We have been enjoying some very clear nights with bright moonlight. I have been mooching the fields and hedgerows in an effort to study the nocturnal movements of my local Red deer.
It's a peaceful, therapeutic occupation; allows you to go places and cross boundaries you probably respect more by daylight!! Reassure myself there are not 30 deer feasting on "Cyrils'" swedes every night despite what he'd have me believe.
I understand that many Europeans shoot boar under the moon so mmust have a wealth of knowledge/observations of nocturnal activities.
Do deer and boar alter/change their routines with moonlight or do you think they are totally oblivious. Specifically deer that are leaving woodland cover at nightfall and returning at first light. Are they behaving differently like wildfowl whose movements often vary with a good moon.

Hey Trans,

Great thoughts there. I think you might have a point. Even though I haven't been on any "Nocturnal Wanderings" like yourself, I do think that high seat stuff is less productive during the full moon, as I think the deer can eat easily through the night so they are not in any hurry to come out at dusk. During the darkest nights I think that you are more likely to get deer out at dawn and dusk where they can feed comfortably and watch for any predators.

Speaking of moons, how are the woodcock doing down your way? I saw three in Preston last week and I'm expecting to put a couple up this weekend on our syndicate day which IanF assures me will be entirely safe.....

Rgds,
FB

Hi Guys

In my not so extensive experience I have come to the following conclusion. With my fallow they move just after full sunrise or just after sunset. However on a clear full moon thay become active 2 hours after sunriseand two hours before sunset. In fact I shot a nice pricket on Sunday at 3.45pm.

Mark

trans-pond,
in Romania is often done during the winter when the snow cover the ground. It is very selecting hunt on boars because it is easy to check the differences of the animals in front of the blind. Normally is a hunt done for big trophies.