A lot of good bucks were killed last season, as evidenced by the stories that ran in Louisiana Sportsman magazine. Several factors contributed to this; a low adult buck kill in 2022 resulted in carry-over of adult bucks in 2023; a late freeze in 2023 resulted in low mast production in many areas and had deer feeding at the corn feeders; the severe drought conditions around the state also had deer feeding at the food plots and feeders; and the rut appeared to have happened as predicted by Louisiana Sportsman.
There are several keys to success in 2024. Quality nutrition is a must for producing quality bucks and keeping the does healthy for birthing and rearing fawns. Producing quality forage plots began last fall, or it should have if you are thinking long term.
Plantings of fall forage crops for deer should have included several species of clover, along with the winter grasses. Red clover, white clover and crimson clover species provided forage during the winter of 2023 and hopefully did not get eaten-up.
On our small piece of paradise in East Feliciana Parish, red clover and white clover patches have provided high quality protein forage to date. If adequate rainfall continues, these patches should last into the fall. Crimson clover is good for the winter and early spring but dies out when it starts getting hot, so don’t just plant this clover.
Quality nutrition
Quality forage with a high percentage of protein is a must for body growth and antler development for bucks. Does on poor nutrition also don’t fair well. Adult does that are pregnant with fawns will be giving birth and then raising them over the summer months and into fall. Two-year-old and older does that should be producing twins may only produce single fawns. That’s because does that are stressed and on low quality nutrition may not be able to successfully raise twins.
Quality habitat and quality nutrition is a must for producing quality deer. Mother Nature to date has been most kind to the Bayou State with regard to soft mast and hard mast production. The freeze eliminated the soft mast fruit in 2023, but in 2024 there has been a bumper crop of fruit.
Mayhaws, blueberries and red mulberry fruit production was excellent. Right now an abundant crop of pears, crab apples and persimmons will be available to deer in early fall and perhaps provide hunters with hunting opportunity.
Potential hunting sites
I have been looking at the 2024 mast crop. From what I have seen, if the state is like our parish, there will be an abundant crop of white oak acorns, red oak acorns and chestnuts. Now is a good time to be checking out the oak trees and soft mast fruit trees on your land to document production and identify potential hunting sites.
An abundant mast crop means that deer will be in the woods eating acorns and spending less time at the feeders. Hunters who hunt strictly at feeders may not see the deer they are accustomed to seeing. Many times hunters will begin to think their deer numbers are down when in reality the deer are simply in the woods. Leaving the feeders and permanent stands and hunting in climbers in the oak drains may be the key to putting a tag on a good buck.
Many times in the late days of the deer season it is often beneficial to leave the permanent stands and hunt from ground blinds or climbers. Deer wise up over time to where the source of danger is and will keep their distance from it. It may be smart to do this during the early season days and save the permanent stands for later. If you were being observant last season, you may have noticed the sites where deer frequently enter the open areas from the woods. Setting up at these travel locations is a sure way to have success.
Trail cameras
Another way to actively prepare for the 2024 deer season is to keep the trail cameras out and running. Photos will provide insight as to antler growth and may alert you to a nice deer. Of course, many continue to hunt hogs during the year and deer will frequent these bait sites.
Trail cameras can also provide insight as to doe health and fawning. Pregnant does will be evident with their large barrel bodies that hold growing fawns and give insight as to herd productivity. Fawns will begin following does after a few weeks and this will give you an idea as to fawn numbers.
You may also see the adult does aggressive behavior toward the 1 ½-year-old bucks; does will kick them out of the family group and send them out into the cruel world to fend for themselves. These bucks may travel long distances as they search for an area where they can live and not be beat up by the adult bucks.
As you can see, there is much you can be doing to ensure a successful 2024 deer season. Yes, it’s hot out there, so stay hydrated and perhaps do the necessary work in the early morning or late evening hours. Wishing you luck and blessings in 2024!
