Whitetails in June at RBR

In June, white-tailed deer at Record Breaking Ranch in Fulton, Missouri are experiencing a relatively calm period following the spring fawning season. Here’s what you can expect in terms of their behavior, habitat use, and management considerations during this time:

Behavior and Habitat

1. Fawning Season: June is a crucial time for does and their fawns. Most fawns are born in late May or early June. During this period, does are highly protective of their fawns and often keep them hidden in tall grasses or dense cover to protect them from predators.
   • Fawn Activity: Newborn fawns spend much of their time lying still and hidden while their mothers forage nearby. They begin to move around more and follow their mothers as they grow stronger.
2. Foraging and Nutrition: With the abundance of green vegetation, white-tailed deer have access to ample food sources. They primarily feed on a variety of plants, including:
   • Forbs: Broad-leaved herbaceous plants, which are plentiful in the spring and early summer at Record Breaking Ranch.
   • Grasses: Young, tender grasses are a preferred food source. Top Bow Blind, Top of the World, Top and others offer good grassy cover in the Spring.
   • Shrubs and Trees: Leaves, twigs, and new growth on shrubs and trees also provide important nutrients. Turkey Ridge, where the Giants take shelter, has an abundance of trees and shrubs
3. Water Sources: Deer require reliable water sources, especially as temperatures rise. They often visit streams, ponds, and other water bodies regularly.

Habitat Use

1. Cover: Deer utilize areas with dense vegetation for bedding and hiding fawns. This includes thick underbrush, tall grass fields, and forested areas with ample ground cover.
2. Edge Habitats: Areas where forests meet fields, known as edge habitats, are particularly important. These zones provide a mix of food and cover.

Management Considerations

1. Habitat Management: June is a good time for landowners and managers to focus on habitat improvement projects. This can include planting food plots, managing forest edges, and ensuring the availability of water sources.
   • Food Plots: Establishing or maintaining food plots with high-nutrition plants can help support deer health and antler growth in bucks. Big Bottom is lined with corn rows and First Rocky is surrounded by multiple food plots.
   • Water Sources: Creating or maintaining water sources can help sustain the deer population through the summer months. West Field is loaded with food plots and a beautiful spring creek runs alongside of it. Gray Ghost has lots of watering holes and deer com from all directions.
2. Trail Cameras: Setting up trail cameras can help monitor deer activity and patterns. This is useful for planning future hunting strategies and understanding the local deer population dynamics.
3. Predator Control: June is a critical time to manage predators that may prey on fawns. Coyotes, bobcats, and other predators can significantly impact fawn survival rates.

Observational Opportunities

1. Wildlife Watching: June offers excellent opportunities for observing deer behavior, especially does with their fawns. Early morning and late evening are the best times for sightings. We are seeing some giant deer this spring at Record Breaking Ranch… setting up a very exciting hunting season.
2. Photography: The lush green landscapes and the presence of fawns provide great opportunities for wildlife photography and incredible trail cam shots.

In summary, June is a vital period for white-tailed deer here at Record Breaking Ranch in Fulton, Missouri, characterized by fawn rearing and abundant food resources. Eric is hard at management during this time so we can support deer health and improve future hunting prospects. Observing deer behavior during this period and constantly maintaining our beautiful natural habitat has only enhanced the ecosystem and improved overall deer population and here at Record Breaking Ranch.