A tale of the tail

I remember the first time I got busted. If memory serves me correctly, I was about 16 or 17 years old. I was minding my own business, my Bear Kodiak recurve bow in hand, having taken up a position in a ground blind in the hopes of outsmarting a wily whitetail. I had my license, a deer permit and written permission to be on the property. I'd walked into the area so there was no parking issue with where I'd left the old 68 Impala. I didn't leave a gate open and I couldn't have imagined that most folks even knew I was there. I was seated on a stump padded by one of those warming cushions once popular with hunters. My back was against a huge oak, tucked neatly behind a greenbrier screen. It wasn't our family's Lazy Boy, but it allowed me to keep an eye on what I imagined to be a good spot to see a deer. I was soon to discover that it was an even better site to see squirrels. Fox squirrels were rustling around the woodlot looking for fallen acorns, at first a nice distraction during those quiet morning hours. As more of their cohorts joined the search, the fragile crispness of the dry leaves caused them to sound like a heard of grazing elephants. They seemed to be developing some nefarious plan to surround me. One became particularly brave. It did its dig-scamper-rustle routine to within touching distance, circled around me then magically disappeared. Before long, I heard him startup again, right behind me – and it sounded like he brought along a couple more of his pals. Leaves would rustle then the squirrel would give it a rest as I imagined him chewing on a hickory nut or acorn. Rustle stop, rustle, stop rustle … getting ever closer. Now, I had nothing against squirrels gathering their dinner and winter stores, but this was getting a little annoying. It wouldn't be long before every animal within ten miles would be suspicious of what this squirrel was up to. I finally made the decision to tell it to go find another nut tree. I turned slowly and with a quiet "Hey, you!" I came face to a big, black, wet nose of a very large, matronly doe. Two things immediately occurred, she flipped her tail skyward and vanished in three bounds — and I set my school's high-jump record. In deer hunter's terms, she busted me. This was also the first deer I'd ever seen while bow hunting. I needed to learn more about whitetails and a whole lot more about deer and deer hunting. A few years ago, Ohio Division of Wildlife staff writer, Tony Bresnen, wrote about how deer communicate and react to their surroundings and shared the information in Wild Ohio Magazine. It's sort of a tale of the tail. Side to side (wagging): A side to side or wagging tail is a good sign meaning that they are likely at ease and unalarmed. Some deer wag more than others, often to chase flies just as a horse does with its tail. Time to get in position with slow movements. Tail half-lifted: Usually the first sign that a deer senses danger. It may hold the tail straight out horizontally, drop it, and then raise it again. Sometimes the tail comes up slowly, as the deer applies all of its senses in the direction of the potential danger. Other body language, such as stiffened legs, might tell you that the deer senses something is wrong, though it can't quite figure out exactly what it is. This is the time to sit tight. Tail flat: A deer that holds its tail flat against its body is typically hiding and aware of a threat at close range. The tail remains flat or tucked against the deer's backside, and only the outer brown fur of the tail can be seen. This deer probably knows you are close by either sent, sight or has been alerted by other deer or animals. Tail flagging: A flagging deer holds its tail vertically, exposing the white fur of the tail and the backside. The tail may also be wagged from side to side while flagging. Tail flagging is commonly used when deer are fleeing an area, and helps other members of the herd locate each other. When running through deep thickets and brush, a doe's tail flagging helps the fawn stay close. They're out of here; better luck next time. I wish that there was a Wild Ohio magazine when I was a kid. I could have used Bresnen's insight on whitetails' tails. Unfortunately, my generation fell between the once very popular Ohio Conservation Bulletin and the newer and colorful Wild Ohio Magazine. Wild Ohio is an ad-free publication that provides readers an entertaining look into Ohio's wildlife opportunities, from bird and wildlife watching to hunting and fishing. Published by the Division of Wildlife, the magazine is delivered to your mailbox six times per year. If you'd like to subscribe to Wild Ohio Magazine and catch some of the many interesting articles and fantastic photos of Ohio's wildlife. There're three options to get signed up: 1) Go to any store selling hunting licenses and fishing licenses and sign-up to receive the magazine for only $5. 2) Sign up through the Wildlife Licensing System to purchase a subscription at www.wildohio.gov and hit the "Buy Hunting or Fishing License" tab. Cost is still just $5. 3) Send in the mail-in form. For all options, perhaps the easiest access to Wild Ohio is through ODNR's website, by clicking the "Buy & Apply" tab at the top of the screen. Visit: https://ohiodnr.gov. You can also call 1-800-WILDLIFE. The cost of mail-in memberships is $10. "I don't have to take a trip around the world or be on a yacht in the Mediterranean to have happiness. I can find it in the little things, like looking out into my backyard and seeing deer in the fields." — Queen Latifah Along the way Like seagulls flocking into the Port Clinton McDonalds' parking lot, folks will be jamming into stores on Black Friday, hoping to get the best deal on something they think they might need. I'm not likely to be one of them, preferring to wait till the last yuletide moments to make that frantic search. If you're like me — or you've been left to fend for yourself as family members jump into the crowds — consider the advice from the Division of Wildlife. They suggest that you avoid the mad-dash of Black Friday shopping and "Opt-Outside," instead. Of course, you should have a plan and you can count of the division to offer some options. · Try your hand at saugeye fishing! Naturally reproducing populations of sauger are most abundant in the Ohio River, but they also occur in Lake Erie drainages. Sauger is considered one of the most popular sportfish in the Ohio River and represent a large portion of the fish caught by anglers at lock and dam "tailwaters." From mid-September through November, these fish can be moving into shallow water at sunset and sunrise. Try rip-rap areas and large points with a gravel silt make-up. Rat-L-Trap style lures, diving crankbaits and jigs with minnows seem to be the most productive baits. Of course, there are plenty of other fishing opportunities besides saugeye. Visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/fishing-resources/fishing-tips. · With deer gun season around the corner, it's time to get guns properly sighted. Not a hunter or already bagged your limits? It's still fun to practice your archery or firearm skills. ODNR provides public shooting ranges so Ohio's sportsmen and sportswomen have safe places to practice. Visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/shooting-ranges-permits. · Visit Magee Marsh for a stroll along the boardwalk. Stop by the newly renovated visitor center and check out the history of birding along Lake Erie and one of the most important inn-coastal areas in the world. The entrance road at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area will be closed past the visitor center from 11/14/24 to 11/17/24 and 11/27/24 to 12/7/24 to allow for controlled deer hunting opportunities. During this time access to the beach and boardwalk area will be restricted. Visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/magee-marsh-wildlife-area. Step outside • Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, an avid hunter since the age of 14, recently harvested a nine-point buck with a TenPoint crossbow made right here in Ohio. "Hunting in Ohio is the best! I enjoy the peace of sitting in the tree stand, surrounded by nature and the vibrant colors of fall," said Lt. Governor Husted. "Then, there's the excitement that kicks in when you catch sight of a deer moving in the distance, hoping it comes your way and that it's the big buck you've been waiting for. Each hunt and harvest brings a new experience and story, keeping you coming back for more." While this is his first deer of the year and it's planned for the family's freezer, he hopes to have time to bag another to share. Lt. Governor Husted asks hunters to consider donating venison to a certified deer processing shop in Ohio. Through Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, www.feedingthehungry.org, each donated deer is provided to a verified charitable organization that offers food assistance. A shared deer yields about 50 pounds of venison and 200 meals to those in need. • Tomorrow: Turkey shoot. Includes 10-bird shoots, still shoots, protections, and Annie Oakley's. Shooting begins at noon. Mount Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Delaware Township 186. Public welcome. Questions: Bob Yoder, 419-273-5057. • Nov. 17: 75-Bird Trap Shoot, practice opens 11:30 a.m., program begins 12:30 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. Public welcome. Contact: Sandy Thomas, sandthm@aol.com. Jim Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via e-mail at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com.