Velvet Shed to Early Season Archery Hunting in Ohio

From the Velvet Shed to Early Archery: The Mysterious Behavior of Mature Ohio Deer

It’s late summer; we are now counting the days rather than weeks before the anticipated opener for archery deer season.  As a hunting outfitter in Ohio, we get excited for this time of year. We have been watching these mature bucks all summer long develop into the trophy bucks we see today now in late August. Our hunters anticipate the hunt as much as we do, and the big bucks continue to hit our bait sites regularly. While many of these Ohio bucks continue to hit the corn piles in daylight, others, sometimes the most mature bucks, can sometimes take a vacation from the trail cameras.  While they seem to vanish, we know these deer weren’t beamed to the moon.  There are many reasons why these deer change what they are doing, at least temporarily. 

Although many factors play a role, including food source changes or environmental changes (i.e., ten days of 90-degree weather), one of these reasons for a change in behaviors is the fact that these deer shed their velvet just before the season opens here in Ohio. It may be that the specific giant you were excited to hunt may not be daylighting once that velvet sheds. For some specific bucks, the best approach is to pursue them closer to pre-rut or rut when they seem to re-emerge or become more active during daylight hours.

Understanding the behavior of mature deer and what they are doing on specific farms can be crucial for success. This article delves into the fascinating world of mature deer behavior in the Buckeye State, focusing on the period when they shed their velvet, their sometimes sudden disappearance from bait sites and trail cameras, and their eventual reemergence during different phases of the hunting season. We'll explore the factors that influence these behaviors and provide insights into when and why some bucks become more killable here in Ohio.

Velvet Shedding: A Critical Phase

The Velvet Stage

Velvet is the soft, fuzzy tissue that covers a deer's antlers during their growth phase. This tissue is rich in blood vessels and nerves, providing the necessary nutrients for antler development. Bucks typically begin growing their antlers in late spring, with the velvet stage lasting throughout the summer. This is that wonderful time when we get to see bucks grow and develop into the bucks we love. We get to see those up-and-comers or the mature bucks that survived last year get larger and even more massive in most cases. Some bucks may get names like “the Big Ten”, “Long Brows”, or “Lucky”. It is sometimes our way of identifying what deer we see or talk about.  It’s truly an exciting time in Ohio, for sure! 

The Shedding Process

As autumn approaches, anywhere from late August to mid-September, mature bucks in Ohio begin shedding their velvet. This process is triggered by changing daylight hours and an increase in testosterone levels. The shedding can be a rapid process, often completed within 24 to 48 hours.

During this time, bucks may exhibit unusual behavior:

• Increased rubbing on trees and shrubs
• Heightened aggression towards other bucks
• Reduced feeding activity
• Seeking isolation in thick cover

The Impact on Deer Behavior

The velvet shedding period marks a significant shift in deer behavior. Mature bucks, in particular, may become more reclusive and change their movement patterns. This change can be attributed to several factors:

• Discomfort: The shedding process can be uncomfortable, causing bucks to seek secluded areas.
• Vulnerability: Bucks may feel more vulnerable and opt for safer, denser habitats.
• Hormonal changes: The surge in testosterone alters their behavior and priorities.

The Disappearing Act: Why Some Mature Deer Seem to Vanish

One of the most perplexing phenomena for Ohio hunters is the sudden disappearance of a certain mature buck from their bait site or trail camera. Deer that were regularly hitting that bait pile for months prior. We see it every year. We have certain deer we are almost ready to put a tag on. We can’t wait for the season to come here in Ohio so our hunter can do just that. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out for a specific deer we are trying to target in that early archery season. In some cases, these bucks tend to be more killable in the pre-rut or rut portions of the season because of their vulnerability during the breeding season. A hot doe might be the only thing to get that particular giant on his feet.

While some bucks trophy bucks continue to be active and regularly hit the baits or make daylight appearances, others seem to “take a vacation” from the farm you are hunting, or they become more nocturnal, reducing their daytime appearances. Why does this happen? Has the #1 target buck stopped coming simply because he shed his velvet? The answer can be a complex one and not absolute for every case.

It’s Not Just About the Shed.

Although shedding of velvet can be a factor that signals some hormonal / behavior changes, there are other reasons why “The Big Ten” may not be hitting your spot right now or at least during the daylight. Several factors contribute to this behavior:

Shift in Food Preferences

As fall approaches, natural food sources like acorns become more abundant, which can reduce the appeal of bait sites for some deer. A corn pile is a great attractant here in Ohio, but a mass change in the agricultural fields, such as a bean field turning yellow or a corn field maturing on the property you are hunting or the neighboring properties, can make changes to those deer patterns—causing some deer to move to your area or move to other areas.

Changes in Home Range

As a buck's behavior changes, it may temporarily expand or shift his home range as he sets up dominance early and prepares for the upcoming rut.

The Role of Weather and Habitat

Like virtually everywhere you hunt whitetails, Ohio's diverse landscape and variable weather patterns play a significant role in deer behavior during this period. Factors that influence their disappearance include:

• Temperature Fluctuations / Extreme Weather: Hotter temperatures may drive deer to seek cooler, denser cover and limit movement in early seasons, affecting what you see on your hunt. Especially when food is abundant. Even heavy rain or severe weather can keep that #1 target buck from hitting your corn pile while you're here hunting here in Ohio
• Overall Season Patterns: Season-long adverse conditions such as drought can also affect food availability and change where specific bucks hang.

The Reemergence: Early Season Opportunities

Factors Influencing Early Season Returns

While many mature deer seem to vanish for a time, some will reemerge during the early hunting season in Ohio. Several factors can contribute to this behavior:

• Food source changes: As certain food sources become less desirable, deer may move in from other areas.
• Cooling temperatures: More comfortable conditions may encourage increased daytime activity.
• Bucks may get shy for a short time during the shedding process but return back to their daylight-feeding activities.

Conclusion: The Complex World of Mature Ohio Deer

Just as easily as a certain buck may vanish, other bucks may appear even during the early season. Many times, our hunters have harvested trophy bucks in the early season that we haven’t caught on camera in months or even all season! Regarding the target buck that you thought disappeared, remember that just because he isn't on camera doesn't mean he left the area. He may be focused on the lush greenery, acorns, or bean field nearby and be walking in and around your stand or blind--just not concerned with the bait for the time being. The important thing is always to be positive, focused, and ready. Don’t be discouraged because you never know what might show!

Again, behavior, environment, and food play a big role.  Each season brings new insights and different challenges to each farm we hunt, making the pursuit of these magnificent animals a lifelong passion of ours. Understanding the behavior of the deer here in Ohio, from velvet shedding to rolling into the early season, can be important to the success of our hunters. By recognizing behavior and making adaptation when necessary, we can help our hunters increase their chances of harvesting the trophy buck of their dreams. Every part of the Ohio deer season has its advantages and disadvantages, but early season can produce some giant bucks. Just be prepared and willing to put in the effort!