Why are single specimens of the predominately herding species of deer so dopey when they are out by themselves and you catch up with them?

Its almost as if they are over whelmed at times by the lack of company.

I have never heard or read a satisfactory explanation to this phenomena. Has anyone got any ideas as to why it might be?

Having had the opportunity to discuss this subject in the bar after a recent DMG committee meeting, the consensus of opinion was a 2 stringed affair.

1. In late winter, early spring the lone deer are often youngsters, last years calves or yearlings. On their own having been orphaned or spilt for the group for a number of reasons. They are therefore not always the brightest of creatures, having relied heavily on the group in similar situations in regards any decision making processes.
2. At other times the lone deer are into unfamiliar territory, without the support structure of the group around them and they are at times at a point of information overload. Having to work overtime in the sensory dept. So when encountered their natural flight mechanism triggered by the group mass awareness and heightened stress levels doesn't kick in as quickly, if at all.

Anyone else have any have any thoughts on the subject? Anyone an animal behaviourist, who can add some informed input?

I often find young bucks/prickets are fairly daft and wander about with a slightly unsure air about them, however the does I find far more wary. I'm not sure if because does are generally alert by nature to protect their young that they carry this on down the line when alone.

Small parties of Fallow I find to be especially wary, say upto a dozen animals. However when I encounter large herds of in excess of twenty animals and especially the bigger herds of 50+ then they tend to be fairly easy to stalk if you can stay low to the ground. I also find the herd is more likely to hang about after the shot and come back to the first fallen beast allowing multiple shots.

Having spoken to others about this there seem to be as many opinions as there are stalkers but I think local pressures also play a big part in the way the deer behave.

Rgds,
FB

I'm not sure I completely agree with you in regards the wariness of does. Only this morning I played "look at me I'm a tree" with a solitary doe for over 15 minutes. Before she eventually turned to go, having decided that I wasn't actually a tree. Allowing for a shot to be placed in the back of her head at 80m.

quote:

I think local pressures also play a big part in the way the deer behave.

Very true. But the question is "Why are single specimens of the predominately herding species of deer so dopey when they are out by themselves and you catch up with them?" Or to be more specific. Why does their behaviour often change when they are isolated from the group or herd?