transition period in marshes

[FRH]

Is it just me or do deer stop using marshes at the start of freeze up. It seems like every year I consistently see deer until mid November then it shuts down until winter. I'm assuming they stop going through where there is water standing when there'sthat skim coat of ice that wwon't hold weight. After it freezes solid they go back to using the marshes.

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[BassBoysLLP]

Depends on the area. I've seen them avoid marshes, wet swamps, etc. during conditions of shell ice. It some areas they dont have much of a choice...

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[Dewey]

Depends on the area. I've seen them avoid marshes, wet swamps, etc. during conditions of shell ice. [glow=red]In some areas they dont have much of a choice[/glow]...

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This is true. More than once I was tipped off by a marsh buck breaking through skim ice while coming out of a primary bedding area. If the spot is secure they will likely still use it. I think the very small marshes they might stay out but the larger ones still hold plenty of deer. If anything they may temporarily relocate to beds on nearby higher ground.

[dan]

Yep... They don't like ice that "kinda" supports them where they break thru every other step. There is a period where they move to inland bedding... Like some mentioned, there are always exceptions.

[fishlips]

I think this helps explain why I have trouble finding any bedding sign in the winter in some of the smaller marshes that I hunt. I have had a number of times after fresh snow where I can't find a single track out in the marsh. I don't blame them either as I usually bust through every other step.

[matt1336]

That thin ice sucks for hunters too. #bruisedshins

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[Dewey]

That thin ice sucks for hunters too. #bruisedshins

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Hip boots with neoprene uppers work for me. Mine have extra padding in the knee/shin area. The worst part is trying to be quiet enough to access some spots.

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[Busch Light Bandit]

Good info to know! Thanks!

[May-39]

Yes....I was a day late...canoed back to best stand swale hole with textbook beds...in 19 degree weather..half inch of ice throughout...target buck bed was used recently but not last night..same with nearby doe beds..ugghhhhh
Thinkin hard bout going back and crushing dozens of mallards and black ducks stacked up in beaver pond still open

[matt1336]

Yes....I was a day late...canoed back to best stand swale hole with textbook beds...in 19 degree weather..half inch of ice throughout...target buck bed was used recently but not last night..same with nearby doe beds..ugghhhhh
Thinkin hard bout going back and crushing dozens of mallards and black ducks stacked up in beaver pond still open

Dooo it, Dooo it, Dooo it, Dooo it, Dooo it

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