Effect of Drought on Deer Population Worrisome
When it comes to adverse weather, I can be a worrywart; just ask my wife. I get obsessed when unusual weather situations arrive. Too much rain; not enough rain; too cold; too icy; to stormy – these all give me concern as if I was able to do anything about changing the weather.
I don’t have to remind you that we are in the throes of an extended drought with no measurable rain for going on three months. September, October and most of August have been unusually dry and with temperatures often bumping the century mark, which only adds to the problem and another reason to worry.
Not only has my grass on the lawn completely disappeared, I’m looking at trees, especially those with shallow root systems, that appear to be dying, or at least losing their foliage much earlier than during normal years.
Although I am no longer able to deer hunt, I can’t help but be concerned about the effect of the drought on our deer population.
I visited with Luke Lewis, a friend who is a wildlife biologist, to get his take on the effect this drought may be having on our deer.
“I know we’re already seeing trees going into a dormant stage and dropping their leaves earlier than normal. I have also noted a reduction in the production of browse plants like honeysuckle, green briar and dew berries has been knocked back,” Lewis said. “I also know that deer are adaptable animals and will find something to eat that may not be as nutritious as green forage plants.”
I did a little digging on the Internet to see what I could find about how deer relate to drought and the possible effects it may have on them.
One such organization, the Noble Research Institute had some good information on the subject.
“The most negative impact drought has relates to subsequent lack of forage production. Forage production, particular during spring and summer are critical times for females that are producing and raising fawns. During such times, fawn survival and recruitment may be adversely impacted,” according to this web site. “In addition, a drought induced reduction is herbaceous growth will result in reduced herbaceous cover, who in turn, may lower fawn survival due to increased coyote predation of fawns.”
The site continued and added, “Deer have survived and flourished regardless of what Mother Nature throws at them – snow storms, ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. Deer have evolved and adapted to cope with these. Drought will probably not have a long-term effect on deer populations, but has the potential to have some short-term effects.”
I did an interview several years ago when our area experienced similar drought conditions. Johnathan Bordelon, Deer Study Leader with Wildlife and Fisheries, shed some encouraging light based on research he conducted.
“Our research,” said Bordelon, “ indicated that we didn’t see a drop in body weight or antler growth during periods of drought.”
As I stated earlier, deer are adaptable animals and no matter the condition they face, they’re going to adapt.
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Bass are schooling early mornings and late afternoons and hitting shad imitations and soft plastics. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and later using soft plastics and crank baits around deeper brush. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass are fair on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are overall slow but best on topwaters early. Some are beginning to chase shad and school on the surface. Crappie are in deep water in the channel and fair on jigs and shiners. The bream are slow. Catfish are fair on red wigglers and night crawlers fished just off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are suspended fairly deep. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters with some schooling. Bream reportedly are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow fall. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and noodles and buffalo caught in nets. No reports yet on crappie and bass. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.