Summer Scat

Discuss the science of figuring out our prey through good detective work.
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pewpewpew
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Summer Scat

Unread postby pewpewpew » Mon Aug 28, 2017 12:13 am

Anyone else have difficulty find poop in the summer? I suspect bugs or critters eat it off the ground, or it decomposes very quickly?


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Singing Bridge
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Re: Summer Scat

Unread postby Singing Bridge » Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:16 am

Great question that is seldom asked.
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Re: Summer Scat

Unread postby Singing Bridge » Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:18 am

pewpewpew wrote:Anyone else have difficulty find poop in the summer? I suspect bugs or critters eat it off the ground, or it decomposes very quickly?


The warmer the temperature outdoors, the faster the decomposition. Bacteria, insects and rainfall greatly speed up the break down of deer pellets during summertime.
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Re: Summer Scat

Unread postby pewpewpew » Mon Aug 28, 2017 3:22 am

I ask because I've scouted bedding areas that are absolutely littered with turds in the winter. I'm talking a log every 3 feet in a 30 yard radius. Someone suggested this could be deer "wintering" area? I'm wondering if the apparent surplus of poop in the winter is simply because it does not decompose. I haven't found a turd all summer long in my bedding areas, despite finding actively used beds.
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Re: Summer Scat

Unread postby stash59 » Mon Aug 28, 2017 3:46 am

Singing Bridge wrote:
pewpewpew wrote:Anyone else have difficulty find poop in the summer? I suspect bugs or critters eat it off the ground, or it decomposes very quickly?


The warmer the temperature outdoors, the faster the decomposition. Bacteria, insects and rainfall greatly speed up the break down of deer pellets during summertime.


Just thinking what would be common sense. Because the deer are eating more lush foods. Less actual woody browse. Their stools are softer. Thus allowing what SB describes to happen easier/quicker.
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Re: Summer Scat

Unread postby IkemanTx » Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:36 am

I've found several fresh piles in the last couple scouting trips. Didn't even pay attention to the lack of older scat...
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