What really makes a buck disappear?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steve Ditchkoff from the Auburn University Deer Lab—one of the most respected whitetail researchers in the country—to unpack the real science behind deer movement, hunting pressure, and how deer learn to avoid us.
We cover decades of GPS-collar research and get into the nuts and bolts of what’s really happening in the woods when the deer hunker down. Whether you hunt every weekend or just once a season, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about deer behavior.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How deer pattern hunters—and not the other way around
• Why mature bucks vanish after just one encounter
• The surprising role hunting pressure plays in movement
• When deer are most likely to move during daylight
• The truth about culling bucks and its long-term impact
• Why deer avoid heavily hunted areas—even when hunters aren’t present
• How Dr. Ditchkoff’s research has changed the way he hunts
This isn’t just theory—it’s backed by over 20 years of real-world, scientific data from across the Southeast.
Recorded at Auburn University, this conversation blends research, experience, and practical advice for the everyday deer hunter.
Subscribe for more deer hunting science, strategy, and storytelling.
#deerhunting #whitetaildeer #huntingtips #deerbehavior #auburnuniversity #southernoutdoorsmen #huntingpressure #gpscollars #whitetailbiology #outdoorpodcast01:54 Dr. Doff's Background in Deer Research
03:25 Surprising Discoveries in Deer Behavior
04:24 The Individuality of Deer
05:41 Impact of Hunting Pressure on Deer
08:14 Personal Hunting Experiences and Strategies
09:57 Auburn's Renowned Deer Lab
11:05 Captive Deer Research Facility
12:34 Focus on Mate Selection and Movement Patterns
13:31 GPS Study and Home Range Excursions
18:03 Impact of Hunting Disturbance on Deer Movement
32:20 Weekend Hunting Patterns and Deer Behavior
37:29 Understanding Deer Home Ranges
38:35 Young Bucks and Excursions
40:16 Factors Influencing Home Range Size
41:16 Impact of Hunting Pressure on Deer Movement
42:39 Seasonal Home Range Shifts
43:52 Habitat Quality and Deer Behavior
44:05 Challenges in Measuring Deer Excursions
47:49 Creating Safe Havens for Deer
49:47 Deer Behavior in Hunting Clubs
51:25 The Mystery of Unseen Bucks
58:16 GPS Data and Deer Movement
01:04:27 Moon Phases and Deer Activity
01:07:54 The Complexity of Predicting Deer Movement
01:13:34 The Evolution of Hunting Preferences
01:14:29 The Debate on Culling Bucks
01:16:29 The Role of Mature Bucks in Herd Health
01:23:47 Nutritional Impact on Deer Development
01:30:03 Challenges in Deer Population Management
01:42:15 Research and Innovations in Deer Management
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