It has been a hot start so far for October with above average temperatures and a lack of rain. There was a stretch of 18 days without a single drop of moisture and temperatures have been almost 10 degrees above normal.
These conditions have unfortunately caused the leaves on the trees to dry up and fall off before showing their true colors.It has been a hot start so far for October with above average temperatures and a lack of rain. There was a stretch of 18 days without a single drop of moisture and temperatures have been almost 10 degrees above normal. These conditions have unfortunately caused the leaves on the trees to dry up and fall off before showing their true colors.
The leaves that are still hanging on are also lacking in color this year and seem to be a couple of weeks behind schedule. The cool crisp mornings of fall have tried to creep in this past week with patchy frost but the daytime temperatures climbed back to above average. Deer season is in as archery season began on September 30 but I’ve yet to make to make it to the blind with the hot temperatures.
The deer aren’t moving much during the day since they have their winter coats on and it’s 80 some degrees out. There are also some acorns in the woods right now and the deer and other wildlife don’t have to move very far to find food. The mast is spotty in some places and abundant in others so it will be important to pay attention to what’s going on as deer season progresses.
I’ve been noticing less deer in the fields which tells me that there are acorns around and they are spending their time in the woods. My buddy on the other hand has been seeing the deer in the fields and he told me there were some acorns on his property but not many. It really varies this year and depends on where you’re hunting at so be sure to do some scouting before venturing out.
I figure things will stay on the slow side for another week or two as the acorns are so plentiful and it’s so hot out. Whitetails rely heavily on acorns to pack on fat reserves for the upcoming rut and winter months. You can bet the deer are engorging on as many acorns as they can while supplies last, especially the white oak acorns.
Once Halloween nears the action should really pick up. When the rut kicks in the bucks will have one thing on their minds and that’s finding the hot does. From Halloween to Veteran’s Day is always an exciting time to be in the woods as the bucks are roaming around checking the does.
I noticed a few fresh scrapes while working in the woods this past week so the cool mornings have the bucks feeling frisky. I also saw a pretty decent bear and a lot of bear sign on the oak ridges. We’re only a week away from some of the best deer hunting of the year.
Make sure to take a little time and scout for the producing oaks in your area. The temperatures will hopefully cool down soon and November will be here before we know it. Enjoy fall while it lasts as it’s a great time to be alive and living in the hills of West Virginia!
