Only Whites...No Browns?

[bigbrink]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-14-06 AT 09:26AM (MST)[p]I found a new area last year that I shed hunt for deer. IN the last two years I have found over 20 sheds in this area, but they have all been white and falling apart. Why aren't there any bucks dropping there anymore?? I see deer in the area but in seems like they are always does and fawns. Why aren't the bucks dropping in that area anymore?

 

[BBB]

Great question.
I know a spot where I have found an unlimited supply of chalky good-sized mule deer sheds; but I have never seen an antler in the area that dropped within the last 5-10 yrs old. I see small herds of does in the area but very few deer overall.
In this case, I beleive it is the quality of winter forage. The sage appears unhealthy (drought?) and years of juniper/pinyon succession has sprawled across the mesa choking out any availiable wintering browse. The deer have moved on for greener pastures.

 

[lv4huntn]

look back at weather history in those areas (snow pack etc..)
my bet is that the weather was a little different, offering better feed for the deer. It may not be as good now because of various other issues as well (human impact etc..) my 2 cents.
Dan