- ash brock 09/10/2003, ID=2224

Ash: Although a lot of folks supply corn to deer, did you know that corn only provides up to 9% protein (generally lower)? The minimum daily protein requirement for deer is 11%. Can deer actually eat themselves to death eating corn? Well, technically yes, but this is very rare. You should know that corn provides needed carbohydrates, but protein is the real key to quality antler and body mass. That's why I'm not a real fan of feeding corn. Protein pellets are more expensive, but you'll get more bang out of your buck. As I'm sure you know, many folks simply combine corn and protein pellets.

You should also take note of the afloxin measurements of the feed corn you supply to your deer. Too much afloxin in your feed can be very dangerous! If I recall, Texas State law requires all corn providers to list the amount of afloxins.

Gig'em AGGIES!

C.J. Winand ('85)

- Kreh Germaine 09/10/2003, ID=2223

Kreh: Like yourself, I've heard that both mulies and whitetails will respond to rattling and grunting. As to if grunt calls are the same or different between the species, I do not know? But after a hunt in South Dakota for both species, I was also wondering about your question. I conducted a literature search and came up empty, so I asked my guide. He said, "If there's a difference, I can't tell. But at times, a regular grunt call will work wonders on both!"

Your urine question also stumped me (sorry). Although, common sense would indicate that since both species interbreed, urine most likely plays an important part in the courtship behavior of both. FYI: Data has indicated that in some areas, 10% of the population of whitetails and mulies have interbred.

C.J. Winand

- Russell Anderson 09/09/2003, ID=2222

Russell: Yes, this is unusual. But, I've also seen what you are describing while I lived in Texas. Although I know of no real percentage of occurrence, you will find that it's more common to see adult deer with one or two rows of white spots running down their backbone. The cause of a black stripe or white spots on deer boils down to genetics. And that just means, we really do not know why this occurs . . . but it does!

C.J. Winand

- Ron Nicholson 09/08/2003, ID=2214

Ron: Good question! Current data shows us that NO deer have been documented to have contracted West Nile Virus (WNV). What affect will WNV have on our deer herds? Most likely, very, very little.

In 1999, (WNV) was found for the first time in the United States. Since that time, numerous species of animals have tested positive for the virus. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people.

If you have questions about the WNV vaccine, you or your veterinarian can contact the Fort Dodge Animal Health Customer Service number 1-800-685-5656.

Clinical signs most commonly reported in horses ill from WNV infection included: -weakness, especially in the hind end -stumbling, incoordination -down, difficulty rising without assistance -hypersensitivity around the head -muscle and muzzle twitching -mild fever -lethargy

C.J. Winand

- Ron 06/23/2003, ID=2176

Ron: I'd suggest checking out Mossy Oak's web site at www.mossyoakbiologic.com

For more information on retail sales and/or orders, there number is (888) 667-7962.

C.J. Winand

Be sure to visit C.J. Winand's Website - CJ is a wildlife biologist and an outdoor writer for Bowhunter and North American Hunter magazines. In addition to his writing, CJ is highly sought as a speaker on deer management topics and has worked on a Masters of Science degree in Wildlife Management at West Virginia University under Dr. David Samuel. CJ manages and guides on several quality deer management programs around the country.