BODY LANGUAGE TIPS!
I have never seen anything written about the interpretation of body language in deer, perhaps it is because those who stalk deer, instinctively interpret it and react accord- ingly. I wrote last month about watching a hind or doe with a calf hidden nearby, she will constantly keep looking in the direction of her calf!
The deer that is unaware of your presence is relaxed.
When stalking deer it is impor- tant to study the body language of the targeted animal. The deer that is totally unaware of your presence is relaxed, not looking in your direction per- haps still grazing or browsing on foliage. In this situation the stalker has all the time in the world to close the distance and put in the most humane shot. The stalker will also find that it is easier to kill a relaxed ani- mal; the carcass will require
less hanging time and the venison will be of superior quality. The alert deer will have its head held high and this body language will alert any other animals nearby, even before the deer gives its alarm call. Experience will tell the stalker how long he or she has, to make the shot, before the animal dashes for cover. Often a single animal in the group will lift its head, perhaps it has caught a small movement but if it can not confirm its sus- picions or scent the stalker and providing the stalker remains absolutely still the animal will gradually relax, but be aware, it will often snatch its head up within the next few min- utes as if to check its suspicions. Usually an animal will make a bolt for cover only to hesitate for a moment before jumping a fence or ditch, so follow the beast through the scope and wait for that moment before squeezing the trigger. If the animal is alert, it may not be you that has made a mistake. Often, particularly during the rut hinds and stags will watch other deer carefully and if they are preoccupied it can work to your advantage.
Deer will usually hesitate at a fence or ditch before jumping. I Shoot and Fish E-Zine March 2012 66
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78