696 - Why Deer Stop Moving When You Start Hunting with Dr. Stephen Ditchkoff

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 Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP Grab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aK Join Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aR Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYO Use code “SOUTHERN25” for a discount on Houndstooth Game Calls: https://2ly.link/24tFz Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all vortex apparel, including eyewear Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI Have you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story Here Come chat with us on our Thursday Hunter Hangouts! Join our patreon - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXU NOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices