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cover of episode Ep. 113: Hunting Idaho Whitetails

Ep. 113: Hunting Idaho Whitetails

2024/11/28
logo of podcast Cutting The Distance

Cutting The Distance
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Dirk Durham
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Dirk Durham: 我从12岁起就开始在爱达荷州狩猎白尾鹿，那时的狩猎方式与现在截然不同。过去，我们主要在茂密的森林中狩猎，鹿群数量众多，但也很难接近。13岁时，我放弃了在卡车里狩猎，转而选择徒步进入森林，这极大地提高了我的狩猎成功率。如今，爱达荷州的鹿群数量减少，这与多个因素有关，包括捕食者（狼和郊狼）的增加、疾病（蓝舌病和出血性疾病）的爆发以及干旱。此外，我认为大规模的森林砍伐破坏了鹿的隐蔽场所，加上大量的狩猎许可证，对鹿群造成了严重影响。尽管如此，我还是对爱达荷州的鹿群抱有希望，因为一些早期的砍伐区域正在重新生长植被，为鹿群提供新的栖息地。一个成功的狩猎体验，对我来说，意味着看到各种年龄段的鹿群，拥有一个平衡的鹿群，并且有机会捕获成熟的雄鹿。在爱达荷州狩猎山地白尾鹿，建议结合多种狩猎方式，例如树上狩猎、地面狩猎和潜行狩猎，并根据鹿的活动规律选择合适的狩猎地点。我个人更喜欢地面狩猎，喜欢观察鹿的踪迹、鹿路、擦痕和刮痕来寻找它们。我还喜欢在鹿群觅食和隐蔽区域之间穿梭，寻找合适的射击位置。在茂密的森林中潜行狩猎也是一种有效的方法，需要缓慢移动，尽量不发出声音，让鹿难以察觉。此外，利用鹿叫声或碰撞鹿角来吸引鹿也是一种有效的狩猎技巧。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Dirk Durham stop hunting from a truck when he was 13?

He found that deer were always alert and running when spotted from a truck, making it nearly impossible to get a shot. He wanted to hunt on foot to increase his chances of success.

What are some of the factors contributing to the decline in Idaho's whitetail deer population?

Predators like wolves and coyotes, disease outbreaks such as EHD and blue tongue, habitat loss due to clear cuts, and an abundance of hunting tags are key factors.

How does Dirk Durham prefer to hunt mountain whitetails in Idaho?

He prefers a mobile approach, covering a lot of ground on foot or by vehicle, looking for tracks, trails, rubs, and scrapes. He also enjoys still hunting in big timber and calling in deer from thick cover.

What does Dirk think about the impact of clear cuts on deer habitat?

He supports logging but believes the massive clear cuts have removed security cover for deer, making them more vulnerable. However, he notes that some clear cuts are starting to grow up, offering new hiding spots for deer.

What advice does Dirk give to someone planning an Idaho whitetail hunt with a bow?

He suggests setting up a tree stand or ground blind, as archery spot and stalk can be challenging due to the thick cover and high hunter density during rifle season.

What does Dirk enjoy most about hunting in the snow?

He appreciates the quietness of the deer woods during snowfall, with no birds chirping or bugs buzzing, creating a serene and immersive experience.

What does Dirk think is the ideal deer hunting experience for kids?

He believes it's important to show kids a lot of deer to keep them engaged, including does, fawns, young bucks, and mature bucks, to create a fun and memorable experience.

Chapters
Dirk Durham reflects on his whitetail hunting experiences in Idaho, comparing his past hunts as a child to the current state of hunting. He discusses the impact of predators, disease, habitat loss, and increased hunting pressure on the deer population.
  • Shift from big timber hunting to clear-cut areas
  • Impact of predators (wolves, coyotes) on deer population
  • Disease outbreaks (EHD, blue tongue) affecting deer herds
  • Habitat loss due to clear-cut logging
  • Increased hunting pressure due to more tags and population growth in Idaho

Shownotes Transcript

Dirk takes you on a walk down "memory lane" this week as he shares his journey of whitetail deer hunting in his home state of Idaho. Not hunting from a tree is the go-to tactic for Dirk and many other hunters in that region. Listen in on his take of Idaho whitetail deer hunting.

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