and food availability

Hunters may have noticed fewer deer sightings this season, and biological factors are contributing to the decline in visible deer movement, according to wildlife experts.

Warmer-than-normal temperatures and a bumper acorn crop reduce the need for deer to travel in search of food. When natural food sources are plentiful, deer tend to stay in one place, spreading out across available resources. This behavior results in fewer sightings, even though overall deer numbers are unchanged.

Wildlife officials emphasize that lower visibility does not indicate a decline in deer populations. Instead, deer are simply moving less and dispersing across food sources. As the season progresses and food becomes scarcer, deer movement is expected to increase again.

Hunters are encouraged to continue participating, as their efforts are essential for managing deer populations and maintaining healthy habitats. Experts say ongoing harvests help sustain a balanced ecosystem, even if deer are less visible to hunters at times.

Source: Original Article