2015 DEER HUNT REPORT
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The 2015 deer season proved to be one of the more challenging years we've experienced.
We hosted two hunters during our early Ontario archery deer season. Although they saw deer throughout their three-day hunt, the unusually warm weather made movement very limited, and unfortunately they weren't able to harvest a deer.
During the rifle season, we welcomed back the same great group of 13 hunters who had been joining us for the past five years. They've experienced both the highs and the lows of deer hunting, and 2015 definitely fell into the latter category.
Six hunters came during the first week of the rifle season, while seven hunted during the second week. Four of the hunters also arrived a few days early to take advantage of the archery season before the rifle opener. Their extra time in the woods paid off with one deer harvested on the second day of archery hunting.
Unfortunately, the rifle season was much slower. No deer were harvested during the first week, and only one deer was taken during the second week. Both groups had opportunities, but this was simply one of those years where things just didn't come together.
The biggest factor was the weather. The first week of the rifle season was unbelievably warm, and the deer simply weren't moving during daylight hours. The second week wasn't much better, with frequent rain making hunting conditions difficult. It was a complete turnaround from the excellent conditions we experienced the year before.
One positive was the late archery season. Because the warm weather continued, deer remained on their normal feeding patterns much longer than usual, giving hunters additional opportunities well into the late season. Our neighbour saw deer almost every afternoon during the few hours he hunted and was able to harvest a nice buck. His cousin also had a great opportunity, but after getting within about 30 yards, his buck spotted him and slipped away before he could get a shot.
Not every hunting season is measured by the number of deer harvested. Some years Mother Nature simply has other plans. While 2015 wasn't our most productive season, it reminded us that deer hunting is never guaranteed, and that's part of what makes every successful harvest so rewarding.
Thanks for taking the time to read our 2015 Deer Hunt Summary, and we look forward to another season in the woods.
Thanks,
Nick